Belonging Creative Writing
IN COMPOSING: 4 to 5 pages should be written in this task, out of 15 marks.
Make explicit reference to and use these words- belonging/ not belonging/exclusion and synonyms.
Consider:
Exploring a shift from belonging to not belonging and alienation
The nature of belonging in this situation
Motives, catalysts
Consequences, results, effects
Feelings and attitudes
Use key social identities that anchor or challenge belonging: family, friends, race, ethnicity, religion, class lifestyle or leisure activities
STRUCTURE OF SHORT STORY / NARRATIVE
Jump to ‘belonging’ as soon as possible in the story.
Limit the number of characters
Frame the story with similar characters/ setting/ symbol /comment at beginning and ending
Use a limited time frame = sense of urgency (24 hours, one morning, a season, a term, an interview) exploding a moment – 15 minutes
Use a single context or setting
Explore no more than 2 main ideas re belonging
Focus on moments and feelings
Have a ‘twist’ at the end
Show don’t tell (‘She smiles’ = belonging, without further comment()
Use flash backs and flash forwards ie non-linear stories
Objects as symbols (eg red hair, ragged appearance show exclusion)
Challenge assumptions about belonging (a character responds to exclusion by engaging with situation)
Challenge or play with stereotypes (lack of education does not mean lack of intelligence or ability)
Use a comment by omniscient author (to reinforce or cast doubt on a character’s actions or attitudes)
Multiple voices & perspectives, / points of view-Switch between characters w. opposing pov.
Do not start every sentence with “I” if using 1st person narrative
Distinctive voice – to maintain consistent language or idiom of the character is essential
Use sophisticated language – some 3 and 4 syllable words AND PLEASE: no ‘dying’ stories, designed to elicit sympathy! DO reflect and practise - Read short stories for ideas -PLAN, PLAN – your beginning and ending –
Make explicit reference to and use these words- belonging/ not belonging/exclusion and synonyms.
Consider:
Exploring a shift from belonging to not belonging and alienation
The nature of belonging in this situation
Motives, catalysts
Consequences, results, effects
Feelings and attitudes
Use key social identities that anchor or challenge belonging: family, friends, race, ethnicity, religion, class lifestyle or leisure activities
STRUCTURE OF SHORT STORY / NARRATIVE
Jump to ‘belonging’ as soon as possible in the story.
Limit the number of characters
Frame the story with similar characters/ setting/ symbol /comment at beginning and ending
Use a limited time frame = sense of urgency (24 hours, one morning, a season, a term, an interview) exploding a moment – 15 minutes
Use a single context or setting
Explore no more than 2 main ideas re belonging
Focus on moments and feelings
Have a ‘twist’ at the end
Show don’t tell (‘She smiles’ = belonging, without further comment()
Use flash backs and flash forwards ie non-linear stories
Objects as symbols (eg red hair, ragged appearance show exclusion)
Challenge assumptions about belonging (a character responds to exclusion by engaging with situation)
Challenge or play with stereotypes (lack of education does not mean lack of intelligence or ability)
Use a comment by omniscient author (to reinforce or cast doubt on a character’s actions or attitudes)
Multiple voices & perspectives, / points of view-Switch between characters w. opposing pov.
Do not start every sentence with “I” if using 1st person narrative
Distinctive voice – to maintain consistent language or idiom of the character is essential
Use sophisticated language – some 3 and 4 syllable words AND PLEASE: no ‘dying’ stories, designed to elicit sympathy! DO reflect and practise - Read short stories for ideas -PLAN, PLAN – your beginning and ending –