Comprehensive writing powerpoint

Notes on creative writing - essay and transactional pieces
A printable version

1. Comprehensive Writing Powerpoint

2. Essay writing:

3. Basic essay format Introduction: Be creative and capture the attention of your reader. Hint at the topic, but avoid providing too much information Body: MUST be in paragraphs!! Each paragraph has one idea only Use your planning to decide how your essay will “flow” Provide sufficient details to keep the reader interested, but avoid unnecessary information Conclusion: Round off your essay Provide the closing statements/lessons learnt/advice etc.

4. General advice Remember what style of essay you are producing and tailor your work accordingly. During the planning process, ask yourself 6 basic questions to guide you: Who?, What?, When?, Where?, Why?, How? These questions will help you “flesh out” your story Use figurative language to create images which will help your reader feel as though they are experiencing the events first-hand.

5. Narrative essay A narrative essay is one in which you have the greatest creative freedom. It is a story, which can be told as either first or third person narrator. You have complete control over who/what you put into your story. If you feel you are not creative enough to sustain a fictional story – try another type of essay...

6. Descriptive Essay Use “strong” adjectives e.g. Replace words like “nice”, “big”, “fun” with other, more interesting words which convey the same idea. A descriptive essay must not be simply a list of the day’s events. Focus on how you felt, what you thought etc. Use your senses as a guide. Sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell

7. Reflective essay: This type of essay is aimed to reflect a personal event or experience of the writer. The essay must be written in the FIRST PERSON and focus on the feelings and thoughts of the writer rather than simply be a list of events. This experience or event is written about to show its importance to the writer and the lessons he/she has learnt. A broad topic e.g. “What is friendship” can be written about reflectively IF the writer uses his/her personal experience to respond to the topic.

8. Final Editing Checklist: Your essay is now complete. Follow this checklist when editing ANY ESSAY: Does the essay have a CLEAR introduction? Are my paragraphs the correct length? Do I have words linking my paragraphs? Does this essay have a DEFINITE conclusion? Have I written in the correct verb tense? (past/present/future) Is my essay ‘easy to read’ – does it flow well?

9. Transactional Writing

10. Writing a Formal/Business Letter The FORMAL letter requires correct use of language. Your tone must be respectful and polite, whether you are writing a letter of praise or complaint. Only include relevant details. Do NOT use slang, profanity or informal language.

11. P.O BOX 12345 HILLCREST 3650 Date (DD/MM/YY) MR. C.GIRVIN THE PRINCIPAL: HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL PRIVATE BAG X1314 HILLCREST 3650 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Dear Mr Girvin xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx REPORTING AN INCIDENT OF BULLYING xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Introduction xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Body xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Conclusion xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Yours faithfully Signature JOE SOAP (MR) YOUR ADDRESS RECIPIENTS NAME, JOB TITLE AND ADDRESS SALUTATION. (Dear Sir/Madam) OR you use the person’s name SUBJECT /PURPOSE OF LETTER (±3 lines - give the reason for the letter). (± 2 or 3 paragraphs – expand on your reason) (± 2 lines - Round off the letter/ state your expectations) Follow this specific layout

12. Friendly Letter It is important to note that although this is a “friendly” letter, it does not mean you can be informal/use slang etc. You are writing for academic purposes and so there must always be restraint.

13. P.O. BOX 1234 HILLCREST 3650 Date xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Dear Mom (whoever you’re writing to) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Introduction (purpose of the letter) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Body (Expand / Provide details) PARAGRAPHS xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Conclusion (Round off/ state expectations) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Your (connection to the person) First name YOUR ADDRESS

14. Magazine/Newspaper Article It is very important to consider your audience – who you are writing for. Some situations will require a very formal tone, while others may encourage slightly more informal language. Focus on the subject of the article – do not ramble on about unrelated matters.

15. HEADLINE Date Written by: Name & surname Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Introduction Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Body Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Conclusion

16. Dialogue Stage direction: Provides context for the reader – any relevant information. Steve: Joe! It’s been far too long since I’ve seen you! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Joe: (mutters) There’s a reason for that. Hi Steve! So good to see you. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Steve: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Joe: ... Include “stage directions” at the start of the dialogue and occasionally throughout. E.g. Set the scene/ explain how your character reacts.

17. Interview The interview has the same format as the dialogue, but a different purpose. An interview must be a discussion regarding a specific topic, with intelligent questions from the interviewer. It is vital to balance how many times each person speaks.

18. Formal/Informal Speech Format – Introduction, Body (Paragraphs) and Conclusion. Remember the purpose of your speech and your audience. Make sure your language is appropriate – no slang, profanity or inappropriate language.

19. Format of a speech HEADING/TITLE OF SPEECH xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Introduction: 3 -5 lines xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Body (Paragraphs): 3 – 4 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Conclusion: 2 – 3 lines

20. Obituary

21. SURNAME xxxxxxxxx Name If a woman – neé (maiden surname) e.g. neé Brown xxxxxxxxxxxx Details of the death – use euphemisms i.e. Manner, place, illness etc. Details of the funeral (private service & then church details) Where can flowers etc be sent xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Personalised paragraph about the deceased – discuss their personality, good deeds etc xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Who has survived them.

22. REMINDER!!! Obituary = a public NOTICE of death. This is published BEFORE the funeral. Eulogy = a speech delivered AT A FUNERAL Know the difference!

