Chase’s English Blog

 When preparing for major exams, I find that practice tests work best for me. They help me get familiar with the types of questions I might see and show me which areas I need to focus on. I also use flashcards for subjects that require memorization, like history or vocabulary. Reviewing them daily helps the information stick. Sometimes, I study with a friend so we can quiz each other and explain concepts out loud. This makes studying more interactive and less boring. Staying organized with a study schedule also keeps me from cramming at the last minute.

 The hardest part of writing an informational essay for me is organizing my ideas. I often have a lot of information, but figuring out the best way to structure it can be challenging. Sometimes, I jump from one idea to another without clear transitions, making my writing confusing. To overcome this, I can start by creating an outline before I begin writing. This will help me arrange my points in a logical order and ensure that each paragraph flows smoothly. I can also use transition words to connect my ideas and make my essay easier to follow. With practice, I hope organizing my essays will become easier over time.

  Near-death experiences (NDEs) are fascinating because they make me wonder if there’s something beyond this life. Some people describe bright lights, feelings of peace, or even seeing loved ones who have passed away, which sounds spiritual. Scientists, though, say these experiences might just be the brain reacting to trauma, like a flood of chemicals creating hallucinations. I think there could be truth in both views—maybe NDEs are our minds trying to make sense of something we don’t fully understand. If they are real, they could mean there’s an afterlife, which is both comforting and a little scary. Either way, NDEs remind me how mysterious life and death really are.

 Mastering precise vocabulary helps me express my thoughts clearly and confidently in both school and everyday conversations. It allows me to explain my ideas better in essays, making my writing stronger and more persuasive. In class discussions, using the right words helps me participate more effectively and sound more knowledgeable. Good vocabulary also makes it easier to understand complex texts and instructions, which improves my grades. Outside of school, it helps me communicate more professionally, whether I’m talking to teachers, coaches, or even at a job interview. Overall, knowing the right words gives me an advantage in both academics and life.

 When I become an adult, I think I would prefer suburban life. I like the idea of having more space, like a bigger yard and a quieter environment, which I think would be better for relaxation after a long day. In the suburbs, there seems to be a stronger sense of community, where neighbors know each other, and there are family-friendly activities nearby. Also, while cities have a lot to offer, I don't like the idea of dealing with traffic and the constant noise. I imagine it might be harder to have peace and quiet in a city. The suburbs seem like a good balance between convenience and a more laid-back lifestyle.

 As a 16-year-old, I’m already thinking about how to avoid student loan debt in the future. I plan to start saving early, so I have money set aside for college and don’t rely too much on loans. I’m also considering applying for scholarships and looking into schools that offer good financial aid packages. To keep costs down, I might attend a community college for the first two years and then transfer to a university. I want to be realistic about my career goals and find a college that gives me good value for my degree. Ultimately, my goal is to make sure my education doesn’t come with a burden of debt that I can’t pay off after graduation.

 The word obdurate resonates with me because it reminds me of my own stubborn determination. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been firm in my decisions, whether it was refusing to quit a tough soccer practice or standing my ground in an argument. I remember one time in middle school when I insisted on finishing a book in one night, even though everyone told me to go to sleep—I was too determined to stop. While some might see being obdurate as a flaw, I believe it can also be a strength when used wisely. It has helped me push through challenges, especially in sports and school. In the end, being obdurate means staying true to what matters most to you.

 When I shop, I don’t always check where products come from, but I do think about it sometimes, especially when I’m looking for something specific or if it’s an item I know is important to support U.S. businesses. I’d be willing to pay more for something made in the U.S. if the quality is better or if I know it supports local jobs and industries. However, if the price difference is too big, I might hesitate, especially if I can’t afford it or if I’m not sure the quality justifies the extra cost. It’s definitely a balance between supporting the economy and sticking to my budget.

One time, I failed to make the varsity soccer team, which was a huge disappointment for me. I had worked hard all season, but when the results came out, my name wasn’t on the list. At first, I felt like I wasn’t good enough, but looking back, that failure taught me so much. I realized I needed to improve my fitness and technical skills, so I spent the off-season training harder than ever. By the time the next tryouts came around, I was a better player and earned my spot on the team. That experience helped me grow not only as a soccer player but also in how I handle challenges in life.

 One player who inspires me is Cristiano Ronaldo because he worked extremely hard to become one of the best soccer players in the world. He came from a poor background, but he never let that stop him from chasing his dream. One lesson I can learn from his journey is that dedication and discipline are just as important as talent. He constantly trains, eats right, and pushes himself to improve every day. Another lesson is to never give up, even when facing challenges or criticism. If I stay focused, work hard, and believe in myself, I know I can achieve my dream of becoming a pro soccer player too.

 One word I’ve learned recently is “incessant.” It means something that doesn’t stop or keeps happening without interruption. I came across it while reading a book for school where the author described a constant, never-ending rain. Understanding this word helps me communicate more clearly because I can now describe things that keep happening or seem non-stop without over-explaining. It’s a way to show the intensity or ongoing nature of something, like when I talk about how I feel about certain classes or activities. Instead of just saying “a lot,” I can use “incessant” to make it sound more intense. It makes my writing sound more mature and precise.

 I prefer Standard Time because it aligns more closely with the natural cycle of daylight and darkness. During Standard Time, the sun rises and sets at more predictable times, which helps regulate my sleep schedule. Daylight Savings Time can be disruptive, especially in the spring when the clocks are moved forward and it takes time to adjust. The shift in daylight hours also means less evening daylight in the fall and winter, which can make it feel like the day ends too early. Standard Time feels more natural and less stressful, allowing me to better align my activities with the environment around me. Overall, I appreciate the consistency and harmony that Standard Time brings.

 The most disgusting food I’ve ever had was canned sardines . I tried them at a family gathering because my uncle swore they were “amazing.” As soon as I opened the can, the smell hit me like a punch in the face. The texture was mushy, but somehow still had tiny, crunchy bones—totally nasty. I barely got one bite down before I had to chug a soda to wash the taste away. Safe to say, I’ll never eat those again!

 Right now, my favorite word is "crisp." It just sounds so clean and satisfying when you say it. I like it because it can describe so many things—like the weather, a fresh haircut, or even a well-cooked piece of bacon. I probably use it at least a few times a week, especially when talking about food or clothes. It’s also a cool way to say something is really good without overusing words like "nice" or "cool." Plus, it just feels crisp when you say it!