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Unit 4: Short Stories Self-Directed Learning Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 95

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Page 1: Unit 4: Short Stories - plpsd.mb.ca SDL Module 4 Short Stories.pdf · Unit 4: Short Stories In this unit, you will be reading several short stories and doing various assignments to

Unit 4:

Short Stories

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 95

Page 2: Unit 4: Short Stories - plpsd.mb.ca SDL Module 4 Short Stories.pdf · Unit 4: Short Stories In this unit, you will be reading several short stories and doing various assignments to

Unit 4: Short Stories

In this unit, you will be reading several short stories and doing various assignments to go with them. We will be looking at the structure of stories, characters, and practicing being a better reader and writer. Below are the assignments for Unit 4.

Throughout this unit, we will show you how you will be assessed in Assessment Breaks. This is important, because that is how your mark is determined. If you know how you will be marked, you will know how to get a good mark!

Assignments in this Unit:

Assignment 1: The Perfect Murder - 5 marksAssignment 2: Reading With Purpose - 7 marksAssignment 3: “Lamb to the Slaughter” Questions - 15 marksAssignment 4: Revenge - 5 marksAssignment 5: Setting Sheet for “The Cask of Amontillado” 9 marksAssignment 6: “The Cask of Amontillado” Questions - 14 marksAssignment 7: Questions for “The Sniper” - 15 marksAssignment 8: RAFT Letter - 15 marks

This unit is worth 10% of your overall mark.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 96

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Assignment 1: The Perfect Murder

Think back to all those episodes of CSI or murder mystery movies you’ve seen over the years. On a piece of looseleaf, brainstorm the ingredients of the “perfect” murder. Start with the list below, putting the items into the order of importance (according to you). You can add your own ideas if you want to. #1 is the most important, #10 (or higher) is the least important. Write a sentence each for your first place and last place spots, explaining why it was the most or least important ingredient for the “perfect” murder.

a) It should be easy to arrange.b) It should leave no clues.c) There should be no noise.d) It should look like a suicide.e) It should take place in a lonely, isolated place.f) It should be cheap.g) No violence should be necessary.h) It should look like an accident.i) It should be quick.j) The murderer should have a good alibi.

Assessment Break #1In this assignment, you simply need to place your list of items in order of most to least important. The complete list is out of 3 marks. Then you need to make sure you’ve given a reason for each of your most and least important items (#1 and #10). These two reasons are worth 1 mark each, for a total of 5 marks for this assignment.

Now read the short story “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl. This story takes place in the 1950s, so you might see some different lifestyles than we usually see today - a woman waiting anxiously for her husband to arrive home, ready to make him a drink and supper. You might also notice that the wife pours a drink for herself - it was not known at this time that drinking alcohol while pregnant would harm the baby.

al*i*bi (AL-ih-bye)

The place you were/person who was with you at the time a crime occurs that proves you couldnʼt have committed the crime.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 97

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Assignment 2: Reading with Purpose

Good readers know that you should be asking yourself questions as you read a story, news article, or any other type of writing. It could be questions about what is happening in the story, the characters involved, or about what is going to happen next. In this assignment, we are going to practice reading with purpose by asking ourselves questions as we read the story.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 98

Page 5: Unit 4: Short Stories - plpsd.mb.ca SDL Module 4 Short Stories.pdf · Unit 4: Short Stories In this unit, you will be reading several short stories and doing various assignments to

Stop Point #1:On looseleaf paper, list 3 things we know about Mrs. Maloney at this point:

! 1.! 2.! 3.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 99

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Stop Point #2:

1. How does Mrs. Maloney feel about Mr. Maloney? Give an example from the story that shows why you think this.

2. How does Mr. Maloney feel about Mrs. Maloney? Give an example from the story that shows why you think this.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 100

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Stop Point #3:

1. What do you think Mr. Maloney is going to do? Give a reason why you think this is what he will do.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 101

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Stop Point #4:

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 102

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1. Do you think your prediction was right? Why/why not?

