writing prompts

If you're having trouble thinking of something to write about, check out the ideas on this site.

http://writingprompts.tumblr.com/post/32343377489/the-180-prompts-i-actually-use

The Imagination Station

This story should be written in past tense and in first person “I”.

PARAGRAPH 1) Set the mood

Describe the setting. This includes time of day, time of year, type of location (rural/ urban), objects around (old homes, trees, etc.),  

PARAGRAPH 2) Reveal the main character and conflict

Describe the main character (appearance, physical traits, character traits). Reveal the conflict in an interesting way. For example, the conflict could be revealed through action or dialogue between two characters.

PARAGRAPH 3 and 4) rising action

Create suspense or build momentum by having the character go through 2 or three small events that will eventually lead to the climax.

PARAGRAPH 5) climax

What is the main event/most important part of the story? The conflict has to explode in some way.

PARAGRAPH 6) falling action

What are the effects of this main event? How have the characters changed? How has the problem/conflict been resolved?

PARAGRAPH 7) conclusion

End your story off in a meaningful way. Was there a lesson/moral/theme? Another idea is to leave the reader wanting more. For example, maybe the girl was saved but the killer was never found.

Use your imagination. Put yourself in the place of the characters so you can better describe their experiences and emotions.

Good luck!

My Poetry Jam Project

Hi everyone,

You will be creating your own poems now, which must be presented on both paper and in person (or on video)!

Part 1:  ROUGH COPIES MUST BE SHOWN TO MS. FAZIO BEFORE MOVING ON TO PART 2.

       Choose which 2 of the following 3 poems you would like to write: Sometimes I feel, Where I'm from and a free form poem.

1) The Sometimes I Feel poem should have at least 4 stanzas and should have 1 simile in each stanza. Try your best to include a lot of description in each stanza. (Please follow the outline and the examples.)

2) The Where I'm From poem should be at least 10 lines long. You must repeat the words I'm from throughout the poem and include description for each example of where you're from. (Please follow the examples.)

3) Your free form poem should be a meaningful mini story or anecdote about you or someone you know. You should have a main message or theme in your poem. It does not have to rhyme. It should have some flow or rhythm to it. It should be at least 15 lines long.

Part 2:  FINAL COPIES SHOULD BE NEAT AND CREATIVELY PRESENTED

   Present your two poems written or typed up neatly in a small booklet. The booklet should have a cover page, the two poems and a picture (drawn or printed) for each.


Part 3:  VIDEO OR ORAL PRESENTATION

Choose 1 of your 2 poems to either create a video or perform an oral recitation.
(We will create a rubric for grading each type of presentation.)

VIDEO: The video should have images relating to your poem. You must recite your poem with a lot of expression. Please pay attention to tone, speed and volume. You can also have background music.

ORAL RECITATION: You have to present your poem orally in front of the class. You are not allowed any notes or q-cards. You must use an expressive tone, as well as appropriate speed and volume when reciting your poem out loud to the class.

Synopsis of your book!

Good morning English class!

I would like you to write a synopsis of the novel you have chosen to read. Even though you have not read it all, you should have enough information to write a clear paragraph of what your book is about. 

You must write a paragraph half a page long skipping lines using good grammar and spelling. Use a pencil. Include a cover page with a pencil drawing of an important character or symbol from your book.

Include the following 4 things in your paragraph:

4 things you must accomplish, no exceptions

1. Give a clear idea of your book’s core conflict
2. Show what characters we’ll care about, including the ones we’ll hate
3. Demonstrate what’s at stake for the main character(s)
4. Show how the conflict is resolved

It must be handed in at the end of class.

Good luck and keep it neat!

Literary Response to The Outsiders

Introduction (meaning):

What was the general mood/tone of the novel? What is the main theme/lesson or idea of the novel? Give an example from the novel (either a scene or a quote) that exemplifies this theme. What is another less obvious theme? Give another quote or scene from the novel, that proves you are right. What was the author's purpose for writing this text?

Connections:

What other text did this story remind you of? Can you connect the themes you found to your own life or world events? Can you think of a movie or another story with similar themes, characters, settings, etc.? Include a quote from the novel or discuss the particular scene that you are making the connection to. (Try to connect the theme of the novel to something else. Also, it is better to connect to world events, other texts and media rather than personal experiences.)

Conventions:

What type of text is The Outsiders? Is there anything special/ unique about the way it was written? Discuss the setting, and the era. Who is telling the story? Is it written in first, second or third person? How does this affect the story? Why is this important?

Judgement:

Did you like the novel? Why or why not? What is the best part of the novel? What is the most important part of the novel? Who should read this novel and why?

You must have a good copy with cover page for MAY 13th. Remember to underline the title of the novel in your response. To be safe, you should have 1 quote or example from the novel in each paragraph. 

(Rough copy is unnecessary.)

Outsider scenes

Every student will be given their own grade.
Every student is responsible for dialogue, costumes and props.
Every student must be prepared and ready to present with their teams.
Your scene (dialogue, blocking, costumes and props) must be accurate!

Outsider Scenes

Your scenes from the novel The Outsiders are due May 14th and 15th.

You will be presenting on stage in the auditorium!