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Create Original Pieces of Writing: Demonstrate creativity and effective application of genre conventions
Assessment Strategies
Written creative works
Criteria
Create original pieces in at least two different genres (e.g., poetry, short stories, plays, and/or creative nonfiction)
Adapt writing style and techniques to fit the conventions and expectations of each genre
Develop unique and imaginative ideas, characters, and settings, reflecting originality
Employ new concepts and narrative and/or lyrical approaches
Identify the conventions and key elements specific to each genre of writing
Use structures, themes, tones, and stylistic choices that align with the genre's norms and enhance the overall impact of the writing
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Develop Writing Techniques: Use fundamental writing techniques such as imagery, rhythm, dialogue, and narrative structure
Assessment Strategies
Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
Criteria
Develop vivid and descriptive imagery in writing to create a strong sense of place, character, or emotion
Use sensory details that engage readers' senses and enhance the overall narrative
Demonstrate rhythm in writing, ensuring that the flow of lines, sentences, and paragraphs contribute to the overall pacing, mood, and/or lyric of the piece
Apply craft techniques, according to genre conventions such as rhyme/rhythm, line, attention to language, exposition, character development, and engaging dialogue
Articulate how craft choices contribute to readers’ experiences
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Explore Voice and Style: Demonstrate a unique writing voice and style, experimenting with different techniques and approaches
Assessment Strategies
Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
Criteria
Practice various writing techniques, such as different narrative perspectives, sentence structures, and literary devices (e.g., metaphors, similes, alliteration)
Be willing to try new approaches to discover what best suits your unique voice and style
Develop a consistent and authentic writing voice that reflects personal style and perspective
Integrate a distinct tone and manner of expression that is recognizable and genuine throughout the creative pieces
Demonstrate versatility by writing in various forms (e.g., poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction, drama) while maintaining unique voice and stylistic elements
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Use the Writing Process: Implement stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, revising, and finalizing
Assessment Strategies
Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
Criteria
Generate imaginative ideas through creative brainstorming techniques (e.g., mind mapping, free writing, character sketches)
Show evidence of experimenting with different concepts and selecting the most compelling ones for creative pieces
Create initial drafts that outline the main ideas, structure, and content of creative pieces
Pieces are coherent and engaging
Drafts incorporate essential elements such as plot, character development, setting, imagery, sound devices, and thematic depth
Evaluate drafts
Implement substantial changes
Revise language and style to enhance imagery, rhythm, dialogue, and narrative coherence
Revise the work into a final polished piece suitable for publication or presentation
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Peer Review and Feedback: Use and generate feedback to improve your writing
Assessment Strategies
Written, Oral, Graphic, Self-Assessment, and/or Discussion
Criteria
Create clear, specific, and actionable feedback that addresses particular aspects of the writing
Feedback focuses on craft, including but not limited to line breaks, pacing, enjambment, alliteration, thick description
Critique the effectiveness of imagery and descriptive language used in the writing
Assess how well the writer paints a picture with words and evokes emotions
Evaluate the depth and believability of characters, personas, and the natural flow of dialogue
Assess the overall structure and pacing of the story/poem
Create specific feedback that is constructive and kind
Generate/ask neutral, clarifying questions to better interpret the poem with a focus on improvement
Analyze constructive criticism, recognizing areas for revision
Demonstrate effective listening, speaking, and/or writing within peer work group
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Revise and Edit: Apply revision and editing strategies to improve your writing, focusing on clarity, coherence, and style
Assessment Strategies
Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
Criteria
Revise work by addressing structural issues such as line breaks (poetry), stanzas (poetry), pacing, plot, character development (fiction and creative non-fiction), and overall coherence
Multiple drafts show evidence of improvement
Apply editing strategies to improve writing style, ensuring that tone, word choice, and sentence structure align with the intended idea and voice of the piece
Illustrate clear attention to stylistic elements like rhythm, diction, and voice
Use proofreading strategies, such as checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors
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Reflect on Writing Practices: Analyze your writing practices and growth as writers, setting goals for future improvement
Assessment Strategies
Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
Criteria
Analyze your writing process, identifying strengths, challenges, and patterns
Recognize specific areas of improvement and future areas of improvement and growth
Incorporate feedback received in workshops, from peers, instructors, or previous work
Set clear, actionable goals for your development as a writer
Goals address specific aspects of writing (such as figurative language, sound/tone, structure, voice, or character development) or broader objectives in terms of craft
Goals include strategies for ongoing self-improvement and development
Apply constructive criticism or personal reflections in subsequent drafts or projects, highlighting a progression in your writing skills and creative approach
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Contribute to Creative Communities: Collaborate with other writers to contribute to full-class workshops and/or small group peer review
Assessment Strategies
Written, Oral, Graphic, and/or Self-Assessment
Criteria
Provide written and verbal feedback during class workshops or small group, peer review sessions
Generate comments on peers' work
Revise your work based on feedback and be open to receiving feedback
Show interest in the broader literary environment beyond your own work
Explain strategies for sharing and submitting work to literary journals and seeking opportunities for publication or other public showcases
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Analyze Published Works of Creative Writing
Assessment Strategies
Written, Oral, Graphic, Self-Assessment, and/or Skill Demonstration (reading)
Criteria
Study/read various genres and styles of creative writing
Identify key themes, motifs, imagery, conflict/tension, point of view, and symbols
Explain the structure, style, techniques, and craft used by authors
Evaluate the effectiveness of literary devices
Explain the historical and social contexts of the works studied
Examine how historical events, cultural movements, and social issues might influence the themes and styles of creative writing
Analyze elements of craft, including plot development, character creation, and narrative voice
Explore the author's creative process and decision-making