QUESTION 1: WE MUST HAVE COURAGE TO ACHIEVE OUR GOALS IN LIFE.

WITH CLOSE REFERENCE TO THE

TEXT, HOW FAR IS THIS TRUE OF THE NOVEL YOU HAVE READ?

Based on the novel Captain Nobody written by Dean Pitchford that I have studied, the story is about a
kid named Newton Newman who is going through many difficulties and challenges in order to be accepted in
the society. In the novel, Newton Newmans wants to be known by people. Throughout his journey to
transform from the unknown, he showcases his courage in a variety of situations.

Firstly, Newt climbs the dumpster to get the drum for his best friend, Cecil. At first, Newt suggests
Cecil to be the one who should climb the dumpster but after Cecil makes it clear that the job is meant for the
fearless Captain Nobody, Newt changes his mind. Even though he has fear of heights, he courageously
overcomes his fear to fulfill his best friends dream. Although in the beginning he hesitates when he sees how
high he is, he still pushes himself nonetheless for the sake of his friends dream. At the end of day, Newt
succeeds in getting the big bass drum for Cecil. Although Newt was still unknown during this time, but this is
the event that first sparked his courage. In my opinion, no matter what kind of challenges may come, we must
face it with courage. If I were him, I will definitely do the same just to overcome my fear in order to help
people. [P: Personalise J: Justify]

Next, Newt showcases his courage by saving Ferocious the Ferret when it accidentally escapes from
its cage. Ferocious runs wildly, so Newt and his friends are chasing after it. They chase after Ferocious until
they reach the highway. Ferocious bolts into the middle of the highway and stops. Nobody is brave enough to
go after it anymore. With full courage, Newt steps up to the challenge and dashes towards Ferocious to stop
the traffic just to save Ferocious, despite risking his own life. Drivers are furious due to the stoppage caused by
Newt. Suddenly, an airplane lands on the highway due to an emergency. This causes Newts brave actions to
hit the headlines, although people still did not know who he was. In my opinion, if we are really determined to
do something, we will have the courage to help us in achieving our goals. In this case, his goal is to spend a
night with Ferocious, the team mascot. Newt has to ensure that nothing bad happens to the ferret. It is clear
how his courage in enduring all the challenges to keep the ferret safe has helped him to achieve his goal. [P:
Personalise J: Justify]

Lastly, Newton Newman climbs up the Appleton Water Tower to save Reggie Ratner. Actually, Reggie
Ratner climbs the water tower to spray paint on the water tank but people assume that he wants to commit
suicide because he has grown increasingly depressed as people are blaming him for the Big Tackle incident.
Newt is afraid of heights but as Captain Nobody, he climbs the rickety ladder courageously. When he looks at it
fluttering down, he is terrified and wants to climb down. But thinking of Reggie Ratner alone and desperate, he
climbs to the top of the tower to help him. When he reaches the top, he manages to slither his way to reach
Reggie Ratner despite the other challenges that he has to face. In the end, Newts dream of being somebody
known is finally fulfilled when his brave action is once again showcased in the news, this time, everyone knows
his name. In my opinion, for a tenyear-old, his decision to climb the Appleton Water Tower, the tallest
structure in town to save Reggie Ratner is very bold and extraordinary. This event explains the importance of
courage and bravery in achieving our goals in life. [O: Opinion J: Justify]

In a nutshell, it is undeniable that we need courage to achieve our goals in life. I have learned that it
is important to be courageous to reach our dreams. In addition, we can use our courage to help others who
are in need, just like what Newton Newman did. He inspires me to be a better person in life and more helpful
to others.