3. Introduction
Have you read stories where:
1) you can almost predict the outcome?
2) you are bored?
3) you cannot connect with the problems
described?
These happen because the conflicts are not as
creative!
Fortunately, you will see they are simple to
create.
4. Introduction
A creative twist to a problem adds a great
surprise that engages the reader.
Here are some possible problems. We are going
to put a twist to them.
David...
1) went to the supermarket and on one of the
shelves he found ...
2) was waiting at the bus stop when a man in
dark glasses came and …
5. Creative Twist to a Problem
1a) went to the supermarket and on one of the shelves
he found a cockroach, nestled between two soda
cans, looking quite still except for its antennas.
1b) went to the supermarket and on one of the shelves
he found a tin can which had passed its expiry date.
2a) was waiting at the bus stop when a man in dark
glasses came and asked for directions.
2b) was waiting at the bus stop when an old woman
asked him for directions.
Which problem do you think is more interesting?
Why?
6. Creative Twist – A Special Ingredient
Why are some problems more creative or
twists?
The stories described are not ordinary events.
They don't happen everyday but are not too
outrageous too be considered unbelievable.
In other words, they are creative because they
use possible but unlikely.
The following diagram illustrates this principle.
7. Walking the ‘NO’ Line
Normal Possible Impossible Outrageous
Where you need to be –
possible but unlikely,
good material for
creativity
8. Walking the ‘NO’ Line
A twist to the problem, like what was presented
above, keeps your reader engaged throughout
the reading.
Just three words for a creative twist – possible
but unlikely.
The 1b) tin can passed its shelf life and 2b) old
woman are quite likely compared to 1a)
cockroach and 2a) a man in dark glasses.
So the 1a and 2a are better as creative ideas for
the problems.
9. Learning Activity
With the following situations, think about how
you would create a twist:
1) You were on your way to visit your
grandmother when you saw...
2) You were taking an MRT train to school when
you heard ...
Hint: Think about possible but unlikely
situations
10. Learning Activity Suggested Answers
With the following situations, think about how
you would create a twist:
1) You were on your way to visit your
grandmother when you saw a dead cat lying
inside the rubbish chute.
2) You were taking an MRT train to school when
you heard someone singing loudly with her
earphones attached.
11. Discussion
What makes a common problem creative?
What's the benefit of a creative story?
12. In summary
It turns everyday problems into possible but
unlikely to happen ones.
A story with a creative problem provides an
engaging read that attracts high marks from the
examiner.
