Creative Writing - Junior Secondary 1 - Errors in Creative Writing

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STEPS

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

LEARNERS ACTIVITY

1

INTRODUCTION

The teacher revises the previous lesson and introduces the new topic by mentioning and explaining the common errors in creative writing

Common errors in creative writing

1. Overuse of Adjectives and Adverbs

Writers sometimes think adding many descriptive words will make their writing richer, but this often leads to wordiness and weakens the prose.

• Example: "She quickly ran to the very big, extremely old, and slightly creaky house."
• Solution: Use strong, specific nouns and verbs to convey meaning.
• Improved: "She sprinted to the ancient, creaky house."

2. Telling Instead of Showing

Telling states facts directly, while showing allows readers to experience the story through action, dialogue, and description, making the writing more engaging.

• Example: "She was angry."
• Solution: Show the character’s anger through actions, body language, or dialogue.
• Improved: "Her fists clenched, and her voice shook as she shouted, 'How could you do this?'"

3. Clichés

Clichés are overused expressions that have lost their impact. They make writing feel stale and unoriginal.

• Example: "He was as brave as a lion."
• Solution: Find unique and fresh ways to express ideas.
• Improved: "He faced danger with unflinching eyes, daring the world to strike first."

4. Weak Dialogue

Dialogue can feel unrealistic or stilted if characters speak too formally or unnaturally.

• Example: "Hello, my dear friend. How are you on this fine day?"
• Solution: Make dialogue sound natural and reflect how people actually speak.
• Improved: "Hey, how’s it going?"

5. Repetitive Sentence Structure

Using the same sentence structure repeatedly makes writing feel monotonous and boring.

• Example: "He walked to the door. He opened it. He stepped outside."
• Solution: Vary sentence structure to create rhythm and flow.
• Improved: "He walked to the door, flung it open, and stepped into the cool morning air."

6. Info Dumping

This occurs when writers provide too much background information or exposition at once, slowing down the narrative and overwhelming the reader.

• Example: "John grew up in a small town. His father was a baker and his mother worked at the post office. He liked fishing, and his favorite food was pizza..."
• Solution: Reveal information gradually through actions, dialogue, or natural storytelling.
• Improved: "John's hands were always covered in flour, a habit he picked up from long afternoons helping his father in the bakery."

7. Inconsistent Tense

Switching between past, present, and future tenses unintentionally can confuse readers.

• Example: "She walks into the room, looked around, and sits down."
• Solution: Stay consistent with the chosen tense throughout the piece.
• Improved: "She walked into the room, looked around, and sat down."

8. Flat Characters

Characters that lack depth or development can make stories feel uninteresting. Readers should feel connected to the characters, understanding their motivations and growth.

• Example: A hero who is perfect and always makes the right decisions.
• Solution: Give characters flaws, goals, and internal conflicts to make them feel realistic.
• Improved: The hero struggles with self-doubt but still takes action despite their fear of failure.

9. Overly Complicated Plots

Sometimes writers try to weave too many plot twists or subplots, making the story confusing.

• Example: A novel with multiple time jumps, too many characters, and unclear motivations.
• Solution: Focus on a clear, central narrative and keep subplots relevant to the main storyline.
• Improved: Streamline the plot, ensuring each twist adds to the tension or development of the story.

10. Lack of Conflict or Stakes

Stories without significant conflict can feel flat and uninteresting. Readers need a reason to care about what happens next.

• Example: A story where everything goes smoothly for the protagonist.
• Solution: Introduce meaningful conflict or obstacles that challenge the characters and raise the stakes.
• Improved: The protagonist faces a difficult decision that could drastically change their future, creating tension and suspense.

Learners observe, learn and participate

2

EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION/TEACHER MODELLING

The teacher then explains how careful repetition can be used in creative writing

Avoiding careless repetition

Careful repetition of words and phrases can help to make your sentences well connected and your writing clear and united. This can help the reader to focus attention on a central idea.

However there are repetitions that can mar your writing and make it boring and unintelligible. Here are few tips to overcome this problem

1.   Use pronouns to avoid repetition of nouns and noun phrases

Example

"The teacher told the students that the teacher would give the students their assignments the next day." – wrong

"The teacher told the students that she would give them their assignments the next day." – right

2.   Use synonyms to avoid repetition of key words and phrases

3.   Use a wide variety of linking words and devices to make your writing interesting and easy to read

Examples

a.   First/firstly – first of all

b.   Secondly/thirdly – In addition, also, furthermore

c.   However – Nevertheless

d.   Moreover- also

e.   In conclusion - finally

Learners observe, learn and participate

3

EVALUATION

The Learners are asked to

1.   Mention and explain some common errors in creative writing

2.   How can one use repetition carefully in creative writing?

- Learners observe, learn and participate

4

CLASS-WORK

Learners are asked to do the exercise on page 164 of the New Concept English for Junior Secondary School 1

Learners observe, learn and participate

5

ASSIGNMENT

Learners are asked to do the exercise on page 164 of the New Concept English for Junior Secondary School 1

Learners participate

6

CONCLUSION

The teacher marks their books, corrects it and commends the Learners