Question

Pretend you are a wealthy Russian living before the revolution. Write a four- to five-sentence journal entry about your life.

Answer 1

Sample response:  As a member of the Russian nobility, I have access to many different kinds of food and other goods. I am also very rich and live a life of power and privilege. My family owns large areas of farmland that are tended by peasants. I am very happy with my current situation, and I hope things never change.

Answer 2

Currently, I am staying at my home in St. Petersburg where I am visiting with friends over the summer. The weather has been warm, but with long day cruises on the Baltic Sea, I could not be happier with my current residence. The food has been luxurious, too much caviar and champagne have been consumed for one's own good but a life of excess and leisure is expected of someone in my station. I hope to arrange a visit with new friends this next week, they have promised to bring a famous man, Rasputin he is rumored to be the best holy man in the entire city and have the favor of the Czarina herself.