If you were absent today, be sure to complete your 5th composition at home. We did the topic: "Confidence comes from the support of others" today. If you have already done this one, you may choose another topic from the list.
I gave the class two more student sample compositions to read. Be sure to ask me for a copy.
Follow the format below to create a new composition.
Sample of a composition that begins with dialogue:
"You can do it, Johnny. Do your job now," the coach said quietly.
Johnny simmered on the bench in the puree of peewees scrambled in the midday heat of the dugout. The bat glowered at Johnny, refused to cooperate in the small boy's weak grip and fell back into the dust. Even the sun ducked behind the clouds, knowing there were two out, knowing Johnny Falter's name was next on the roster. Knowing they wouldn't make it to the next round.
What techniques dominate this short introduction?
(verbs, alliteration, personification, repetition, dialogue)
Using the model as a guide, follow the 7 steps below and you will create a scintillating composition worthy of a 6 / 6 on your provincial exam.
Think of a character, a sport, a problem (If you can't think of a sport, you may use music or dance or drama or a test situation of some kind--math, science, French, Spanish).
1. Write a line of dialogue to support the character.
2. Describe the character, the setting, the problem. Use strong verbs. Re-read the above paragraph.
3. Create a flashback--think of the first time this character encountered this sport and how much fun it was. (Use specific, concrete details. Be original. Create 2 to 3 short paragraphs for this section).
4. Describe an altercation of some kind. A sparrow chasing a crow, a crow eating roadkill and dodging cars, a deer crossing the road, something inadvertent. Don't mention the sport or the boy but let your description become a symbol for the boy's feelings.
5. Add a second line of encouraging dialogue.
6. Describe how the boy is feeling. Be original. It's good to use a description of a piece of clothing or some used equipment at this point. Describe the old cleats or the torn t-shirt, the sub-par golf set etc. Again, let the description show the feelings but never state directly how the boy feels. Let the reader infer.
7. Always end with an image. In this paragraph, allude more directly to confidence coming from the support of others. Perhaps a memory of someone who always knew what to say or a slogan from a poster, or an unexpected comment from the captain of the team, or a dream the character had. End on an image--something we can see, taste, touch, hear or feel.
Thursday: You will have the entire period to revise and edit. You will hand in all five compositions and ONE which has been completely revised to reflect the criteria. Make sure that your writing models the sample compositions we have studied in class.
PARTY PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS: SUBMIT ALL 5 COMPOSITIONS PLUS THE ONE GOOD COPY TO ME ON FRIDAY. YOU WON'T HAVE ANY MORE COMPUTER TIME. BE SURE TO MAKE TIME TO EDIT TONIGHT OR TOMORROW NIGHT.
Monday: Mock Provincial Exam--This exam will take two periods. It will be marked so be prepared. You can take practice e-exams on the website:
Sample provincial exams
