Creative Writing - Junior Secondary 2 - Imaginative composition

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STEPS

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

LEARNERS ACTIVITY

1

INTRODUCTION

The teacher revises the previous lesson and introduces the new topic by outlining the features of imaginative composition

Features of Imaginative composition

  Creativity: It emphasizes originality and innovation, allowing writers to explore unique ideas, themes, and narratives.

  Vivid Descriptions: Imaginative writing uses rich and descriptive language to create strong mental images, engaging the reader's senses and emotions.

  Character Development: It often features well-developed characters with distinct personalities, backgrounds, and motivations, making them relatable and memorable.

  Plot and Structure: Imaginative compositions typically have a clear plot with a beginning, middle, and end, often including conflict and resolution to drive the story forward.

  Emotion and Tone: The writing evokes emotions in the reader, whether it's joy, sadness, fear, or excitement. The tone can vary depending on the theme and purpose of the piece.

  Imagination and Fantasy: It frequently includes elements of fantasy or the supernatural, allowing for the exploration of worlds and scenarios beyond reality.

  Dialogue: Characters often engage in dialogue that reflects their personalities and relationships, adding depth to the narrative.

  Themes and Messages: Imaginative compositions often convey deeper themes or morals, encouraging readers to think critically about the underlying messages.

  Flexibility in Form: Imaginative writing can take many forms, including stories, poems, plays, and more, allowing writers to express themselves in diverse ways.

  Engagement: It captures the reader’s attention and invites them to immerse themselves in the story, making them feel part of the narrative.

Learners observe, learn and participate

2

EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION/TEACHER MODELLING

The teacher discusses the common errors in imaginative composition and how to avoid them

Common Errors in Imaginative composition and how to avoid them

  Lack of Originality

• Error: Relying too heavily on clichés or familiar tropes instead of creating unique ideas.
• How to Avoid: Brainstorm new concepts and themes before writing. Think about what makes your story or poem different from others.

  Weak Character Development

• Error: Creating flat or unrealistic characters that lack depth or motivation.
• How to Avoid: Spend time developing your characters' backstories, personalities, and goals. Give them relatable traits that readers can connect with.

  Poor Plot Structure

• Error: Having a confusing or disorganized plot that makes it difficult for readers to follow the story.
• How to Avoid: Outline your plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Ensure there is a logical flow of events and a satisfying resolution.

  Overuse of Descriptive Language

• Error: Using excessive adjectives or adverbs that can overwhelm the reader and slow down the narrative.
• How to Avoid: Be selective with descriptions. Focus on key details that enhance the story and create vivid imagery without cluttering the writing.

  Inconsistent Tone or Voice

• Error: Shifting tones or voices throughout the piece, which can confuse the reader.
• How to Avoid: Establish a consistent tone that matches the story's mood. Decide on the voice of your narrator and stick to it throughout the piece.

  Ignoring Pacing

• Error: Either rushing through important scenes or dragging out less significant moments, which can affect reader engagement.
• How to Avoid: Pay attention to pacing by balancing action, dialogue, and description. Use shorter sentences during action scenes to create urgency and longer sentences for reflection.

  Weak Ending

• Error: Concluding the story abruptly or in a way that doesn’t satisfy the reader.
• How to Avoid: Ensure your ending wraps up the main plot points and provides closure. Consider leaving the reader with a thought-provoking idea or a twist.

  Neglecting Dialogue

• Error: Writing unnatural or stilted dialogue that doesn’t reflect how people actually speak.
• How to Avoid: Read your dialogue out loud to see if it sounds realistic. Pay attention to how people talk in real life and try to capture that in your writing.

  Lack of Theme or Message

• Error: Writing a story without a clear theme or moral, which can leave readers confused about the purpose of the piece.
• How to Avoid: Identify the main theme or message you want to convey before writing. Ensure that the story elements support this theme.

  Grammar and Spelling Errors

• Error: Making mistakes in grammar, punctuation, or spelling that distract from the story.
• How to Avoid: Proofread your work carefully and use grammar-checking tools. Consider having someone else read it to catch errors you might have missed.

Learners observe, learn and participate

3

EVALUATION

The Learners are asked to

1.   Outline the features of imagination composition

2.   State common errors in imaginative composition

- Learners observe, learn and participate

4

CLASS-WORK

Learners are asked to brainstorm ideas on ‘An imaginary visit to zoo’

Learners observe, learn and participate

5

ASSIGNMENT

Learners are asked to write an essay on ‘An imaginary visit to zoo’

Learners participate