SHORT STORY
ENG3U Short Story Assignment
Objective:
Write a short story that demonstrates your understanding of literary elements such as plot structure, character development, theme, and style. The story should be handwritten and submitted in a neat and legible manner. You may also include pictures or illustrations to complement your story, but this is optional. Your story must meet the minimum page requirement and demonstrate creative thought.
Assignment Guidelines:
1. Story Requirements:
- Length: The story should be at least two pages handwritten, double-spaced (approximately 500 words). This may be written on regular lined paper or notebook paper.
- Handwritten: The entire story must be handwritten. Make sure your writing is clear and easy to read.
- Pictures/Illustrations: You may add illustrations, sketches, or doodles that complement your story. This can help enhance the mood or theme of your story but is optional.
2. Key Elements to Include:
Plot: Your story should include a clear beginning, middle, and end. There should be a conflict or problem that drives the narrative forward.
- Exposition: Introduce the characters, setting, and conflict.
- Rising Action: Build the conflict and tension.
- Climax: The most intense point in the story where the protagonist faces the main conflict.
- Falling Action: The events following the climax that lead toward the resolution.
- Resolution: How the conflict is resolved or the story ends.
Characters: Your protagonist should experience change or growth over the course of the story. At least one character (main or secondary) should be developed enough to engage the reader.
- Protagonist: The main character driving the story.
- Antagonist (optional): A force or character that opposes the protagonist (this can be internal or external).
Setting: Establish the time and place for the story. The setting should influence the mood or atmosphere.
Theme: Consider what message or idea your story communicates. What does your story reveal about human nature, society, or relationships?
Point of View: Choose a point of view for your story (first person, third person limited, third person omniscient).
Dialogue: Use dialogue effectively to reveal character personalities, emotions, and move the plot forward.
3. Structure & Format:
- Neatness: Since the story is handwritten, ensure it is legible and organized. If you choose to add illustrations, make sure they don't overcrowd the text.
- Margins: Keep at least one-inch margins on all sides of the paper.
- Spacing: Write double-spaced for clarity and readability.
- Title: Give your story an original title. It should reflect the content of the story and intrigue the reader.
4. Submission Requirements:
- Handwritten: Submit the final handwritten draft of your short story.
- Optional Pictures: You may include pictures, illustrations, or drawings that add to your story. They should be appropriate to the content and enhance the overall narrative.
- Due Date: FRIDAY JAN 17TH 2025
Sample Story Prompts (Choose One or Create Your Own):
The Last Gift: On the day of a character’s birthday, they receive an unexpected gift from a mysterious stranger. The gift contains more than just an item—it holds a secret that changes everything.
A Time of Change: A character discovers they can manipulate time but must face the consequences of their actions when things spiral out of control. Can they fix what they’ve broken?
A Journey into the Unknown: A young explorer stumbles upon a hidden world that only a few know about. But their arrival stirs ancient forces, and they must face their fears to uncover the truth about this forgotten place.
Lost and Found: After losing something important to them, a character goes on an unexpected journey to find it. Along the way, they discover something they never knew about themselves.
The Key: Your protagonist finds a mysterious key that unlocks an unknown door. What happens when they open it? What awaits them on the other side?
Evaluation Criteria:
Your short story will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and Originality: Is the story unique? Does it engage the reader with fresh ideas?
- Plot and Structure: Does the story have a clear structure (beginning, middle, end)? Is the conflict compelling?
- Character Development: Are the characters well-developed? Do they experience change, growth, or revelation?
- Theme and Message: What is the central idea or message of the story? Does it effectively convey this theme?
- Use of Literary Elements: How well are elements such as setting, conflict, symbolism, and point of view used to develop the story?
- Neatness and Presentation: Is the handwriting clear and easy to read? Are pictures or illustrations well-organized and appropriate?
Important Notes:
- Revisions: Take time to revise your story. It’s okay to edit and improve your draft before the final submission.
- Pacing: Make sure the story flows well and the plot develops naturally. Avoid rushing through important moments.
- Stay Focused: Keep the tone and theme of your story consistent. Ensure your characters’ actions align with their personalities.