Note 1: You can download a copy of this assignment at the bottom of the page.

Note 2: An excellent example story from a previous student is available at the bottom of the page.

Creative Writing Unit

The purpose of this unit is to increase your writing process skills. The specific assignment is to research a historical period of your choice and then incorporate elements of the research into a fictional story. You are to write a convincing piece of historical fiction.

To begin: choose a historic period of interest to you. Before finalizing your choice, though, think about the physical setting, time period, and perhaps a particular historic incident.

Research: make use of school and public library resources, use school and homework time effectively, stay organized, and have your materials with you every day. You have two weeks to complete your research.

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Friday October 11th, 2019: Submit a one paragraph description of the fictional aspects of your story. What is the basic plot outline of your story.

Wednesday October 16th, 2019: submit your research findings as point form notes - handwritten only (do not submit photocopies or computer printouts from CD Roms or the internet.) Organize you material under topic headings such as:

• Geographic details: street names, building descriptions etc.
• Period details: how people get around, specific terms, social customs, how people treat each other, how males and females relate to each other, costumes, current events, etc.
• Historic Incident: Canadian settings are preferred, however, the choice of time period is up to you. An example of historic fiction you are now familiar with is “Danger on the Tracks” - the building of the railway north of London.

Please note: when you are considering the fictional aspects of your story, your characters are to be affected by the history or particular historic incident you research. The incident itself and the historic figures involved are not the main part of your story.

50 marks - 40 for research / 10 for plot outline

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Monday October 21st, 2019: submit your first draft - typed or hand written for peer editing. Attached should be the editing/revision sheet distributed with this page. Complete the appropriate parts and make arrangements with other students, older siblings, parents etc. to be your proof readers and copy editors.

25 marks for complete first draft handed in on time with editing sheet attached

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Monday October 28th, 2019: submit the final copy of your story along with the editing/revision page.

100 marks divided as follows:

• Development of Fictional Aspects of Story - 30
• Incorporation of Historical Material - 30
• Mechanics of Language (spelling, grammar, punctuation) - 25
• Editing and Proof-Reading Sheet - 15