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 103

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Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 104

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Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 105

Page 12: Unit 4: Short Stories - plpsd.mb.ca SDL Module 4 Short Stories.pdf · Unit 4: Short Stories In this unit, you will be reading several short stories and doing various assignments to

span*ner

A type of curved wrench with a hook at one end.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 106

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Assessment Break #2:This assignment is out of 7 marks. Stop Point #1 is out of 3 marks - 1 for each item you list that we’ve learned about Mrs. Maloney up to that point in the story. Stop Point #2 is out of 2 marks - 1 mark each for stating how the Maloneys feel about one another and giving a reason for why each feels the way they do. Stop Point #3 is out of 1 mark, for making a logical prediction with support. Stop Point #4 is out of 1 mark, for stating a logical reason why you think your prediction was correct or incorrect.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 107

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Assignment 3: Questions for “Lamb to the Slaughter”

Answer all questions on looseleaf paper and in full sentences.

1. What was the murder weapon in the story? How is this related to the title of the story? (2)

2. Look again at the passage after he tells her, to where she kills him. What state of mind was Mrs. Maloney in when she killed her husband? (1)

3. What are 3 personality traits for Mrs. Maloney. Remember, personality traits are to do with what the character is like on the INSIDE, not the OUTSIDE. Give a reason for each personality trait. (3)

4. After the murder, what did Mrs. Maloney do to ensure an alibi? (1)

5. How did she get rid of the murder weapon? (1)

6. What is the significance of the quote, “It’d be a favour to me if you’d eat it up?” (1)

7. Do you think Mrs. Maloney was remorseful about the murder? Explain your answer with an example from the story. (2)

8. Do you think Mrs. Maloney will get away with the murder? Why or why not? (2)

9. Did Mrs. Maloney commit the perfect murder? Explain why or why not. (2)

re*morse

A deep sense of regret and guilt for something youʼve done wrong.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 108

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Assessment Break #3

Make sure that all of your responses for your questions are in full sentences. If they are not, you will lose marks! As with other question-and-answer assignments, the assessment method is fairly straightforward - in this assignment, each question is worth 1 mark for a correct and complete answer, except for #7, 8 and 9, all of which are worth 2 marks for a correct and complete answer. The assignment is worth 15 marks total.

Carnival

The story you are about to read takes place a long time ago (a few hundred years ago) during a carnival festival in Europe. It is important that you have a good understanding of what carnival is, because it is the basis for what happens during the story.

What do you think of when you think of carnivals? Maybe you think of rides and cotton candy, but remember, this story takes place long before those things existed. What do you think their carnivals might have looked like? If you thought of music, feasting, wine, and costumes, then you’d be right!

The word “carnival” comes from “carne” which means meat. The festival was a religious celebration of excess. Carnival would take place shortly before the 40 days of Lent, which is Christianity is a time when Christians sacrifice something, usually food. In the time that this story took place, the biggest and most common sacrifice that people would give up would be meat, a main staple of their diet - they didn’t eat meat for 40 days. What better way to kick off Lent than to eat WAY too much food, and drink WAY too much wine? This was how Carnival was celebrated in many places. Along with the feasting came the music, entertainment, masks and costumes. And all of these things are a recipe for the perfect crime to take place.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 109

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Assignment 4: Revenge

Have you ever wanted revenge? Write a short paragraph in response to this question. It may talk about who you wanted revenge on (a sibling, a friend, etc) and why. You don’t have to use names if you don’t want, but try to include as much detail as possible. If you haven’t ever wanted revenge, you might want to talk about why not (for example, why revenge is pointless, etc.). Your response should be about a 1/2 page when you are finished.

Assessment Break #4

This assignment is out of 5 marks. The table below will be used to determine your mark. Your response should be approximately 1/2 page. If it is significantly shorter, the response will likely be in the 1-2 mark range. Make sure to explain your ideas fully!

0 Marks 1-2 Marks 3-4 Marks 5 Marks

Ideas are off topic

Text and/or ideas are plagiarized

Ideas are not developed adequately to explain the journal topic.

Ideas are clear, appropriate, and adequately developed.

Ideas are clear, appropriate and thoroughly developed.

