Writing Prompt

Standard: C.9-10.3 Use narratives strategically in other modes of writing, utilizing effective
technique, well-chosen details and well-structured sequences for an intended purpose, including
but not limited to introducing an idea and/or supporting a claim. a. Produce clear and coherent
writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to task and purpose.
Directions: After reading “The Veldt” and “August 2026” by Ray Bradbury, students will be
asked to write a prequel or sequel to the stories listed above. They will have free reign on which
directions they would like to go with the story, and it will incorporate the “Expressive Pedagogy”
mentioned in Lindemann’s A Rhetoric for Writing Teachers.
➼Students who choose the story “August 2026” will be asked to write a prequel to the story.
They will have to explain why the house is the way it is now and give a backstory to the town.
Students will be able to create the characters, the animals, the town name, etc. They will draw
the picture the way they see it to be in their minds.
➼Students who choose the story “The Veldt” will be asked to write a sequel to the story. They
will have to explain what happens to the children after their parents are gone. They will have to
explain how they get the electrician to leave and what happens to the nursery. They won’t have
as much freedom with the names of the characters; however, they will be able to choose the
trajectory of the story from that point on.

Requirements:
1. The story must be two pages long.
2. There must be dialogue between the characters in the story.
3. There must be one illustration from the story from the student.

Alternative:
If you would like to create a graphic novel of your short story, you may. The requirements for
your story will change due to the difference between the mediums of writing. Your story must be
three pages long, but with at least 4-5 blocks with illustrations and storyline in it.