Understand the characteristics and context for a chosen media and communication - Critically evaluate creative solutions against identified characteristics and context for a chosen media and communication activity/Critically reflect on learning to inform personal development.
Write a brief summary of the characteristics of both your chosen mediums (refer to your preparation questions). Which did you know and which did you learn and develop further?
Short stories are compact narratives that focus on a single event, character, or theme. They rely on strong imagery, character development, and concise storytelling to create an emotional or thought-provoking impact. I already knew that short stories often use literary devices such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and irony, but through my research, I developed a deeper understanding of pacing and how subtle details can enhance meaning. I also learned more about the importance of an engaging opening and a strong resolution to leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Feature articles, on the other hand, blend factual information with storytelling elements, making them more engaging than standard news reports. They provide depth by incorporating expert opinions, interviews, and statistics while maintaining a clear and compelling narrative. I was already familiar with their journalistic nature, but this project helped me develop a better grasp of how to structure them effectively. I learned more about crafting a strong introduction to hook readers, balancing objective reporting with emotional storytelling, and using linguistic techniques such as rhetorical questions and emotive language to strengthen my message.
What mediums did you choose? Why did you choose these mediums: favourite, strongest, challenging, best for the theme?
I chose short stories and feature articles as my two mediums because they each offer unique ways to explore and present ideas, particularly in relation to cultural and social differences.
I chose short stories because they allow for deep emotional engagement and character-driven narratives. They are one of my favorite mediums as they offer creative freedom and the ability to explore themes through personal, intimate storytelling. However, I also find them challenging because they require precise language and a strong structure within a limited word count. Despite this, I believe short stories are one of my strongest mediums, as I enjoy using literary techniques to build atmosphere, emotion, and character development. This medium is particularly effective for my theme because it allows me to create a personal, immersive perspective on cultural and social differences, helping readers connect emotionally with the subject matter.
I also chose feature articles because they provide an opportunity to blend factual information with engaging storytelling. This medium is best suited for exploring real-world issues, as it allows me to incorporate statistics, expert opinions, and interviews to provide a well-rounded, informed perspective. I find feature writing both challenging and rewarding because it requires balancing objectivity with compelling storytelling. While I am still developing my journalistic writing skills, I believe this medium is one of the most effective for raising awareness and educating readers about cultural and social differences.
What was your theme? Why did you choose this theme? Personal? Prevalent in news? Popular choice of theme? Refer to discussions amongst peers and lecturer etc. Choices and Decision making? All of the above?
My chosen theme focuses on cultural and social differences, particularly the experiences of women across different societies. I was drawn to this theme because it is both personally significant, due to having first-hand experience of living life as a woman, and highly relevant in global discussions. Additionally, women’s rights and the struggles they face continue to be widely reported in the media, making this an important and timely subject to explore. A key factor in my decision came from discussions with my peers and friends in class, where we talked about the contrast between women’s lives in different parts of the world. This inspired me to consider how cultural expectations and societal norms shape women’s experiences in ways that are often overlooked.
I also wanted to challenge myself with this project by moving beyond personal opinions and incorporating different perspectives. Writing both a short story and a feature article allowed me to experiment with two different styles—one being immersive and emotional, the other factual and analytical. In discussionsbetween me and my tutor , we briefly touched on the situation in Afghanistan as a form of inspiration for my project, where women’s rights have been severely restricted, and how this highlights the extreme end of cultural and social limitations. While I didn’t want to focus solely on this, it reinforced my desire to explore how cultural backgrounds shape identity, freedom, and opportunities. By choosing this theme, I aimed to push myself beyond my usual writing style and engage with complex, thought-provoking topics. I wanted to explore not just hardship but also resilience, adaptation, and the difficulty of navigating multiple cultural identities. This project became an opportunity to develop my storytelling skills while also deepening my understanding of a subject that is both globally relevant and personally meaningful.
Where would you show your work ideally: magazine, TV, cinemas, bookshops, theatre, exhibition space?
Ideally, I would showcase my work in a magazine and bookshops, as both suit my project’s themes and style.
A magazine would be the best platform for my feature article, reaching a wide audience interested in cultural and social issues. Publications like The Guardian or BBC Future would provide the right space for thought-provoking discussion. For my short story, a literary magazine or anthology in bookshops would be ideal. Publications that celebrate diverse storytelling, would be a great fit. If I expanded my project, a theatre performance or exhibition could bring its themes to life, but print remains my primary focus for reaching engaged readers.
