Short stories are unique in that they must set up the setting quickly, start in the middle of events, use descriptive verbs, focus on a single theme, include dialogue to show what is happening, convey a moral or message, and imply more to the story than directly shown. Details mentioned early often recur later to help events unfold, as seen in stories like Cinderella and The Gift of the Magi. Students are assigned to write their own short story of 2-4 pages using these guidelines, choosing a prompt about learning a lesson either through a personal anecdote or fictional characters. Worksheets and drafts are to be completed and turned in.
Short stories are unique in that they must set up the setting quickly, start in the middle of events, use descriptive verbs, focus on a single theme, include dialogue to show what is happening, convey a moral or message, and imply more to the story than directly shown. Details mentioned early often recur later to help events unfold, as seen in stories like Cinderella and The Gift of the Magi. Students are assigned to write their own short story of 2-4 pages using these guidelines, choosing a prompt about learning a lesson either through a personal anecdote or fictional characters. Worksheets and drafts are to be completed and turned in.
Short stories are unique in that they must set up the setting quickly, start in the middle of events, use descriptive verbs, focus on a single theme, include dialogue to show what is happening, convey a moral or message, and imply more to the story than directly shown. Details mentioned early often recur later to help events unfold, as seen in stories like Cinderella and The Gift of the Magi. Students are assigned to write their own short story of 2-4 pages using these guidelines, choosing a prompt about learning a lesson either through a personal anecdote or fictional characters. Worksheets and drafts are to be completed and turned in.
Instead, short stories generally have a single setting and begin in media res (Latin, 'into the middle of things'), meaning they start abruptly with little to no prior information given. Specific, descriptive verbs A short story typically contains only one of theme at a time. Dialogue helps reader see what is happening Usually has a moral or a message its trying to convey Iceberg technique; there is more to the story than what appears on the surface What you need to know: The details mentioned early in the story usually recur toward the end of the story. It is no accident that Cinderella lost a slipper while running from the ball. It is no coincidence that we learn about Jim and Dellas favorite possessions at the beginning of the story. These details help set up the events that will follow. Writing with voice is writing into which someone has breathed. It has that fluency, rhythm, and liveliness that exist naturally in the speech of most people when they are enjoying a conversation. Writing with real voice has the power to make you pay attention and understand-- the words go deep Assignment: Personal Short Story Write your own short story (2-4 pages) using the guidelines on this sheet and the knowledge you have acquired from reading and analyzing The Gift of the Magi. Choose one of the following prompts: 1. Create a short story in the first person about a time you learned a lesson. 2. Create a fictional short story in which a character or characters learn a lesson. Things to be Turned In: __ The Gift of the Magi Iceberg worksheet __ Rough Draft of Personal Short Story __ Personal Short Story Iceberg worksheet __ Final Draft of Personal Short Story