Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Can you write without the letter e?

It was a task that I asked my Year 12 class to complete today. They will be working on their one and only creative writing piece for the year, and I really wanted to push them into understanding the importance of description. It was a hard task, and they groaned and moaned when I asked them to begin.

They did, however, complete the task, and did quite well. I especially loved how one student, desperate to use the word enemies resorted to villainous shadows. It was more than I could have asked for, and was an apt example of the power of words. It was a marvelous way for the class to see the power of language - as they realised that enemy did not do justice to the concept that he was trying to put across. They reflected that the image of villainous shadows was significantly more menacing and evoked much stronger negative emotions; that his original choice (enemy) seemed weak in comparison.

Just to see if I could also do the task that I had set, I wrote one sentence describing a shipwrecked vessel. Here it is:

A rusty hull lay jutting with diabolical abandon.

It's a lot harder than it sounds, writing without the letter e; I'm glad to have it back in my life ♥

I would love to see your attempts at writing without the letter e :)

PS - Rapunzel poem coming soon. It's in the final editing phase.

5 comments:

  1. Wow, Wave, what an interesting challenge. That darn "e" shows up everywhere!

    But here's my attempt:

    "My kitty lay on a pillow all day long."

    Does that work? I know it's a bit elementary, but the truth hurts... Ruby Azazel is truly one lazy cat. :-)

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  2. This is a fantastic challenge!! Just another reason as to why you're an AMAZING teacher :)

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  3. Laura yours certainly does work :) and if the truth hurts - well ... I have visions of one of those 'so what will you do for me today?' type of cats.

    Lucia, you are so kind, again and again and again. My head is starting to swell so you had better watch out :)

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  4. I was talking to my sister about this, she was amazed at the challenge you set the class! especially without 'the'.

    did you see simo's piece that he wrote?

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  5. Yeah I saw Simo's he was so embarrassed - didn't mean to do that to him ... but I was so pleased that my challenge had jumped over to another staff member :)

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