Who are your audience and what do they look like? How do you know? Why aim at them?
I think that my target audience would consist of socially conscious readers who are interested in cultural and social issues, particularly those related to women’s experiences and global inequalities. This would include young adults and adults, likely aged 16-40, who engage with journalism, literature, and media that explore identity, feminism, and human rights.
They would be people who read publications like The Guardian, BBC Documentaries, and consume social media content, and are likely to follow discussions on gender equality, cultural identity, and societal differences. Many may be students, activists, writers, or professionals who are looking to read thought-provoking content that challenges perspectives and encourages deeper understanding. I know this audience exists because of the popularity of books, articles, and media that tackle these themes, as well as through discussions with peers and my lecturer, who have shown interest in these topics. My primary google forms research that I conducted to find out my target audience also revealed the kind of person that i wanted to aim my work towards.I aim my work at them because they are engaged, open to learning, and passionate about real-world issues, making them the ideal readers for both my short story and feature article.
What preparation and planning, pre-production and production (research methods, notes and ideas, character building?) did you do and how did it help? Would you consider these major characteristics of the medium? How and why? If you didn’t do this, do you now wish you had?
Beginning the process of researching and planning for my feature article and short story was essential to ensuring I created work that was structured, engaging, and had strong themes. Although I had experience with both mediums, I wanted to challenge myself by deepening my understanding of how to craft compelling narratives in both factual and fictional storytelling. To start, I researched various feature writers and short story authors, paying close attention to the techniques they used and any advice they shared about their craft. This research was helpful in shaping my approach, allowing me to refine my writing style and experiment with new techniques.
For my feature article, I focused on how journalists use storytelling to humanise global issues, particularly through real-life interviews, emotive language, and structuring articles in an engaging yet informative way. Reading long-form journalism helped me recognize the importance of balancing facts, statistics, and personal narratives, which ultimately guided the way I structured my own piece. Discussions with my lecturer and peers reinforced the significance of cultural and social differences in women’s experiences, particularly after we discussed the struggles of women in places where gender equality is severely restricted. These conversations helped me focus on the right aspects, ensuring that my article addressed both broad societal issues and individual experiences. For my short story, I took a similar approach by researching different short story writers, analyzing how they build tension, create emotional depth, and structure narratives effectively. Shirley Jackson’s work, particularly The Lottery, influenced my approach. Her emphasis on subverting expectations and creating unsettling endings inspired me to craft a story that leaves readers with a lasting emotional impact. I wanted my piece to feel unexpected and thought-provoking, instead of sounding too predictable.
When structuring both pieces, I used planning tools similar to those I have found helpful in previous projects. For my short story, I created a plot structure, which allowed me to map out the character’s motivations, struggles, and important arcs before writing the full piece. This was particularly useful in ensuring that the pacing and progression of my story felt natural and flowed well. Similarly, for my feature article, I focused on breaking down the structure into sections, ensuring I had a strong introduction, key arguments, and a compelling conclusion. I also conducted an interview with my friend Natalia to provide a real-life perspective on cultural differences, helping to add a personal and authentic element to my article. The interview process showed me how important it is to include direct experiences and voices when writing about social and cultural issues, as it makes the content more relatable and engaging for readers.
In future projects, I plan to use these same structural and research methods to improve my storytelling. For short stories, I want to focus even more on integrating a character’s needs and desires into the actual writing, rather than just outlining them in my planning. I find that I sometimes focus too much on the external story without fully revealing the inner conflicts and motivations of my characters, so I will work on ensuring these elements come through naturally in my writing. For feature articles, I aim to incorporate more first-hand accounts and expert opinions to strengthen my arguments. While I included an interview in my current project, I want to push myself further by conducting more detailed research and sourcing multiple perspectives in future pieces. Overall, this process has helped me develop stronger storytelling techniques in both fiction and nonfiction. By combining creative storytelling with factual analysis, I have learned how to write in a way that is both informative and emotionally engaging, making my work more impactful to readers.
How effective was it? Did it get the message across that you aimed to get across? Evidence?
I believe my preparation was effective in helping me communicate my central themes of cultural and social differences, particularly in how women’s experiences are shaped by the societies they live in. My feature article successfully combined facts, statistics, and personal accounts, making the issue feel both informative and emotionally resonant. The inclusion of Natalia’s interview strengthened my argument, providing real-world insight into the nuances of cultural identity. In my short story, I aimed to create an emotional and thought-provoking experience that would leave readers reflecting on the realities of cultural expectations and identity struggles. Feedback from peers suggested that my use of subtle tension and in-depth descriptions effectively conveyed this theme. However, after reviewing my work, I recognised areas where I could further develop my protagonist’s internal thoughts and conflicts, which would strengthen the emotional depth of the piece.