Ideas are vague Ideas are well-developed and explained throughout the piece

Ideas are creatively/thoroughly developed

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 110

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Key Terms for “The Cask of Amontillado”

cask

a strong wooden barrel used mainly to hold alcoholic drink

A*mon*till*a*do (Amontee-YA-doh)

a type of Spanish Sherry wine

cask

a strong wooden barrel used mainly to hold alcoholic drink

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 111

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Assignment 5: Setting Sheet for “Cask of Amontillado”

Create a sheet similar to the one below for the story that follows, “The Cask of Amontillado.” Add to the sheet as you read the story. Make sure to leave lots of space to add to your answers!

Setting:What things about the setting (time and place of the story) make this a creepy story?

Characters:

Who is the protagonist in the story? Why?

Provide 2 personality traits for the protagonist:

Who is the antagonist in the story? Why?

Provide 2 personality traits for the antagonist:

MoodWhat is the feeling you get by reading this story? Why?

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 112

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Assessment Break #5This assignment is out of 9 marks. 1 mark is given for each “creepy” aspect you identify (2 marks total), 1 mark each is given for identifying the protagonist and the antagonist, and giving a reason for each (2 marks total). 1 mark each is given for the personality traits you identify for the protagonist and the antagonist, up to 2 marks each (4 marks total). The last mark comes from identifying mood.

Assignment 6: “The Cask of Amontillado” Questions

Answer the following questions in full sentences, on looseleaf paper.

1. In your own words, why had the narrator vowed revenge on Fortunato? (1)

2. What was the narrator’s family name? (1)

3. Fortunato believed himself to be an expert on what subject? (1)

4. What happened at the end of the story? (1)

5. Explain how the narrator convinced Fortunato to accompany him to the catacombs. (2)

6.! a) What does “vanity” mean? Provide a dictionary definition that applies to ! Fortunato. (1)

b) Explain how Fortunato’s vanity leads to his death. (1)

8. “In my opinion, this story is...” Finish this sentence any way you wish, but then add another sentence which explains why you feel this way. (2)

9. Think back to your “perfect murder” list from Assignment 1 in Unit 4. Do you think that Montresor committed the “perfect murder?” Explain why or why not. (2)

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 113

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Assessment Break #6As with Assignment #3, the assessment of this assignment is fairly straightforward. As always, ensure that your responses are in full sentences in order to receive full marks. Questions 1-4 are worth 1 mark for a correct and complete response, questions 5-8 are worth 2 marks each (1 mark for a) and 1 mark for b) in #6). Make sure you have fully explained your responses for these questions in order to get full marks! The total value of this assignment is 14 marks.

Background on the Irish Civil War

Before you read the next story, you will need some background information that will help you understand the setting and context of the story, which takes place during the Irish Civil War.

The Irish Civil War took place in Ireland from 1922 - 1923. It happened as a result of disagreement between those who felt that Ireland should be its own independent nation (the Republicans, or the IRA - Irish Republican Army), and those who wanted Ireland to agree to the Anglo-Irish Treaty (who called themselves The “Free State”). Under the treaty, Ireland would remain a part of the United Kingdom (basically, under the rule of the English King or Queen) but they would be their own self-governing “free state,” (hence the name for those who supported it).

When the Civil War broke out, people were forced to choose sides. Brothers fought against brothers. The number of deaths is estimated to be anywhere from 1000-4000.

The Free State was able to hang on to Dublin, and eventually won the Civil War. Ireland remained a Free State until 1937, by which time it had basically cut ties with the United Kingdom, but it was not until 1949 that it officially became the Republic of Ireland, leaving the United Kingdom behind.

On to “The Sniper”...

Now read the story “The Sniper” that follows on the next pages. Do not worry if you are not familiar with all of the words. Just make sure you understand the main idea.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 114

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The SniperBy Liam O’Flaherty

The long June twilight faded into night. Dublin lay enveloped in darkness but for the dim light of the moon that shone through fleecy clouds, casting a pale light as of approaching dawn over the streets and the dark waters of the Liffey. Around the beleaguered Four Courts the heavy guns roared. Here and there through the city, machine guns and rifles broke the silence of the night, spasmodically, like dogs barking on lone farms. Republicans and Free Staters were waging civil war.

On a rooftop near O'Connell Bridge, a Republican sniper lay watching. Beside him lay his rifle and over his shoulders was slung a pair of field glasses. His face was the face of a student, thin and ascetic, but his eyes had the cold gleam of the fanatic. They were deep and thoughtful, the eyes of a man who is used to looking at death.

