Year 8 English

Short Story

Length: Minimum 600 words - Maximum 800 words.

Marks: Value - 10% of Semester 1 marks. Mark /20.

Due Date: Term 1, Week 6. Friday 7^th March.

Purpose of this assignment:

In this unit you have studied a range of short stories and analysed their construction.

The purpose of this assignment is to assess how well YOU can write short stories.

Task

Write a short story in which you include a twist at the end.

NOTE:

1. The following must appear in your English workbook:

• A mind map that shows that you have brainstormed your ideas.
• A rough draft with evidence of editing. Teachers will be monitoring the process of your writing.

2. You will then publish your story. Either a word-processed or hand written copy is acceptable.

Assignment Planner:

Define the Task

• Revise the features of a short story.
• Revise the structure of a short story.
• Make sure you understand the task. Ask your teacher if you are not sure.
• Make sure that you know the date on which this assignment is due. Make sure that you have recorded it in your diary.

Locate Information

• Find and read a short story that you like, to refresh your ideas about this form of writing.

Select and Create

• Brainstorm ideas about:

a) The structure of your short story:

Introduction

Initial situation or problem

Complication and action

Climax

Resolution

Conclusion

b) Characters.

c) Setting in time and place.

Create and Organise

a) Write your rough draft.

• Use the RIGHT HAND PAGE of your workbook only. The LEFT HAND page will be used for editing and writing improvements.
• Don't worry if you are not happy with parts of your story. You can improve these later.
• Don't worry if you find the introduction difficult. It is always hard to start. Again, you can improve it later.

b) Check that you have included:

• Description of characters and place.
• Dialogue.

c) Ask someone else in class to read your story. On the left hand page they are to record:

• Two aspects of the story that they like or think are effective.
• Two ideas about how to improve your story.

d) Revise your story.

Edit:

· Spelling.

· Vocabulary.

· Punctuation.

· Sentence structure.

· Paragraphing.

· Organization of ideas.

Present

• Word-process your story or start writing out the final copy.
• Include one illustration of an aspect of your story: plot, setting or character.
• Give your story a title.

Evaluate and Reflect

You will be assessed on your ability to:

• Use narrative structure effectively.
• Write effective paragraphs.
• Write description.
• Write dialogue.
• Write an interesting and creative introduction
• Write an effective resolution and conclusion.

You must use the writing process:

• Brainstorm.
• Rough draft.
• Conference.
• Edit.
• Publish.

Your story should:

· Be original and imaginative.

· Be focused (few characters, one main action, a limited time and space).

· Aim to quickly engage the readers in the story.

· Include a balance of description, action, conversation and reflection (i.e. relating the thinking and feeling of the characters).

· Include an ending with a twist.

Year 8 English

Marking guide – short story genre

Criteria	ADV	HC	C	D	ED
Thought and Content · understanding the task and requirement · originality and creativity (genre, orientation, plot, point of view) · use of description and detail (setting, character, action) · development of ideas (plot, character, theme · focus (established and maintained) · ability to set up and deliver a twist at the end
Language and Style · suitability and impact of opening and ending · appropriate balance of conversation, action, emotions and description · vocabulary (precision, maturity) · variety in sentences (structure and length) · fluency and expressiveness · consistency of tone, creation of mood · use of figures of speech (metaphor, similes, images, etc) · language to suit audience, purpose and genre
Structure · length · orientation, complication, climax, resolution (in appropriate proportion) · logical ordering/sequencing · complexity (flashback, memory, genre, etc) · other genre requirements (as needed)
Mechanics · paragraphing · punctuation · grammar · spelling · handwriting or layout

Mark: /20

Advanced: 18 – 20, Highly Competent: 14 – 17, Competent: 9 – 13, Developing: 6 – 8, Experiencing Difficulty: 0 – 5.

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