Class Final

Creative Writing Class Final
We will be in the computer lab today (Jan. 7) and next time (Jan. 9) to work on this.
(You’ll need to divide your computer time between this and your tall tale.)
Absolute deadline = January 11, 2008
(We won’t have the computer lab on the 11th.)
Plan to share your tall tales on the 11th.

You will create a brief summary of what you learned in this class (and from other sources and experiences) for students who want to learn more about writing.

Look through your notebook for ideas to write about, and to jog your memory about what we’ve done.

Format: Create an easy-to-read format using titles, headings, subheadings, lists, clear explanations, etc. (If you have extra time, after you’ve written this, you could add illustrations.)
Audience: Other junior high students and, of course, your teacher.
Purpose: To share what you know about writing, both to show the teacher what you know, and to create a useful resource for other writers.
Voice: Let your own voice shine through. It would help to use examples from your own writing!
Title: Title this something like “Advice for Writers.” Save it on the computer as [yourlastname]advice.
Print?: Print it out when you’re done, or if you want to take it home to revise, edit, etc.

Cover these subjects:
Part A. _____ /20 At least ten well-explained hints for writers. What could you tell other students that would most help them with their writing? (For example: What can one do about writer’s block? When or where are the best times to write? Do you have any hints for using the computer, or recommendations for types of paper or writing instruments? How do you get ideas? How do you organize a plot for a story? How can you please teachers with your writing? What hints do you have for revising and editing?)

Part B. _____/15 What could you tell other students about what they need to know to write
three (3) of the following (5 points each):
a) poetry
b) short stories
c) a novel
d) a children’s book
e) essays – including telling about personal experiences
f) reports such as those in newspapers, etc.
g) songs or plays
= ______/35 Subtotal #1 Be honest and positive!

You will write the parts explained above. You’ll get a grade for writing them. You’ll also get a grade based on how well you wrote them according to these “six traits plus one.” We’ll average the two for a total grade.
“Six Traits Plus One” Grading for Your Final
5 4 3 2 1 (See also your cardstock sheet for Six Traits Plus One)
Ideas and Content
Organization
Voice
Sentence Fluency
Word Choice
Conventions
Presentation Type this!

_____/35 Subtotal #2 Total = (subtotal 1 + subtotal 2) divided by 2 = __
_____/5 Draft is neatly stapled (with one staple) to the top of this sheet.
_____/ Extra credit for outstanding creativity and/or clarity (clearness, easy for the reader to understand).

Examples plucked from this assignment as done by past (and passed) students:
the donkee was standing, By the Park. How many spelling errors or punctuation errors did you find in that sentence? That was a few too many errors for me. Didn’t that just make you wince when you read it? Did it make you notice all the mistakes too? Whenever I read a mistake in someone’s writing, I always look more carefully for what other mistakes they could have in their writing. . . . (Beth Johnson)

A Novel
When writing a novel, always remember, details, details, details. Always have the reader know exactly where they are. When they read your book, they’re entering your world. Your details are essential for them to know where they are and not get lost. . . . Also make sure that you give the characters strong personalities. What’s really fun is to base your characters on people you know. Don’t use their names though! It’s fun to base them on people you know because you can sneak in little jokes that only they and yourself would understand.. . .
And of course, never forget, HAVE FUN!!! (Alina Rae)

Poetry
“Poetry allows the human soul to speak.” – Carolyn Forche
When you write poetry, it should come from your heart. Poetry is one of the best ways to express your feelings and emotions. For me, poetry is a way of relieving stress and relaxing.. . .
If you plan on writing a certain type of poem, like a haiku or a limerick, there are certain rules you have to follow. . . . But, you don’t always have to follow a certain outline. . . . but remember, it’s all about how it looks on the page. (Savannah Lewis)

For writer’s block, go back and read your old stories and poems. It really helps, believe me. That’s just one more reason to save all your writing. (Gage Briggs)

So You Want to Be a Writer:
Are you willing to face the ink-stained hands, the long toiling nights, and napkins filled with ideas? Then perhaps writing is for you. Writing can be a long and strenuous process, but when you see your characters begin to come alive, the strenuous process is worth it. Here is a collection of helpful hints to get you started on your writing career. (Megan Hatch)