Hello Luis,
I have an essay question. Can you help me? I have to write about someone I admire and respect. What do you think it means to be ‘extraordinary’? What is a ‘great’ person?
Thanks,
Anna
Luis Castillo
Hi Anna,
This is a very simple question to answer. A great person is remembered by history. It can be a leader, like the president of a country, for example. He (and, unfortunately, it almost always is a ‘he’) is intelligent and confident. He has a dream, he knows what he wants to achieve, and nothing will stop him.
I hope that helps,
Luis
Anna Mysak
I’m sorry, but I don’t agree that a great person is always a man! I am also not sure that a great person is always a leader. Yes, a great person can be talented and intelligent, but he or she should also be able to understand other people’s feelings. They should be kind, friendly and honest. I’m afraid that a lot of leaders are probably selfish people. Also, I don’t believe that all ‘great’ people are remembered by history. I am sure that there are many people (for example teachers or nurses, or people who work for charity) who never become famous. These people, who try to help others, are the really great ones.
Luis Castillo
I think you make an interesting point. I agree that teachers and nurses do a good job, and I also agree that they are kind and talented. However, can we really say that they are ‘great’? They are only doing their job. I am talking about people who do something extraordinary, and are well-known to millions of people. In my opinion, you should write about a leader, a sports star, an actor, or someone who is famous all over the world.
Anna Mysak
I have decided who I will write about. I am going to write about my mother. It is true that she will never be famous, and she will never inspire millions of people. However, she inspires me! It was never her ‘job’ to look after me, but my mother was always reliable and patient, and I learnt a lot from her. That’s why I admire her. I think that if there is only one person in the world who thinks you’re great, then you are great!
Thanks for your help!
Luis Castillo
You’re welcome! Can I read your essay when you finish? I might think differently about what it means to be ‘great’!