lunes, 30 de septiembre de 2013

Writing Stories

Hello students,

It is good to see you again!
Today’s lab session will be devoted to study the parts of a story.

What do you think are the important elements of a story?

Did you know...?


Aesop was a writer from Ancient Greece, who is thought to have lived around 600 years BC, and is credited with having written a number of well-known fables. Accounts of his life often refer to him having been a slave, who gains his freedom through the strength of the advice he gives to his masters. Here you will see one of Aesop’s famous fables.



The Boy Who Cried Wolf 

1. Watch the following video:



2. Take notes regarding the following aspects:
  • Place
  • Earlier events
  • Climax
  • The final outcome


The Narrative Writing Diamond


This diamond represents the different parts of a story. This is only one way to see the different parts of a story. Why do you think the widest part of this diamond is the main event?


Now let's see each part separately. 

Entertaining Beginning


The beginning must “hook” the reader and make them feel compelled to read on. The author might use an interesting action, dialogue or exclamation, the main character’s thoughts, or feelings, raise story questions or even use a sound to grab the reader’s attention. Stories should begin as close to the main event as possible.

Starting Off on the right foot!

One way to make your writing more interesting and entertaining is by starting off with a great, attention grabbing beginning! Here are some techniques authors use to begin their stories:


Elaborative Detail


A descriptive segment (3-4 sentences long) which describes a story critical setting, character, or object will help draw the reader in and help the reader experience the fictional world through the five senses of the main character.

Detail generating questions


What feelings look like?

Another aspect of elaborative detail is “showing rather than telling”. This helps revealing a character’s feelings.

Ex. Jack was really mad. That would be telling.
Jack stamped his feet. His face turned a deep shade of red. He slammed his fist on the table. This would be showing.

Look at the examples below and add two descriptions for each feeling. 


Suspense


The ability to leave the reader hanging or wondering what will happen next is a powerful writing technique. To convey a sense of urgency or anticipation you can use red flag words such as suddenly, just then, or before I knew it signal a transition in the story.

Another technique is to use Word Referents.

Tease the reader by not immediately revealing what “it” is. Describe a story critical character or object without naming it. Use word referents instead.

Ex. Instead of writing: I saw a dragon in the cave.
Use word referents. The creature was huge and dark as night. It made a soft rumbling sound. I could feel the mythical beast’s hot breath on my face. (What is it? The reader is dying to know!)

Main Events


The main event is the problem, adventure, or experience that the story is all about. The important thing here is not to summarize but make a scene!

Question to elaborate a fully elaborated main event.


Extended Endings


The extended ending comes after the conclusion of the event. It should leave the reader satisfied that the story is over. You can use the following hints to write your extended ending:




LabWork


Using all your notes taken previously and the narrative writing diamond tips, write the story for the video you’ve watched. 

- Work in groups of 3 or 4
- Write this fable following the next structure:


  • Beginning: 1 paragraph
  • Elaborated detail: 1 paragraph
  • Suspense: 1 paragraph
  • Main events: 2 paragraphs
  • Extended ending: 1 paragraph


EACH PARAGRAPH SHOULD CONSIST OF AT LEAST 4 SENTENCES. 

Remember to share the document with your teacher.
Deadline: Friday 4th of October.

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