Writer’s Workshop Assignments for the 1st Six Weeks

This six weeks we are focusing on characterization and conflict/resolution. You will practice working on both aspects and then put them together in a story. Below are the various writing assignments and their due dates for the 1st six weeks.

Characterization (5pts). Work on whichever one of these you want during our workshop time and choose the one that best shows aspects of characterization. Remember, our understanding of characters is influenced by their physical appearance, words, actions, thoughts, motivation, and relationships to others. This will be graded on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

  • Option 1: Think of a person you admire. Write a half a page short story where those admirable qualities are seen through their responses and choices.
  • Option 2: Using the provided Character Sketch sheet, create a believable character for a story.
  • Option 3: Write a poem about a character in Fahrenheit 451 that reveals their important things about them.

Plot (5pts). Work on whichever one of these you want during our workshop time and choose the one that best shows a well-developed conflict and resolution. This will be graded on Monday,Sept. 16.

  • Option 1: Create a list of 3 real life potential conflicts (bullying, tempted to lie, wanting something you don’t have) and 3 real life potential resolutions to those conflicts
  • Option 2: Create a list of 3 larger than life potential conflicts (fighting as a tribute in the hunger games, stealing books because they are banned, rescuing someone kidnapped by pirates) and 3 potential resolutions to those conflicts.
  • Option 3: Create a complete plot diagram for your final product, your engaging story.

Engaging story (20 pts). FINAL PRODUCT – MAJOR GRADE – Due Tuesday, Sept. 24. (Hint: last day of the 1st six weeks grading period is Sept. 27.)

  • Write an engaging story with interesting and believable characters and a well-developed conflict and resolution. (Aim for about 1½ to 2 pages.)

This will be graded with the Literary Essay STAAR rubric.