How To Be

Literate !

DEFINITIONS:

Metaphor: A comparison whereby one thing is said to be another without using the terms "like" or "as ". Eg: 'The beach was a golden fruit'.

Personification: Giving a non-living object living qualities. Eg: 'the engine was a tiger straining to break free'.

Simile: A comparison of two oblects, introdeced using the term "like" or "as".................. Eg: 'The wind is as cold as snow'.

Climax: The climax is the most important or striking part of a piece of writing that is usually built up to.

Inversion: A change in the natural order of words. Eg: 'They shall grow not old'.

Sarcasm: A bitter, taunting, ironic remark. Eg 'You'r clever aren't you'.

Paradox: An apparent contradiction. Eg: 'The child is father to the man'.

Theme: An underlying meaning that the writer states and implies.

Tone: The feelings the writer has to his/her subject.

Structure: How the writer has organised his ideas.

Style: The way in which the author has written his/her choice of words and sentences.

FORMS OF WRITING

Autobiography: Gives details of the authors life.

Biography: Gives details of another persons life.

Novel: A longish work that shows development of a character and plot.

Setting out a story

When writing a story there are a few steps involved;

* The Begining: Many writers say they feel like this before they start writing, beginings can be the hardest part of writing.

* Try a practice start, put down all your first ideas (brainstorm), don't worry about the spelling or order of the ideas.

* Start with a simple, striking title: a short title (1-2 words) that has a strong meaning.

* Follow with a general statement on what you are writing about.

* Set the scene. EG: When I was walking to the shops....

* Start dramaticaly. EG: "Bang", Sally...

* Then use a few words that create a special atmosphere of expectation EG:

1) It was a dark, stormy night.......

2) Deep in the dark, haunted woods.......

* Endings are important as they are the last words and thoughts that the reader is left with. Endings can be neatly finished off, EG:

1) ..... and they lived happily ever after.

2) ..... they looked back to the lake as they left for home.