Writing Prompt: 8 Ways Characterc is Revealed

What are the eight (8) ways character is revealed?

Answer:  Click HERE



More explanation: Click Here and Here

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Short Story Elements

Lesson Adapted from Film English

The lesson is designed around an Oscar-winning short film called The Man Who Planted Trees and the subjects of short stories and the meaning of life. Students read a short story, watch short video about writing a short story, write a short story, watch a short film, and speak about the meaning of life. The lesson should be done over 2 90 minute classes.-Film English

Language level: Upper Intermediate– Advanced (C1)

Learner type: Teens and adults

Time: 2 90 minute classes/May Vary depending on adaptation

Activity: Reading a short story, watching short video about writing a short story, writing a short story, watching a short film, and speaking

Topic: Short stories and the meaning of life

Language: Language related to elements of a short story

Materials: Short story, video and short film

Downloadable materials: the man who planted trees lesson instructions the 5 elements of a short story how to write a great short story the man who planted trees short story the man who planted trees discussion questions-Film English

Lesson 1

Step 1

Ask students the following question:

Have you ever read any short stories?

Can you remember the plot of any short stories?

What makes a good short story?


Step 2

Write the following words on the board:

Character

Setting

Plot

Conflict

Theme

Tell your students that these are generally considered the 5 essential elements of a short story. Put your students in pairs and ask them to discuss what each of the 5 elements means. Give them 5 minutes to discuss the 5 elements and then get feedback.

Step 3

Give students the 5 Elements of a Short Story handout and ask them to read it and then compare their answers with the information in the article.

The 5 Elements of a Short Story

Step 4

Ask your students the following question:

How can you write a great short story?

Put them into small groups and give them 5 minutes to come up with advice for writing a great short story.

Step 5

Tell your students they are going to watch a short video in which the writer Kurt Vonnegut gives 8 tips on how to write a short story. Ask students to watch the film and then try to discuss the advice he gives.

How to Write a Great Short Story

For advanced students you can read the short story The Man Who Planted Trees. Tell them they will need to use a dictionary as there is a lot of difficult vocabulary.

AUDIO LINK for The Man Who Planted Trees

If you use The Man Who Planted Trees Lesson Two use Film English

Or

You can use Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes

AUDIO LINK for Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes

Now, students will plan their own short story using the plot diagram and following the advice they learned in the lesson. They should choose their own title.

LESSON 2

If you use The Man Who Planted Trees instructions for Lesson Two are found on Film English

If you use Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes use the links below and the additional resources on The Things You Can Read.

Plot Diagram for Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes

Free Lesson Plan for Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes

Questions for Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes

Audio for Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes

Slide Show to Introduce and Teach Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes

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Writing Prompt September 10, 2013

The Housemaid, William McGregor Paxton, 1910

Define Theme.

Define Plot.

List as many parts of the plot diagram as you can.  Better yet draw and label the plot diagram.

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Review of Genre

Define Genre.  
 
List as many genres as you can (THINK BIG 5)!  

Now, list as many sub-genres as you can (THINK 15/16)!

Example:
Genre:  Fiction   Sub-Genre:  Historical Fiction

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"There’s nothing quite like a real book."

Konrad Cramer

The following quote ends "The Joy of Books" video we viewed in class:

"There’s nothing quite like a real book."

Do you agree or disagree?  Why? 

Film English

Continue Lesson

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Joy of Books

Answer the following questions:

Do you have a favorite bookshop?

What do you like about bookshops?

What happens in a bookshop when it is closed at night? Use your imagination!

Film English

Continue Lesson

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First Day of School: September 3, 2013

What is your favorite book?  What is the book that made you like reading?  You answer could be the same for both questions or different.

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