CREATIVE WRITING
In order to write effectively, we need to rethink what we know about storytelling. Many of you understand creative writing as not much more than a plot. You tell the reader what happens and that's about it. We can learn a lot more about how to use language more effectively by studying the work of other effective writers. |
LEARNING GOALS
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LANGUAGE TECHNIQUES
Today we will be revising four techniques. The effects of different language features should always be considered in context. Below you will find a guide, but great writers are always finding new and innovative ways to use these techniques to affect their audiences in new and exciting ways. Make sure you take this into account and use your common sense when you are analysing language.
TECHNIQUE
SIMILE:
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DEFINITION
A comparison between two things that are not alike, usually using 'like' or 'as ... as' to make the comparison.
"She ran like the wind". |
TYPICAL EFFECTS
Usually this enhances the imagery in a piece of writing by causing the reader to 'see' or feel both ideas at once.
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METAPHOR:
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a comparison between two things that are not alike where we say one thing IS something else.
"The moon was a ghostly galleon" |
The comparison is stronger than a simile, enhancing the imagery by making us 'see' both images on top of each other. They merge and become the same, absorbing all the qualities of each other.
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ALLITERATION:
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A form of CONSONANCE where a letter is repeated at the beginning of two or more words that are close together.
"Sausages sizzling in the summer heat." |
There are many possible effects of alliteration.
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ONOMATOPOEIA:
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The spelling of a sound.
"moo"; "drip"; "murmur"; "trickle" |
Onomatopoeia creates sound imagery. It allows the audience to 'hear' the sounds of a story or poem, transporting them into the story.
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activities
- Read through the extract from Swashbuckler by James Moloney and find an example of each of the techniques. Use the colour key at the end of the passage to identify each.
2. For each technique you have identified, comment in the margin on the effect created. (Try to do it from memory but the table above can help you if you need it.)
3. Consider each of the techniques you have found. How effective have they been? How could you use these techniques in your own writing?
4. Write the opening passage of a short story. Your goal is to create setting and/or characterisation for your reader. In your passage you should demonstrate effective use of:
- a metaphor or a simile (3 marks)
- alliteration (3 marks)
- onomatopoeia. (3 marks)
- spelling, capitalisation and punctuation (3 marks)
- sentence construction and expression (3 marks)