He was eating a sandwich hungrily. He had eaten nothing since morning. He had been too excited to eat. He finished the sandwich, and, taking a flask of whiskey from his pocket, he took a short draught. Then he returned the flask to his pocket. He paused for

Liff*ey

The river that flows through Dublin, Ireland.

Four Courts

The main court building in Dublin, Ireland.

sni*per

a sharp-shooter, usually for the army.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 115

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a moment, considering whether he should risk a smoke. It was dangerous. The flash might be seen in the darkness, and there were enemies watching. He decided to take the risk.

Placing a cigarette between his lips, he struck a match, inhaled the smoke hurriedly and put out the light. Almost immediately, a bullet flattened itself against the parapet of the roof. The sniper took another whiff and put out the cigarette. Then he swore softly and crawled away to the left.

Cautiously he raised himself and peered over the parapet. There was a flash and a bullet whizzed over his head. He dropped immediately. He had seen the flash. It came from the opposite side of the street.

He rolled over the roof to a chimney stack in the rear, and slowly drew himself up behind it, until his eyes were level with the top of the parapet. There was nothing to be seen--just the dim outline of the opposite housetop against the blue sky. His enemy was under cover.

Just then an armored car came across the bridge and advanced slowly up the street. It stopped on the opposite side of the street, fifty yards ahead. The sniper could hear the dull panting of the motor. His heart beat faster. It was an enemy car. He wanted to fire, but he knew it was useless. His bullets would never pierce the steel that covered the gray monster.

Then round the corner of a side street came an old woman, her head covered by a tattered shawl. She began to talk to the man in the turret of the car. She was pointing to the roof where the sniper lay. An informer.

draught (pronounced “draft”)

a sip.

par*a*pet (pronounced “pair-a-pet”)

a temporary defence built up on top of a wall

Self-Directed Learning

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The turret opened. A man's head and shoulders appeared, looking toward the sniper. The sniper raised his rifle and fired. The head fell heavily on the turret wall. The woman darted toward the side street. The sniper fired again. The woman whirled round and fell with a shriek into the gutter.

Suddenly from the opposite roof a shot rang out and the sniper dropped his rifle with a curse. The rifle clattered to the roof. The sniper thought the noise would wake the dead. He stooped to pick the rifle up. He couldn't lift it. His forearm was dead. "I'm hit," he muttered.

Dropping flat onto the roof, he crawled back to the parapet. With his left hand he felt the injured right forearm. The blood was oozing through the sleeve of his coat. There was no pain--just a deadened sensation, as if the arm had been cut off.

Quickly he drew his knife from his pocket, opened it on the breastwork of the parapet, and ripped open the sleeve. There was a small hole where the bullet had entered. On the other side there was no hole. The bullet had lodged in the bone. It must have fractured it. He bent the arm below the wound. the arm bent back easily. He ground his teeth to overcome the pain.

Then taking out his field dressing, he ripped open the packet with his knife. He broke the neck of the iodine bottle and let the bitter fluid drip into the wound. A paroxysm of pain swept through him. He placed the cotton wadding over the wound and wrapped the dressing over it. He tied the ends with his teeth.

Then he lay still against the parapet, and, closing his eyes, he made an effort of will to overcome the pain.

In the street beneath all was still. The armored car had retired speedily over the bridge, with the machine gunner's head hanging lifeless over the turret. The woman's corpse lay still in the gutter.

The sniper lay still for a long time nursing his wounded arm and planning escape. Morning must not find him wounded on the roof. The enemy on the opposite roof

breast*work

a temporary defence built up chest-high

Self-Directed Learning

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covered his escape. He must kill that enemy and he could not use his rifle. He had only a revolver to do it. Then he thought of a plan.

Taking off his cap, he placed it over the muzzle of his rifle. Then he pushed the rifle slowly upward over the parapet, until the cap was visible from the opposite side of the street. Almost immediately there was a report, and a bullet pierced the center of the cap. The sniper slanted the rifle forward. The cap clipped down into the street. Then catching the rifle in the middle, the sniper dropped his left hand over the roof and let it hang, lifelessly. After a few moments he let the rifle drop to the street. Then he sank to the roof, dragging his hand with him.

