Notes on creative writing - essay and transactional pieces A printable version

1. Comprehensive Writing
Powerpoint

2. Essay writing:

3. Basic essay format
• Introduction:
• Be creative and capture the attention of your reader.
• Hint at the topic, but avoid providing too much information
• Body:
• MUST be in paragraphs!!
• Each paragraph has one idea only
• Use your planning to decide how your essay will “flow”
• Provide sufficient details to keep the reader interested, but
avoid unnecessary information
• Conclusion:
• Round off your essay
• Provide the closing statements/lessons learnt/advice etc.

4. General advice
• Remember what style of essay you are producing
and tailor your work accordingly.
• During the planning process, ask yourself 6 basic
questions to guide you:
• Who?, What?, When?, Where?, Why?, How?
• These questions will help you “flesh out” your story
• Use figurative language to create images which will
help your reader feel as though they are
experiencing the events first-hand.

5. Narrative essay
• A narrative essay is one in which you have the
greatest creative freedom.
• It is a story, which can be told as either first or third
person narrator.
• You have complete control over who/what you put into
your story.
• If you feel you are not creative enough to sustain a
fictional story – try another type of essay...

6. Descriptive Essay
• Use “strong” adjectives e.g. Replace words like
“nice”, “big”, “fun” with other, more interesting
words which convey the same idea.
• A descriptive essay must not be simply a list of the
day’s events.
• Focus on how you felt, what you thought etc. Use
your senses as a guide.
• Sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell

7. Reflective essay:
• This type of essay is aimed to reflect a personal
event or experience of the writer.
• The essay must be written in the FIRST PERSON and
focus on the feelings and thoughts of the writer
rather than simply be a list of events.
• This experience or event is written about to show its
importance to the writer and the lessons he/she has
learnt.
• A broad topic e.g. “What is friendship” can be
written about reflectively IF the writer uses his/her
personal experience to respond to the topic.

8. Final Editing Checklist:
Your essay is now complete.
• Follow this checklist when editing ANY ESSAY:
1. Does the essay have a CLEAR introduction?
2. Are my paragraphs the correct length?
3. Do I have words linking my paragraphs?
4. Does this essay have a DEFINITE conclusion?
5. Have I written in the correct verb tense?
(past/present/future)
6. Is my essay ‘easy to read’ – does it flow well?

9. Transactional Writing

10. Writing a Formal/Business
Letter
• The FORMAL letter requires correct use of language.
• Your tone must be respectful and polite, whether you
are writing a letter of praise or complaint.
• Only include relevant details.
• Do NOT use slang, profanity or informal language.

11. P.O BOX 12345
HILLCREST
3650
Date (DD/MM/YY)
MR. C.GIRVIN
THE PRINCIPAL: HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL
PRIVATE BAG X1314
HILLCREST
3650
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Mr Girvin
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
REPORTING AN INCIDENT OF BULLYING
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Introduction
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Body
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Conclusion
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Yours faithfully
Signature
JOE SOAP (MR)
YOUR ADDRESS
RECIPIENTS NAME, JOB TITLE AND ADDRESS
SALUTATION. (Dear Sir/Madam) OR you use the person’s name
SUBJECT /PURPOSE OF LETTER
(±3 lines - give the reason for the letter).
(± 2 or 3 paragraphs – expand on your reason)
(± 2 lines - Round off the letter/ state your expectations)
Follow this specific layout

12. Friendly Letter
• It is important to note that although this is a
“friendly” letter, it does not mean you can be
informal/use slang etc.
• You are writing for academic purposes and so there
must always be restraint.

13. P.O. BOX 1234
HILLCREST
3650
Date
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Mom (whoever you’re writing to)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Introduction (purpose of the letter)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Body (Expand / Provide details) PARAGRAPHS
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Conclusion (Round off/ state expectations)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Your (connection to the person)
First name
YOUR ADDRESS

14. Magazine/Newspaper Article
• It is very important to consider your audience –
who you are writing for.
• Some situations will require a very formal tone,
while others may encourage slightly more informal
language.
• Focus on the subject of the article – do not ramble
on about unrelated matters.

15. HEADLINE
Date Written by: Name & surname
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Introduction
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Body
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Conclusion

16. Dialogue
Stage direction: Provides context for the reader – any
relevant information.
Steve: Joe! It’s been far too long since I’ve
seen you!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Joe: (mutters) There’s a reason for that.
Hi Steve! So good to see you.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Steve:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Joe:
...
Include “stage directions” at the start of the dialogue and occasionally throughout. E.g.
Set the scene/ explain how your character reacts.

17. Interview
• The interview has the same format as the dialogue,
but a different purpose.
• An interview must be a discussion regarding a
specific topic, with intelligent questions from the
interviewer.
• It is vital to balance how many times each person
speaks.

18. Formal/Informal Speech
• Format – Introduction, Body (Paragraphs) and
Conclusion.
• Remember the purpose of your speech and your
audience.
• Make sure your language is appropriate – no slang,
profanity or inappropriate language.

19. Format of a speech
HEADING/TITLE OF SPEECH
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Introduction: 3 -5 lines
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Body (Paragraphs): 3 – 4
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Conclusion: 2 – 3 lines

20. Obituary

21. SURNAME
xxxxxxxxx
Name
If a woman – neé (maiden surname) e.g. neé Brown
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Details of the death – use euphemisms
i.e. Manner, place, illness etc.
Details of the funeral (private service & then church details)
Where can flowers etc be sent
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Personalised paragraph about the deceased – discuss their personality, good
deeds etc
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Who has survived them.

