Creative Writing Assessment

Two pieces of writing; each worth 30 marks.

20 marks: Content; use of linguistic devices, engaging ideas. 10 marks: construction: spelling, punctuation, marks: grammar, sentence variations etc

Task title:
Write a story with the title The Last Time.
AND Either Write part of the biography or autobiography of a character from your story. Or Write the words of an interview with one of the characters about what happens after the end of OR before the beginning of your story. Or Write the words of an informative leaflet for visitors about the area in which your story is set.

What are you assessed on?

Effective use of linguistic devices Paragraphs varied for purpose and effect Effects produced through structure, including:
Confident opening Convincing ending

Precise, imaginative, ambitious vocabulary Form and style suit the audience and purpose Few Spelling Errors Punctuation helps shape meaning Wide range of sentence structures

The last time

Think about the last time you laughed. Write the summary of the story in no more than 50 words.

Now
Swap your story with your partner, who will circle 3 words, which you now must substitute for other words. For example: I went to the shop and looked at all the clothes I wanted to buy.

Tone
You need to consider the tone of your story. Who are you writing for? How do you want them to feel at the end of it? Are you looking for an emotional: sad,

Planning for Writing Step 1

Getting the plotline straight - This is where you need to know exactly what you are writing about. Has the teacher asked you to write a piece on Bullying? Fantasy? Crime? Once you know the topic. Get a separate piece of paper and write down all the words that are associated with the topic. This is very helpful because conventions (rules) are being identified. Would you create a happy setting in a horror piece? Very unlikely. Instead by getting the key words straight you are identifying stereotyped patterns in thinking. That way when it comes to your teacher marking the story, it is clear you have stuck to the topic and all the settings, characters etc are following a train of thought. What happens?

Step 2
Making a complex storyline - By making things complex you can make the story a lot more interesting. There are two ways to make a story complex. The first ONE is to have two storylines going on, and that way the storylines can meet in your writing. For example, if there is a victim in your story describe the feelings of anger, loneliness etc. and at the same time a criminal might be chasing after this victim for a particular reason such as having a revenge motive. The SECOND way is the hold deeper meaning into your creative writing piece, this is what you expect the audience to understand. The deeper meaning would lie within the characters, such as a greedy character reflecting modern day materialism. These meanings need to be constant in the plotline because an effective creative writing piece, is trying to prove a certain viewpoint to an audience (the marker). What do you want the audience to get from the writing, what message

Step 3
Getting organised - The best storylines are the ones that have a beginning, middle and an end. By writing in an abstract and uneven style, there is bound to be confusion. Feel free to allow the characters to jump straight away into the action, but at the same time make sure everything has made sense so far in the story. What will be your beginning, middle and end?

Brainstorm the 5 Ws:

What happens? Where does it happen? When does it happen? Who is involved? (Keep the number of characters down) Why do people behave in the way they do.

The 5 senses help improve your descriptive writing

SIGHTS: what sights are there in your story? I.e. scenes SMELL: what smells are there? (This can be very effective) TASTE: what tastes are there of food? Of fear? SOUNDS: use onomatopoeia to create sounds TOUCH: what textures are there in your story? The rough texture of his clothes, the smooth banister, the prickly skin

Creative Writing Coursework Idea Feedback Questions

Does the idea relate to the coursework question (The last time)? What do you think of the idea? Does the assignment have a beginning, middle and an end? What areas of the idea interest you the most, and that you most want to read? Why? Please be specific. Are there any areas of the coursework idea that need further clarity, or you are unsure about? Please specify. Is there anything you can add to the idea (words, phrases, settings, characters, themes, where to start the coursework, how to end the coursework)?

Homework for half term February: Due February 20th 2012

Write the opening (beginning) of your coursework draft. This should be approximately 250-400 words. First lesson backcompleted coursework draft due. Mondays lesson will involve peer feedback. No more that 1200 words. Prior to attending the lesson, get some feedback from family and friends. This could be very useful.