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EWC 4U Assignment Page |
[ minor assignments ] [ major assignments ] |
*All assignments must be handed in and posted on your website by the due date
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Minor Assignments (15 - 25 marks each)
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Ah, this should provide adequate sustenance for the Dr. Who marathon... |
Major Assignments (50 - 100 marks each!)
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Assignment #1 - Free write plus the concrete rewrite
15 MARKS
DESCRIPTION: For this assignment, you were to take an existing free write and turn it into an
effective piece of concrete writing
using some or all of the ideas in the original. Even if there were only a few lines in the
free write that were any good, these could
still serve as the "muse" for your polished copy. The genre for the polished copy is up to you - poetry or prose.
Make sure you
improve on the original by appealing to the senses. Print out both the free write and the concrete version and
submit.
The TOPICS:
(based on the folder free write will be announced in class...)
15 marks
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Assignment #2 - Mood (concrete language)
15 MARKS
DESCRIPTION: This is the first of several MOOD creations.
The focus should be on avoiding abstract language as a means of
expressing mood. Do not write "I was nervous" in trying to evoke that mood.
"Nervousness" means something different to
everybody. To effectively recreate the mood for your reader, you must create an objective (concrete) replacement for the feeling.
Use of figurative language (similes, metaphors, imagery etc.) will help you accomplish this task.
THE ASSIGNMENT: Using concrete language (figurative) and appealing to the senses, select a mood and create it concretely for
the reader by tying the mood to a specific place, or time of day, or a specific emotional experience.
Remember to avoid
"telling" about the mood. SHOW ME!
You may use poetry or prose.
15 marks
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Assignment #3 - Clichés - Before and After...
20 marks
DESCRIPTION: In attempting to write figuratively we often use common expressions and comparisons which have lost their impact.
The result
is a slew of "been there - done that" language. Clichés should be avoided at all costs, except for
the first half of this assignment...
You need to complete the folder entry that goes along with this assignment too.
For the assignment, choose something other than "trouble" as your
focus.
THE ASSIGNMENT: 1. Write a new piece (not the trouble free write) using as many clichés as possible (poetry, prose, situation,
event etc.).
Rather than "dropping" the clichés into your piece, try to work them
in naturally. If you have never heard the cliché before, do not use it... use expressions
that you hear all the time. This is your only opportunity to write
poorly and get credit for it. Take advantage!
2. Using the same situation or event that you chose for part one, write a
polished concrete version. Do not simply edit the first piece - do a whole
new one... Use fresh metaphors, active verbs and better
descriptions for your subjects. You may even change the format for this
part if you like.
Treat the polished piece as if it's a separate assignment. Please, do not simply replace
the clichés from part one -- REWRITE IT!
cliché version - 10 marks
concrete version - 10 marks
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Assignment #4 - Rhythm
15 marks
You must complete the folder work on rhythm first. This
is a difficult assignment.
THE ASSIGNMENT: With attention to the rhythm of your piece, write a passage in which you create a specific mood or tone.
For
example, you may describe the movement of a person, or animal, or the rhythm of a particular time of day.
If you are feeling
adventurous, try to change the mood. This is NOT the same as the exercises you did for your folder...
You do not need to maintain a particular meter (e.g. iambic pentameter); however,
you should pay special attention to the rhythm
that is created by your diction choices. The rhythm should reflect the MOOD.
I would suggest trying a poem for this one if you haven't done one yet. (Yes you have to)
* Please avoid rhyming for this piece.
15 marks
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Assignment #5 - Imagery
15 marks
DESCRIPTION: Imagery is crucial to the creation of concrete mood because it acts as a concrete representation of an abstraction.
Re-read the previous statement again. One more time....
Once you've digested it, read on.
There must be a relationship among images, and between images and the ideas they represent.
They should not exist in isolation. There is a logic in effective imagery.
Do the FOLDER SUBMISSION first, then do the assignment.
THE ASSIGNMENT: Create a mood (again) using effective, original, concrete imagery to evoke the mood.
Do not describe
"happiness" or "anger" in and of itself. Describe something (a person, place, thing, smell...) that makes you happy or angry by
creating effective images (figurative language, diction, rhythm) to evoke the mood.
You must do a prose piece for this one. (NO POETRY)
15 marks
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Assignment #6 - Description *one only - a person, place or event
25 marks
DESCRIPTION: Writing descriptively is central to establishing setting and mood and developing character.
You MUST complete the folder entries on
description first before attempting this assignment. Choose your best folder effort and follow the writing process through to a
polished work. Please take the time to edit and polish your work. Do not be satisfied with your first attempt!
THE ASSIGNMENT: Describe a person, a place or an event that is familiar to you (preferably one that you either love or hate - no
wishy-washy fence-riding drivel) using concrete, effective diction and images.
Try to objectify your description by avoiding
references to "you". Remember to go beyond physical characteristics for your description.
Reveal your subject through "objective
correlatives".
As suggested in the folder submissions, vary your sentence length and structure.
Use imagery to create a concrete piece. Appeal to the senses.
You MUST do a prose piece for this one. (NO POETRY...)
25 marks
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Assignment #7 - The Creation of Mood through STYLE
50 marks
DESCRIPTION: Mood is created through an integrated use of the stylistic elements of diction, rhythm and imagery.
While these elements are
important separately, it is a harmonious use of diction, rhythm and imagery that produces a particular mood, which in turn creates a
specific STYLE.
You must complete folder submissions one and two before attempting this assignment.
THE ASSIGNMENT: This is a two part assignment. Please submit both parts together.
PART A:
 | Select an author whose style you recognize as individual, and admirable. |
| Select and reproduce a brief, representative sample of this author's style. |
| Write an analysis (approximately one page) of the sample, in which you consider how the author has used the elements of writing to create a unique style. |
| Write a brief imitation of your author's style. |
PART B:
| Write a piece in which you demonstrate your own style. Be aware of how you employ the writing elements to create a style which is uniquely your own. This should be a new piece... |
| Write a brief analysis of your own style. Part A - 20 marks Part B - 30 marks -------------- TOTAL 50 marks |
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