Between Shades of Gray

 

 

 

 

          Life throws you many challenges, this makes you fight even harder. In the book" Between Shades of Gray" the characters go through hard times, but they help each other throughout the journey. " In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." This quote is very impactful, because the setting took place in winter this symbolizes hope.

 

         This quote shows how hopeful the characters were that they would survive the Russians. For example, the book states "It couldn't end like this. It couldn't. What was life asking of me? How could I respond when I didn't know the question? I love you, I whispered to Jonas." This shows what Lina and the other characters have gone through and what they are willing to do to survive.

 

          Another reason why the quote symbolizes hope, is because in the end of the book almost all the characters were freezing to death. For example the book states " we have to help one another! I told him. But how could, I expect him of all people to understand? You need to stay here. Jonas is not well." This quote shows that the people all care about one another's well being, and they are willing to risk their life to help others.  

 

          In conclusion, the quote " In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer," symbolizes the hope the characters had, that they would survive the Russians. There hope is impactful and inspiring.  

 

        

 

 

   

          Tests are important but they shouldn't change or determine your success. In the article “ Chinese cram schools” the Gaokao test can determine the rest of the students lives. This is very different from the American standardized tests. The test such as SAT and ACT put stress on students but not as much as the Gaokao.

          The article, “Chinese cram schools”, states that the Gaokao test can determine the rest of the students lives. This is different from the American standardized tests,  as the SAT and ACT aren't as important in determining the students lives as the Gaokao. For example , in the article,  it states "failing the Gaokao likely means that you will end up working in a factory or in a construction job." However,  if you fail the American standardized tests you aren't bound to one job. 

          The article,” Chinese cram schools” states that the Gaokao test is so important to schools, students and teachers that they eliminate anything that is a distraction. For example, it states "cell phones and laptops are forbidden. The dorms, where about half the students live , have no electrical outlets and  dating  is banned. In town, where the rest of the students live, mostly with their mothers in tiny partitioned rooms, the local government has shut down all forms of entertainment." This  shows that the government, town and many parents all know how important and stressful the Gaokao is. This is different than the American standardized tests because the government, schools and towns don't all participate in making kids study.  

          In conclusion,  the Gaokao tests do put extended stress on high school students. However, this is different than the American Standardized tests because, even though they are stressful they don't determine your future.