Author: Shelley-Ann

Understanding the Prompt

Sometimes when students approach creative writing, they’re so anxious about the process that they forget to analyse the prompt carefully. It’s not that a prompt is a trick question designed for misinterpretation, but many children get excited about certain parts of a prompt and totally miss other parts.

Let me give an example. I gave the following narrative prompt to a couple of students – “Write a story which includes the line: Playing “Among Us” with my friends online is a lot of fun, but being quarantined is no fun at all.” I was totally pleased with myself that I was hip with current events and knew the games the children are currently obsessed with. However, they all focused on the game itself and completely ignored the bit about being quarantined. What I got were stories about what happened in the game. If I had marked them on their responses, I would have to give low marks simply because they did not address all the issues mentioned in the prompt.

So, even excellent stories wouldn’t score well. Analysing report prompts help students know what type of report they’re writing, whether it’s a competition, event, activity, incident, or accident. That information influences what goes into the report, particularly the conclusion.

Prompts are there to guide the response. Some give a general direction while others give specific details that should be included. All prompts set basic parameters for the writing they’re meant to generate. Pay attention to phrases like, “what happened next” and “report on the experience.” Additionally, be careful with using words from the prompt. Remember, the prompt is just a guide to direct students on what to write. Words from the prompt should only be used if the prompt directs students to do so. Otherwise, use them only as inspiration to prepare a response.

As you work with your child to analyse prompts, look at keywords. Discuss your child’s understanding of the prompt and how they would approach it. Show them how to idenfity things that are stated plainly and things that are implied. Guide them in planning responses. That will help them keep on track with their writing, and position them for better marks.

#UnderstandingthePrompt

Expository Report Writing

Report writing is different from narrative writing in some ways, but similar in others. Some of the same things which are required in narrative writing are also required in report writing.

For example, a student still has to ensure that they understand the prompt and what is being asked of them. A student also should still aim to exceed expectations in their writing in order to score 18-20 in report writing. And, students also must demonstrate an excellent command of the English language, so grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and organization should be well managed. But that’s where the similarities end between narrative writing and report writing.

Here are three aspects of report writing that must be executed to a higher than average standard for a student to score 18-20 at SEA.

1. Use of formal language.

a. Avoid casual language which includes slang and common expressions.
b. Avoid contractions and phrasal verbs.
c. Use formal structure and vocabulary.

2. Stick to the relevant facts.

a. Select facts that relate directly to the situation.
b. Avoid opinions and commenting on feelings.
c. Avoid subjective descriptions

3. Pay attention to sequencing.

a. Use appropriate transitions to connect ideas.
b. Use chronological order when relaying actions.
c. Avoid repetition or jumping too far ahead.

Overall, once students understand that a report is a concise written account of a situation submitted to a specific audience with a specific purpose in mind, they will approach it with the right attitude. And they will do well.

#ReportWriting

Let’s Get Writing

We are on the other side of SEA, and those who did the exam are now on their way to new adventures. May they face their days with courage and joy.

For those who are preparing for upcoming SEA exams, we’re here and ready to focus on our writing.

Let’s get started today with a note about what it takes to get 18-20 in Creative Writing.

  1. Understanding what the prompt is asking for.
  2. Identifying all the concepts and issues in the prompt
  3. Knowing if the prompt targets before, during, or after a situation
  4. Recognizing what to write about
  5. Exceeding the expectations for the task.
  6. Selecting a suitable response to the task
  7. Understanding what is the minimum requirement
  8. Knowing how to go beyond the minimum requirement
  9. Effectively developing setting.
  10. Deciding how much setting needs to be described
  11. Describing setting throughout the story, not just in one place
  12. Ensuring that characters interact with the setting
  13. Developing characters through dialogue and description.
  14. Paying attention to personality, attitude, and physical description
  15. Using dialogue to share information
  16. Making dialogue realistic but concise
  17. Expressing ideas in vivid description and figurative language.
  18. Giving details beyond narrating actions
  19. Working descriptions into the telling of the story
  20. Incorporating similes, metaphors, imagery, and other literary devices
  21. Skillfully developing the plot.
  22. Being confident about how the story unfolds
  23. Engaging with conflict that gets worse before it gets better
  24. Resolving the conflict in a reasonable way
  25. Demonstrating a strong command of the English language –
  26. Vocabulary
  27. Grammar
  28. Punctuation
  29. Organization (paragraphing)
  30. Spelling

Over the course of the next few weeks I will discuss what is needed in each of these categories so that you will have an idea of how to help your child.