不少人以為英文成績不好的學生才需要補習，
其中一個自我提升的竅門是，考試時，得到一個寫作題目後，
前陣子一個學生給了我這個題目：“Pretend you live in a castle. Where is it, what does it look like, and who lives there?” 我知道大部分學生都會寫castle如何宏偉皇室生活如何愜意之
Pretend you live in a castle. Where is it, what does it look like, and who lives there?
ChatGPT’s version
Nestled in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, Silverwind Keep stands majestically on a mist-shrouded peak. Its towering spires reach towards the sky, while ancient stone walls, draped in ivy, whisper tales of bygone eras. Banners with a silver dragon entwined around a sapphire star flutter in the wind.
Inside, the Great Hall is the castle’s heart, with a vaulted ceiling, glimmering chandeliers, and long wooden tables set for feasts. Tapestries depicting heroic battles line the walls, and a roaring fireplace provides warmth and light.
The House of Silverwind has resided here for generations. My father, Lord Eamon, with his silver hair and piercing blue eyes, rules with wisdom and strength. My mother, Lady Isolde, known for her healing skills, brings peace to troubled souls. I, Seraphina, the eldest daughter and heir, patrol the grounds and study ancient texts. My younger brother, Caelan, a gifted musician, fills the halls with joy through his melodies.
Loyal retainers, including Sir Gareth, the captain of the guard, and Mistress Elowen, the head of the household, ensure the castle runs smoothly. The grounds are enchanting, with rare plants and an ancient oak offering a tranquil escape.
Silverwind Keep is more than a fortress; it is a home filled with love, duty, and the spirit of our ancestors. As the sun sets behind the mountains, casting a golden glow, I know there is no place I would rather be.
My version
The oubliette – French for “to forget” – is a word that could make even the bravest knight tremble.
Those who were sentenced to the oubliette invariably wished they had never been born. They would be locked up in a lightless cell so small that there wasn’t even room in which to sit up. Once inside, there was nothing to do but wait for death to come, either by thirst or hunger, or both. The enclosure always stank, its walls stained with the blood, pus, and sweat of long gone previous occupants. I had even seen fingernails embedded in the crevices of the inner wall – perhaps scratching relieved the condemned of some of the torment of being entombed alive.
As a prison guard at Warwick Castle, I was forced to hear the sobs, sniffles and shuffles the inmates made as they slowly expired. The worst part was when they were near the end – as the death rattle descended upon them, they heaved loudly and painfully.
Occasionally, some would beg me to run a sword through the grilles to finish them off in one blow, but most knew better than to ask. They were aware if I had helped hasten their demise, my master would have been mad at me and I, too, would have met their fate.
When my shift was over and I slept in the guard’s quarters in the castle, I could still hear the sobs, sniffles and shuffles in my head. The oubliette may have meant “to forget,” but it was anything but forgettable.
Watch this interview for more information on my approach to teaching English writing: https://youtu.be/
Michelle Ng
英國牛津大學畢業，前《蘋果日報》和《眾新聞》專欄作家，現在身在楓葉國，心繫中國大陸和香港。 聯絡方式： michelleng.coach@proton.me 個人網站： https://michellengwritings.com
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