Weakness or still developing and Strengths: How did you overcome any issues and problems? Which solutions did you find?
Strengths
One of my biggest strengths was my ability to thoroughly research my topics before writing. Whether it was analyzing feature articles, studying short stories, or conducting interviews, I ensured that my work was well-informed and structured. I used planning tools like plot structures and article planners, which helped me develop a clear outline before writing. This ensured that both my feature article and short story had strong direction and purpose.
I found that I was able to create emotionally compelling narratives in both mediums, particularly in my short story. By using vivid descriptions and character-driven storytelling, I was able to connect with readers on a deeper level. I focused on "show, don’t tell" techniques and experimented with how small details could reveal bigger themes, making my writing feel more immersive.
Conducting an interview with my friend Natalia helped me bring authenticity to my feature article. It provided a real-world perspective on cultural differences, making my article more relatable and engaging. I learned the importance of using personal stories and direct quotes to enhance factual writing, making it more impactful.
Weaknesses
One challenge I faced was ensuring that my feature article remained factual while still being engaging. At first, I found that the article read too much like an essay, which my tutor pointed out and said it made it less engaging. My solution to this was to revise my drafts to focus more on human interest towards the beginning of the article in order to immediately grab the attention of the readers, ensuring my article was both informative and emotionally compelling.
While I developed an interesting storyline, I realized that my character’s internal motivations and emotions weren’t always fully developed within the actual text. To combat this, I focused on weaving character desires and conflicts naturally into the narrative, rather than only defining them in my planning notes. I also reworked certain sections to include more internal monologue and small actions that revealed deeper emotions.
One of my biggest challenges was managing my time effectively, especially balancing research, writing, and editing within deadlines. At times, I found myself spending too long on certain sections, which affected my ability to refine later drafts. My solution to this was to make a structured timetable, breaking my work into smaller tasks with clear deadlines. I also set aside specific time slots for each stage of the process, ensuring that I had enough time to edit and improve my final drafts.
By recognising my strengths and weaknesses, I was able to improve my writing process and develop solutions that will help me in future projects. I now feel more confident in my ability to structure a feature article effectively, create immersive short stories, and balance emotion with factual writing. Moving forward, I plan to continue refining my character development, conciseness, and time management to make my work even stronger.
Have you responded to existing published or transmitted work as a source of learning (inspirational, inspiring), stimulus and creative strategy in producing your own writing, creating, and/or production process? Which work really helped you understand the characteristics of the form/medium and the themes?
One of the most influential pieces in my short story development was Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery. This story helped me understand the power of subtle tension, foreshadowing, and unexpected endings to leave a lasting emotional impact on the reader. Jackson’s ability to weave societal critique into fiction inspired me to craft a writing piece that not only tells a story but also highlights deeper cultural themes. In my own writing, I aimed to create a piece that challenges expectations and makes the reader reflect on societal structures.
For my feature article, I studied several long-form pieces from BBC News and The Guardian, particularly those focusing on women’s rights and cultural inequalities. These articles helped me understand how feature writing balances facts with human interest to create an engaging yet informative piece. The use of direct interviews, personal stories, and statistical evidence in these articles influenced my own approach—particularly in how I structured my piece to blend factual reporting with an emotive perspective.
While many sources contributed to understanding my theme and forms, Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other really helped me grasp the characteristics of short story writing, particularly how to use multiple perspectives, interconnected narratives, and fluid storytelling to explore complex social themes. Similarly, BBC and The Guardian’s feature writing provided clear examples of how to make journalistic work both informative and emotionally engaging, which was very helpful in my exploration of cultural and social differences.
Reflect on feedback and personal reflections on drafts, notes, etc.
Receiving feedback on my short story, feature article, and research process has been incredibly helpful in identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. It has allowed me to reflect on my creative choices, refine my approach, and recognise where my writing needs more depth or focus.
The feedback on my short story highlighted that while the idea was strong and the writing was engaging, the story arc was not fully developed. My tutor noted that although Anna is affected by the disaster, simply signing a petition does not demonstrate significant character change or an emotional journey. Similarly, Amina’s story, while devastating, needed to move beyond telling and immerse the reader more in her experiences, emotions, and struggles. The suggestion to make Amina more active in her story—fighting and resisting rather than just being a victim—was something I hadn’t considered in my first draft.