23. SMITH xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Jane ( neé Brown) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Passed away after a brave battle with cancer on 1 March 2016. There will be a private ceremony for the immediate family at the St Johns Church at 9:00. The funeral service will be held at Hillside Church, 12 Inanda Road, Hillcrest on 3 March 2016. The ceremony will start at 11:00. Anyone wishing to send condolences or flowers can send these to the family residence at 17 Springside Road, Hillcrest. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Jane was a warm-hearted, caring person. She took her job as school counsellor very seriously and always made time to care for those who needed her. Her sense of humour and thoughtful nature will be missed by all who knew her. ^^^^^^^ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx She is survived by her loving husband, David and her two beautiful children, Sarah and Stephanie.

24. Writing an agenda and minutes of a meeting An agenda is a list of the subjects that will be discussed as well as the procedure that will be followed, at a meeting. The agenda is prepared before the meeting. Minutes are a written record of what was discussed and decided at a meeting. Minutes are recorded as a meeting is happening.

25. Planning the agenda and minutes: Example: HHS RCL meeting Agenda: Opening and welcome Attendance and apologies Minutes of previous meeting New matters: latecomers Reports/issues from classes Date of next meeting Close Minutes: Opening and welcome by J. Doe, chairperson Names of learners present/ those absent Feedback regarding previous meeting New matters: Issue of students arriving late – possible resolution Classes have no reports this week Next meeting: Following week Wednesday Meeting finished at 08:05

26. Final agenda: Heading List in numbered form AGENDA: HHS RCL MEETING DATE, TIME, VENUE Opening and welcome Attendance and apologies Minutes of previous meeting New matters: latecomers Reports/issues from classes Date of next meeting Close

27. Final minutes MINUTES: HHS RCL MEETING DATE, TIME, VENUE J. Doe welcomed all attendees Attendance as per register attached Minutes of last meeting were discussed – feedback from GB meeting provided. No change to school rules regarding blazers. Latecomers are to stay behind after school for a 15 minute detention – this motion was carried. Classes had no new issues to propose Next meeting, next week Wednesday, as per schedule. Meeting ended at 8:05

28. Remember: The items in an agenda are numbered in the sequence that they will be discussed. Each meeting must be recorded – these are called minutes . When taking minutes, list the facts in point form The minutes must be formal – this is an official record of events. The venue, date and time must be recorded on both the agenda and minutes.

29. General information: Tone/Attitude Words These words convey an emotion or state of mind – they are very effective if used properly

30.  1.        accusatory-charging of wrong doing 2.        apathetic-indifferent due to lack of energy or concern 3.        awe-solemn wonder 4.        bitter-exhibiting strong animosity as a result of pain or grief 5.        cynical-questions the basic sincerity and goodness of people 6.        condescension; condescending-a feeling of superiority 7.        callous-unfeeling, insensitive to feelings of others 8.        contemplative-studying, thinking, reflecting on an issue 9.        critical-finding fault 10.     contemptuous-showing or feeling that something is worthless or lacks respect 11.     conventional-lacking spontaneity, originality, and individuality 12.     disdainful-scornful 13.     earnest-intense, a sincere state of mind 14.     fanciful-using the imagination 15.     forthright-directly frank without hesitation 16.     gloomy-darkness, sadness, rejection 17.     haughty-proud and vain to the point of arrogance 18.     indignant-marked by anger aroused by injustice 19.     intimate-very familiar

31. 20.     judgmental-authoritative and often having critical opinions 21.     jovial-happy 22.     matter-of-fact--accepting of conditions; not fanciful or emotional 23.     mocking-treating with contempt or ridicule 24.     morose-gloomy, sullen, surly, despondent 25.     malicious-purposely hurtful 26.     objective-an unbiased view-able to leave personal judgments aside 27.     optimistic-hopeful, cheerful 28.     patronizing-air of condescension 29.     pessimistic-seeing the worst side of things; no hope 30.     quizzical-odd, eccentric, amusing 31.     ridiculing-slightly contemptuous banter; making fun of 32.     reflective-illustrating innermost thoughts and emotions 33.     sarcastic-sneering, caustic 34.     sardonic-scornfully and bitterly sarcastic 35.     satiric-ridiculing to show weakness in order to make a point, teach 36.     sincere-without deceit or pretence; genuine 37.     solemn-deeply earnest, tending toward sad reflection 38.     whimsical-odd, strange, fantastic; fun

32. Practice topics: Note: Word count = 180 – 200 words Work on these topics after you have learnt the formats & then check your practice against the notes.

33. Formal letter: The management of Hillcrest High School has requested suggestions from students on how to improve the school. Friendly letter: Write a letter to a friend discussing something which recently happened in your life – positive or negative. Magazine/newspaper article: Write an article for the school magazine/newspaper about any aspect of your school experience thus far. Dialogue: Write a dialogue between you and your mum in which you ask for permission to go to a party with your friends. Interview: You are a DJ for 5fm and you are scheduled to interview a famous celebrity – write out what

34. Informal speech: You are a speaker at your friend’s 16 th birthday – write out your speech. Formal speech: Write out the speech you present as chairperson of a club at school in which you round up the events of your year. Obituary: Write an obituary for a celebrity who has recently passed away. Agenda/Minutes: You are the secretary of an organisation – write the agenda and minutes for an upcoming meeting.