22. REMINDER!!!
Obituary = a public NOTICE of death. This is
published BEFORE the funeral.
Eulogy = a speech delivered AT A FUNERAL
Know the difference!

23. SMITH
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jane
(neé Brown)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Passed away after a brave battle with cancer on 1 March 2016.
There will be a private ceremony for the immediate family at the St Johns Church at
9:00. The funeral service will be held at Hillside Church, 12 Inanda Road, Hillcrest on
3 March 2016. The ceremony will start at 11:00.
Anyone wishing to send condolences or flowers can send these to the family
residence at 17 Springside Road, Hillcrest.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jane was a warm-hearted, caring person. She took her job as school counsellor very
seriously and always made time to care for those who needed her. Her sense of
humour and thoughtful nature will be missed by all who knew her. ^^^^^^^
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
She is survived by her loving husband, David and her two beautiful children, Sarah
and Stephanie.

24. Writing an agenda and minutes of a
meeting
• An agenda is a list of the subjects that will be
discussed as well as the procedure that will be
followed, at a meeting. The agenda is
prepared before the meeting.
• Minutes are a written record of what was
discussed and decided at a meeting. Minutes
are recorded as a meeting is happening.

25. Planning the agenda and minutes:
Example: HHS RCL meeting
Agenda:
1. Opening and welcome
2. Attendance and apologies
3. Minutes of previous
meeting
4. New matters: latecomers
5. Reports/issues from
classes
6. Date of next meeting
7. Close
Minutes:
1. Opening and welcome by J. Doe,
chairperson
2. Names of learners present/ those
absent
3. Feedback regarding previous
meeting
4. New matters: Issue of students
arriving late – possible resolution
5. Classes have no reports this week
6. Next meeting: Following week
Wednesday
7. Meeting finished at 08:05

26. Final agenda:
• Heading
• List in
numbered
form
AGENDA:
HHS RCL MEETING
DATE, TIME, VENUE
1. Opening and welcome
2. Attendance and apologies
3. Minutes of previous meeting
4. New matters: latecomers
5. Reports/issues from classes
6. Date of next meeting
7. Close

27. Final minutes
MINUTES: HHS RCL MEETING
DATE, TIME, VENUE
1. J. Doe welcomed all attendees
2. Attendance as per register attached
3. Minutes of last meeting were discussed – feedback from GB meeting provided.
No change to school rules regarding blazers.
4. Latecomers are to stay behind after school for a 15 minute detention – this
motion was carried.
5. Classes had no new issues to propose
6. Next meeting, next week Wednesday, as per schedule.
7. Meeting ended at 8:05

28. Remember:
• The items in an agenda are numbered in the
sequence that they will be discussed.
• Each meeting must be recorded – these are called
minutes.
• When taking minutes, list the facts in point form
• The minutes must be formal – this is an official record of
events.
• The venue, date and time must be recorded on
both the agenda and minutes.

29. General information:
Tone/Attitude Words
These words convey an emotion or state of mind –
they are very effective if used properly

30. 1. accusatory-charging of wrong doing
2. apathetic-indifferent due to lack of energy or concern
3. awe-solemn wonder
4. bitter-exhibiting strong animosity as a result of pain or grief
5. cynical-questions the basic sincerity and goodness of people
6. condescension; condescending-a feeling of superiority
7. callous-unfeeling, insensitive to feelings of others
8. contemplative-studying, thinking, reflecting on an issue
9. critical-finding fault
10. contemptuous-showing or feeling that something is worthless or lacks respect
11. conventional-lacking spontaneity, originality, and individuality
12. disdainful-scornful
13. earnest-intense, a sincere state of mind
14. fanciful-using the imagination
15. forthright-directly frank without hesitation
16. gloomy-darkness, sadness, rejection
17. haughty-proud and vain to the point of arrogance

31. 20. judgmental-authoritative and often having critical opinions
21. jovial-happy
22. matter-of-fact--accepting of conditions; not fanciful or emotional
23. mocking-treating with contempt or ridicule
24. morose-gloomy, sullen, surly, despondent
25. malicious-purposely hurtful
26. objective-an unbiased view-able to leave personal judgments aside
27. optimistic-hopeful, cheerful
28. patronizing-air of condescension
29. pessimistic-seeing the worst side of things; no hope
30. quizzical-odd, eccentric, amusing
31. ridiculing-slightly contemptuous banter; making fun of
32. reflective-illustrating innermost thoughts and emotions
33. sarcastic-sneering, caustic
34. sardonic-scornfully and bitterly sarcastic
35. satiric-ridiculing to show weakness in order to make a point, teach
36. sincere-without deceit or pretence; genuine

32. Practice topics:
Note: Word count = 180 – 200 words
Work on these topics after you have learnt the
formats & then check your practice against the
notes.

33. 1. Formal letter: The management of Hillcrest High
School has requested suggestions from students on
how to improve the school.
2. Friendly letter: Write a letter to a friend discussing
something which recently happened in your life –
positive or negative.
3. Magazine/newspaper article: Write an article for
the school magazine/newspaper about any aspect
of your school experience thus far.
4. Dialogue: Write a dialogue between you and your
mum in which you ask for permission to go to a
party with your friends.
5. Interview: You are a DJ for 5fm and you are
scheduled to interview a famous celebrity – write
out what

34. 6. Informal speech: You are a speaker at your friend’s
16th birthday – write out your speech.
7. Formal speech: Write out the speech you present
as chairperson of a club at school in which you
round up the events of your year.
8. Obituary: Write an obituary for a celebrity who has
recently passed away.
9. Agenda/Minutes: You are the secretary of an
organisation – write the agenda and minutes for an
upcoming meeting.