Bad Habits

What is one of your bad habits? Invent a character who has the bad habit, but a much worse case of it than you have. Write a story where this habit gets your character into trouble.

500 words. Due at the end of class on Tuesday.

Urban Legend

An urban legend is an apocryphal (of doubtful authenticity), secondhand story, told as true and just plausible enough to be believed, about some horrific, embarrassing, ironic or exasperating series of events that supposedly happened to a real person. It’s likely to be framed as a cautionary tale.

Factual or not, an urban legend is meant to be believed. In place of evidence, the teller of an urban legend relies on skillful storytelling and/or reference to relatively trustworthy sources — e.g., "it really happened to my hairdresser's brother's best friend" — to convince hearers (or readers) of its truth.

Your assignment is to create an urban legend of 300 words or more. It is due at the end of tomorrow's class.

Sestina, Pantoum, Ottava Rima

Your assignment is to review the formats of the Sestina, Pantoum, and Ottava Rima.  You will have to know the formats from memory for the midterm.  Construct  one example for each. 

Midterm Review Day Three

Your assignment is to construct 10 cinquains.  They are due at the end of the period.

Midterm Review Day Two

Write 10 lunes by the end of the period. They must be new and original to receive credit.

Midterm Review Day One

Write  ten haikus.  They are due at the end of the period.  If they are not new, and your own work, you will receive a zero.

Love

Historically, love has been one of the most difficult concepts to define.  Almost everyone seems to have a different perception of what it means.  Write a 300 word piece that explores, in detail, your perception of the concept of love.  It is due at the end of tomorrow's class.  It should be free of errors, especially since I am giving you two class periods to do it.

Word of the Day

Construct a short story of at least 500 words (due Friday) revolving in some manner around the word of the day found on this website. Or any other "word of the day" type website as long as you provide a link. You may also use the words and phrases in the "Related Searches" box towards the bottom of the entry as alternate inspiration. Remember, you can use the word(s) as setting, as theme, as character or any other element related to literature.

Epiphany

Your assignment is to write a story of 800 words that centers on an epiphany.  An epiphany is a sudden realization, usually about something of importance.

Your story is due at the end of Wednesday's class.

A Resolution Made to be Broken

Write a piece of one hundred words that dramatically describes the breaking of somone's important resolution.  Try to give enough inmsight into the situation to force the reader to question whether or not the breaking of the resolution was justified.  It is due, without exception, at the end of the period.

New Year, New You

Think back to last year and list your top three favorite memories. Explain why these were so impactful. Also, in the tradition of the "New Year's Resolution" custom, think about several things you want to change or accomplish in the new year. Explain why and the method you aim to use.

Due at the end of the period. 300 words.