Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación

Facultad de Historia, Geografía y Letras

Departamento de Inglés
Discurso Escrito de la Lengua Inglesa Pre-Intermedio
Profesores Christian Caro/Michelle Paulet

Short story

General description

A short story is a piece of prose fiction that typically can be read in one sitting and focuses on a
self-contained incident or series of linked incidents, with the intent of evoking a "single effect" or
mood, however, there are many exceptions to this. Usually, it is categorized as a prose
narrative shorter than a novel, dealing with a few characters and aiming at unity of effect and
often concentrating on the creation of mood rather than plot. The short story is a crafted form in
its own right. Short stories make use of plot, resonance, and other dynamic components as in a
novel, but typically to a lesser degree. While the short story is largely distinct from the novel or
novella (a shorter novel), authors generally draw from a common pool of literary techniques.

Task objectives

● To produce different types of simple written texts in English (level B1 CEFR) for specific
communicative purposes about fictional or non-fictional stories in an intercultural context;
● To produce cohesive and coherent written texts in English (level B1 CEFR) on topics
related to fictional or non-fictional stories.

Requirements and Instructions

● Create a short story and share it via Google Drive.

● Write from 350 to 500 words.
● Free topic.
● Use Arial or Times New Roman font, 10 or 11 sizes.
● Also, the short story should:
❏ Start with an intriguing title.
❏ Describe the personality of the character(s).
❏ Establish the setting, the plot, the conflict.
❏ The character(s) face(s) a terrible setback.
❏ Reach the climax, solving the problem.
❏ Conclude with the character(s) being changed forever.

Use of language
Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación
Facultad de Historia, Geografía y Letras
Departamento de Inglés
Discurso Escrito de la Lengua Inglesa Pre-Intermedio
Profesores Christian Caro/Michelle Paulet

● You use a range of simple and some complex grammatical forms with a good degree of
control.
● You must use a range of everyday vocabulary appropriately and simple vocabulary with
a good degree of control.
● You must show clear progression to text throughout with a range of connectives with
flexibility but not perfection.
● Your document should present no errors in spelling and capitalization. Use punctuation
conventions effectively and genre-specific.
● You must show a storyline that is original and creative. Conflict of the story should be
clear and understandable by readers. The story must be logically organized with clear
transitions.
● Finally, you must provide a setting, characters, and scenes which are vividly and
accurately described. Description enhances the development of the story and provides
the reader with enjoyment. Remember that mood and dialogue create a desired effect.

Elaboration

A short story requires a key emotion, revelation, or core meaning to be discovered by the
audience. It should start with a good hook that intrigues the reader immediately. Try to build the
plot upon the mood or key emotion. Before the end, the character(s) should go under hard
circumstances, overcoming them all. By the climax, a major challenge must make them lose all
hope, giving way to a miraculous solution. The end might be open or change the character(s)
forever. Additionally, the use of language must demonstrate progression, coherence, and
cohesion throughout the text. Be creative in the use of language, but concise at the same time.
Visit the following links on short stories to get some guidance:

● https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-short-story/
● https://self-publishingschool.com/how-to-write-a-short-story/
● https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d2/4b/99/d24b997d05190518412ad46b94c69751.png
● https://28igws3s9y6g2gwux5w0xyny-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-
content/uploads/2019/03/how-to-write-a-short-story-characters-1024x538.jpg
● https://image.slidesharecdn.com/how-to-write-a-short-story-1212725867096535-
8/95/how-to-write-a-short-story-12-728.jpg?cb=1212700684
● https://i.pinimg.com/originals/da/85/c4/da85c491181c06d91a2fb9b26fa458a3.jpg

Assessment
Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación
Facultad de Historia, Geografía y Letras
Departamento de Inglés
Discurso Escrito de la Lengua Inglesa Pre-Intermedio
Profesores Christian Caro/Michelle Paulet
● 30% of the final mark.
● For assessment criteria see your individual rubrics.
● Respect deadlines. Late submissions will not be accepted.
● The deadline is due by January 2021.