I now realise that my story would be stronger if Anna’s involvement extended beyond a passive reaction to real-world events. Instead of just signing a petition, she could take action, perhaps travelling to a country affected by crisis, where she directly experiences the issues she once only read about. This would create a stronger plot and make her transformation more compelling. In future drafts, I will also focus on showing rather than telling—adding more sensory details, internal monologue, and immersive descriptions so that the reader feels the tension, hardship, and emotional weight of both women’s experiences rather than being told about them.
The feedback on my feature article emphasized the need for a stronger hook rather than opening with broad, factual statements. I learned that while statistics and global trends are important, they are not enough to immediately capture a reader’s attention. My tutor pointed out that human interest—such as my interview with Natalia—is a powerful storytelling tool that should be introduced earlier to engage the audience from the start.
One key takeaway from this feedback was the importance of balancing facts with personal narratives. Too many statistics and explanations can make a feature article feel more like an essay, which risks losing the reader’s emotional engagement. I now see how I can revise my article by integrating personal stories more naturally—perhaps starting with Natalia’s experience before expanding into the broader topic of cultural and social differences. Another important point was adjusting my journalistic tone—phrases like "interviewed my friend" made my article sound too informal. Instead, I should present Natalia’s story more objectively, embedding quotes more seamlessly and framing them in a way that reads like a news article rather than a personal essay.
Regarding my research, my tutor highlighted that I focused too much on themes rather than short story structure and form. While researching cultural and social differences was valuable, I didn’t analyze enough short story techniques, such as narrative voice, pacing, and character development.
Referencing Girl, Woman, Other as inspiration was also questioned, as it’s a novel rather than a short story collection. I now understand that short stories typically focus on one perspective and a contained time frame, making multiple narratives harder to execute. Moving forward, I will analyse more traditional short stories to refine my understanding of their structure.
Which one did you enjoy most? Why?
I enjoyed writing my short story more than my feature article because it gave me greater creative freedom and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Unlike the structured nature of a feature article, which relies on facts and analysis, writing fiction allowed me to explore emotions, symbolism, and character depth in a more immersive way. I was able to craft a world, shape my characters’ experiences, and experiment with language to create a more personal and thought-provoking piece. I also liked that I was challenged during my writing journey, as I had to take into consideration that my first draft had the right ideas, but didn't read too well and needed improvements - the changes I made reinforced and strengthened my writing skills.
This project also challenged me to think differently about storytelling. I had to focus on showing rather than telling, build a compelling plot, and ensure the themes of cultural and social differences came through naturally. The process pushed me beyond my usual writing style, forcing me to take creative risks and step outside of my comfort zone. While I found the feature article rewarding in its own way, writing fiction allowed me to be more expressive and experimental, which made it the most enjoyable and fulfilling part of my project.
Which one would you like to develop further: how and why?
I would like to develop my short story into a longer piece, as my tutor mentioned that it has the potential to be expanded beyond its current format as a short story. The feedback highlighted that while the concept was strong, the story lacked a fully developed arc and needed more depth in character growth and narrative immersion. Expanding it into a longer piece would allow me to flesh out Anna’s transformation, give Amina more agency in her story, and create a more compelling connection between the two characters.
Expanding the story would also give me more room to show rather than tell, making the reader truly experience the differences between the two women’s worlds. I could include more detailed settings, internal monologues, and dialogue, creating a better reading experience.
How have you developed as a writer during this process and how will this be useful for the FMP?
The skills and experiences I have gained from this project will be incredibly beneficial for my Final Major Project, particularly in terms of new research and production methods I have incorporated into my process. One of the most valuable tools I developed was conducting in-research and using plot structures to structure my work more effectively. These planning techniques helped me refine both my short story and feature article, ensuring that my ideas were well-developed before I started writing.
Before this project, I didn’t always see feedback as essential, but after learning about the importance of collaboration and critique in professional writing—particularly in journalism and fiction—I can now recognise how valuable it is. These discussions helped shape my work in ways I wouldn’t have achieved alone, and I know this will be crucial for my FMP. Moving forward, I plan to actively seek feedback and refine my ideas throughout the process, ensuring that my final outcome is as strong as possible while also making the creative journey more engaging and collaborative.
