Well, there are a lot of techniques for short story writing. Many of which will posted here over time. In this post, I just want to give you some "quick and dirty" tips for writing good short stories when you are not so good at it and you are under the pressure of time in the CXC exam room.
Tip 1: Write about the things that you know well.
It is easier, faster and smarter to write about the things that you know well.
When you choose a short story to write, try to stick to a story that you can connect to your own life and/or experiences. When you do this, you don't have to reach into your imagination so much. You already know much of the story because you have lived it yourself or you know someone who has. Tip 2: Write about one short event or short experience.
Write about one event, one moment in time or one emotional experience. When you make your story take place in a short space of time, or focus on one emotional moment, it is easier to start and end the story in 45 minutes. If you don't believe me, check out the CXC best short stories, each one is about an event that happens in a few minutes.
Tip 3: Make your sentences work hard.
Every sentence in a short story has to work overtime. It has to "double up" on what it does. It has to tell the story and build the mood or theme of the story at the same time. It's not just, “the road stretched in front of him", it's, "the road that stretched in front of him, seemed to echo the emptiness of his future". See? In that one sentence I not only talked about the road but I also related it to the character's feelings and future.
Please note that a sentence doesn't have to be long to work hard.
Tip 4: Use short sentences.
It is easier to read short sentences than it is to read long sentences. You don't want the examiner slowing down his reading to try to figure out what you want to say. You will impress the examiner more by using simple, clear language to tell an exciting story, rather than using complex language to tell a story he can't figure out. Tip 5: Use simple words.
Sometimes exam candidates think that they need to use "essay language" to impress examiners. They use '10 dollar words' when '10 cent words' will get the job done just as good or better.
One way to tell if you are using 10 dollar words in your essay is to read your essay back to yourself as you are writing. If you find yourself stumbling over words, change the ones that you are stumbling over for easier words.
If the essay does not flow smoothly when you are reading it to yourself, see where you can rewrite it so that it is easier to read. Tip 6: If you are not sure, don't use it.
If you are not sure about using quotation marks and other punctuation signs when writing direct speech, don't use direct speech in your story. Make life easy for yourself, use normal sentences and write in paragraph form.
If you are not sure about the spelling of a word, don't use it. Use another word that you are sure you know how to spell. This is an easy way to save some marks.
Tip 7: Do not write about sex (or a lot of unecessary violence).
The examiners really, really do not like when CXC exam candidates write sexually explicit stories. They have said this publicly.Tip 8: Write neatly.
I know this sounds too easy, but many people do not write neatly in exams. They are so busy trying to get everything down on paper, within the time limit, they don't worry about neat handwriting. This is not a good idea.
When your handwriting is neat and easy to understand, you are reducing the work the examiner has to do to read your essay. This puts him/her in a good mood, you want that. I repeat, you want that.Tip 9: Leave time to proof-read your essay.
Leave 5 minutes out of your 45 minutes to proof-read your essay at the end.
We all make mistakes. In the heat of trying to get the whole essay on paper, you may have made spelling and/or grammar mistakes. Take a few minutes at the end of the exam to clean up the essay and make sure it reads well (sounds good to your ear).
Well, that's it for now. If I think of any more tips, I will add them as time goes on. Organization for Expository Speech
Purpose
Your purpose will be to present a stated topic to your audience. Unlike persuasive topics, expository speeches are intended to be more informative than persuasive. In other words, they do not attempt to convince the audience to take a particular course of action. Organizationally, the expository speech has three main parts; the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The thesis, which is usually the last sentence in the introduction, should highlight the main points you will cover in your speech. While an expository speech does not call for action, it should present a focused position and a relevance to the audience. It should not be simply a presentation of information. Consider the following questions: Why is your topic important? How is it relevant to the audience? (See Developing an Expository Thesis)
Organization
I. Introduction
The introduction brings the "subject" of your speech to the audience, and it should capture the attention of the audience by presenting a provocative or captivating statement. The paragraph should begin broadly and should gradually become more specific as you move toward the thesis statement. In essence, the thesis statement reveals the "topic" of your speech. Use the introduction to state your thesis, to outline the main points you will make in the essay, and to describe the conclusions you will draw in your essay. The thesis of the speech should not be a mystery; the reader should know your conclusions immediately. Writers sometimes use the following devices to begin their expository essays.
Analogy Quotation Startling Statement
Definition Description Example Question II. Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs constitute the bulk of the speech, where you present your facts and develop your thoughts and arguments. The paragraphs can be ordered or developed in any number of ways, but you must make it clear to your audience how you are approaching and organizing the material. Develop each section or idea in your thesis statement in a separate supporting paragraph. State these in the order in which they are stated in your thesis statement. Each supporting (body) paragraph should contain the following:
A topic sentence, usually located in the beginning of the paragraph.
Supporting sentences that include facts, examples, incidents, reasons, analogies, and/or descriptions.
Transitional sentences, usually located at the end of a paragraph. These allow you to move from one paragraph to the next without being abrupt or awkward.
Coherent structure ensures that each paragraph moves logically from beginning to end, and that all supporting paragraphs work together to support your thesis.
Reminders:
Be sure to include citations that lend credibility to your statements and be highly specific in your citation of sources. Whenever possible, include, author, title, date, etc..Expository speeches are supposed to explain or to inform, but they must present a focused position and a relevance to the audience. Keep in mind, however, that expository speeches should include evidence of research.
Write in paragraphs. Each paragraph should relate to and support your thesis. Use specific concrete examples to support your general statements.
III. Conclusion
The conclusion should summarize the major points of your speech. It should emphasize your thesis and briefly summarize how you have proven it in the body of your speech. The audience should feel enlightened and thoroughly satisfied that you have developed the topic. Although you may include quotations as you summarize, close the speech by reinforcing your points with your own memorable words.
Descriptive essay
As I watched him walked down the corridors of the executive building I observed his unique bow legs, and shoulders as broad as the smile that is always popping out of his face, waving good morning to the staff. Beneath his buttoned shirt one could glimpse his well-toned muscular chest adorned with thick, black hair. I know this because he always leaves one of his upper button open. Judging from his height he stood about 6’5” tall with a warm personality. Along with his good looks he has a personality that is inviting . It’s no wonder his colleagues have such great respect for him. From the Directors of the Board to the Ancillary Staff he shows great respect .He always gives a listening ear and never forgets to reward you when a good deed is done .I often wonder if it,s luck or blessing why such good looks and great personality were awarded to him.He has never let anyone feel inadequate and if ever you need a shoulder one could always lean on him .He is Mr.Frank Sinclair our supervisor.
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