Checklist for Writing II 1127/01 (Section 1)

Transcription

1 Checklist for Writing II 1127/01 (Section 1) Write about a time when things turned out unexpectedly unpleasant. Identification of Question Requirements Analysis of key expressions: a time (once only) when things turned out unexpectedly (outcome of the situation: shocking) unpleasant (terrible) 1

2 Single Problem and Incident Birthday bash with unexpected outcome One Main Character Story is seen through the eyes of 1 main character Paula. Provides a sense of unity: plot evolves around that persona. 2

3 Familiar Situations It is central to achieving consistently high scores in every story you write to make sure your writing revolves around an incident, issue, problem or conflict that happened or could have easily happened to you: a birthday party gone wrong. Believability Aim for believability knowing that small events equal big marks: a birthday party. 3

4 Specific Details (multi-sensory approach) Imagery auditory (hearing) visual (sight) tactile (touch) olfactory (smell) gustatory (taste) Fluctuations of Thoughts and Feelings Injects a sense of realism nobody remains in the same mood all the time. Creates believable characters. Essential that the main character be given in-depth treatment. Thoughts and feelings give the reader a complete feel of the situation. 4

5 Finite Time Frame Realistically, one cannot possibly expect to write a novel of epic proportions under examination conditions. A high-scoring story revolves around a short period of time; a more in-depth treatment of the subject is expected. Dialogue Dialogue makes the characters come alive. Injects a sense of realism. Provides information from different points of view. Offers opportunities to show off punctuation skills: "Drunk? She s blasted! What was she doing?" 5

6 Ending in a situation contrary to that of the beginning Expecting the party to be fun. Results in a mess. Flashback Provides necessary background information. Never had I thought that such a simple birthday bash could have landed me in such a mess. 6

7 Climactic Endings Moment of high-drama and suspense. Anticipates impending action: I curled myself up in the corner by the stairs and pressed my face into my knees, my trembling hands tightly clutching the tiny fragment of a birthday card. Never had I thought that such a simple birthday bash could have landed me in such a mess. Avoiding Loose Ends The cause of the narrator s trembling is her fear of being reprimanded by her parents very clear about that. 7

8 Single Variety of English Use either British or American English. Never allow a mix : color programmes (?) Local lexis is allowed but need explanation: e.g. I bought a plate of goreng pisang for him because I knew he loved the deep-fried banana fritters. Appropriate Register Formal English is the norm. Informal English is reserved for dialogue only: guy gal kid cool 8

9 Differentiation of Sentence Length Long sentences depict situations of low dramatic tension. Shorter, even incomplete, sentences suggest situations of high dramatic tension and suspense. Similarly, the case of longer but heavily punctuated sentences. Differentiation of Sentence Length Low dramatic tension The grass was wet against my face and smeared me as I looked up. Irregular shifting shapes surrounded me in the darkness and laughter grew from one side and shimmered over my head. 9

10 Differentiation of Sentence Length High dramatic tension The voice, incredibly loud, ricocheted inside my head. I winced and squinted to focus on the blank face, dissolving into helpless, wheezy giggles when the shape became Helen, her eyes wide and amazed. Avoiding Gory and Obscene Details Blood, guts and gory details are out. Explicit details, especially relating to sex, and vulgar language are frowned upon. 10

11 Role of Model Essays Provides a ready response in an examination situation; only minor adjustments are necessary. Paula Clark s The Toy Girl easily fits as a response to Write about a time when things turned out unexpectedly unpleasant. It can also pass off as Incident Gone Wrong etc. A Word of Caution Wholesale copying with only minimal adjustments result in dire consequences when the marker discovers near-identical essays. It is best to memorize on the phrase or sentence or even paragraph level. A good essay comprises expressions culled from many sources, put together creatively by the candidate. 11