How to write a written task - assignment for Cat's Cradle

1. WRITTEN TASK (V4)
CAT’S CRADLE

2. WHAT IS A WRITTEN TASK?
• A creative assignment related to a text or topic studied
• 800-1000 words (no more, no less)
• Designed to demonstrate two things:
• Understanding of the text or topic
• Understanding of the text type used for the task.
• Plus Rationale (200-300 words, no more, no less)

3. CHOOSING YOUR WRITTEN TASK
• Topics organized per text type
• Choose one topic – no two people may choose the
same topic
• Exception: if you can prove to me beforehand how your version
will be different
• If you can’t agree, see me and I will decide

4. TRAVEL GUIDE:
Entry on San Lorenzo, including history,
geography, culture
•“VVV”-type travel guide on San Lorenzo
•“Lonely Planet” type travel guide on San Lorenzo
•Expedia-type entry for trip to San Lorenzo
•“Travel supplement” in magazine or newspaper
(specify) on San Lorenzo

5. OBITUARIES:
In the style of the NY Times
•Dr Felix Hoenikker
•Bokonon
•‘Papa’ Monzano

6. OPINION COLUMNS:
•Why America should give aid to
San Lorenzo
•Why America should try to topple the
‘Papa’ Monzano dictatorship
•San Lorenzo pro-government newspaper
attacking Bokonon religion
•American newspaper defending Bokonon
religion.

7. MAGAZINE ARTICLES:
•National Geographic article about the
Bokononist religion.
•Time Magazine interview with
‘Papa’ Monzano
•Magazine article about Dr Julian Castle’s
hospital (specify magazine)

8. NEWSPAPER ARTICLES:
• The arrival of the American ambassador in
San Lorenzo
• The ceremony in honor of the 100 Martyrs
for Democracy
• The defection and re-appearance of
Zinda in Moscow
• The discovery and rounding up of the smuggler’s ring
that Newt was working for.

9. BLOGS:
Autobiographical blog by one of the Hoenikker
children, about any period of their lives (multiple
entries must be within 3 weeks of each other).
•Frank
•Newt
•Angela

10. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
3 to 6 Letters to the Editor each (150-350 words)
responding to:
•Interview with ‘Papa’ Monzano
•Reports about persecution of Bokonon
religion in San Lorenzo
•Rumors about existence of Ice Nine

11. CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING (IN THE TEXT
AND RATIONALE)
• What register is appropriate for the text type?
• Do I sound like the person I am pretending to be?
• Character from book
• Famous columnist
• Text type writer
• Does the piece contain the correct information?
• Does the piece show a thorough understanding of the book?
• Does the piece conform to the conventions of the text type?

12. RATIONALE (200-300 WORDS)
• What is the context of the task?
• How does task show understanding of the text or topic
• What have you used from the book
• Why is what you have added appropriate?
• How does task show understanding of the text type
• What conventions specific to this text type have you use?
• Examples?
• Why is the language appropriate for the intended audience?

13. SCHEDULE
• Peer review: (hard copy) June 14th in class
• Electronic corrected version: June 16th 23:59
• Marked-up peer reviews: June 20th

14. QUESTIONS