Crawling quickly to his feet, he peered up at the corner of the roof. His ruse had succeeded. The other sniper, seeing the cap and rifle fall, thought that he had killed his man. He was now standing before a row of chimney pots, looking across, with his head clearly silhouetted against the western sky.

The Republican sniper smiled and lifted his revolver above the edge of the parapet. The distance was about fifty yards--a hard shot in the dim light, and his right arm was paining him like a thousand devils. He took a steady aim. His hand trembled with eagerness. Pressing his lips together, he took a deep breath through his nostrils and fired. He was almost deafened with the report and his arm shook with the recoil.!!

Then when the smoke cleared, he peered across and uttered a cry of joy. His enemy had been hit. He was reeling over the parapet in his death agony. He struggled to keep his feet, but he was slowly falling forward as if in a dream. The rifle fell from his grasp, hit the parapet, fell over, bounded off the pole of a barber's shop beneath and then clattered on the pavement.

Then the dying man on the roof crumpled up and fell forward. The body turned over and over in space and hit the ground with a dull thud. Then it lay still.

The sniper looked at his enemy falling and he shuddered. The lust of battle died in him. He became bitten by remorse. The sweat stood out in beads on his forehead. Weakened by his wound and the long summer day of fasting and watching on the roof, he revolted from the sight of the shattered mass of his dead enemy. His teeth chattered, he began to gibber to himself, cursing the war, cursing himself, cursing everybody.

He looked at the smoking revolver in his hand, and with an oath he hurled it to the roof at his feet. The revolver went off with a concussion and the bullet whizzed past the sniper's head. He was frightened back to his senses by the shock. His nerves steadied. The cloud of fear scattered from his mind and he laughed.

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Taking the whiskey flask from his pocket, he emptied it a draught. He felt reckless under the influence of the spirit. He decided to leave the roof now and look for his company commander, to report. Everywhere around was quiet. There was not much danger in going through the streets. He picked up his revolver and put it in his pocket. Then he crawled down through the skylight to the house underneath.

When the sniper reached the laneway on the street level, he felt a sudden curiosity as to the identity of the enemy sniper whom he had killed. He decided that he was a good shot, whoever he was. He wondered did he know him. Perhaps he had been in his own company before the split in the army. He decided to risk going over to have a look at him. He peered around the corner into O'Connell Street. In the upper part of the street there was heavy firing, but around here all was quiet.

The sniper darted across the street. A machine gun tore up the ground around him with a hail of bullets, but he escaped. He threw himself face downward beside the corpse. The machine gun stopped.

Then the sniper turned over the dead body and looked into his brother's face.

Self-Directed Learning

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Assignment 7: Questions for “The Sniper”

Answer all questions in full sentences on looseleaf paper. See unit 1 for definitions of any unfamiliar words.

1. Who is the protagonist of “The Sniper?” (1)

2. Who is the antagonist of “The Sniper?” (1)

3. In every story there is a conflict and a resolution of that conflict. In this case, the overall conflict is the fight for Ireland between the Republicans and the Free State. But what is the goal of the Sniper during the story? What must he do? (1)

4. Give two personality traits for the Sniper, and support each with an example from the story. See page 18 for an explanation of personality traits. (2)

5. Find an example of a simile from the story. (1)

6. This story is very descriptive. The author is able to create a picture in our mind of the scene through his descriptions so that you can truly imagine that you ARE the Sniper and see things through his eyes. Find one sentence for each of the following: (1 mark each = 6 marks)

a) Sight: give an example from the story that creates a picture in your mind of how something looked.

b) Sound: give an example from the story that creates an idea in your mind of how something sounded.

c) Taste: give an example from the story that creates a picture in your mind of how something tasted.

d) Smell: give an example from the story that creates a picture in your mind of how something smelled.

e) Touch: give an example from the story that creates a picture in your mind of how something felt.

f) Feelings: give an example from the story that creates a picture in your mind of how the Sniper felt (emotionally).

Self-Directed Learning

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7. What was your reaction to the last sentence of “The Sniper?” (1)

8. Why do you think O’Flaherty decided to end the story this way? In other words, what do you think he was trying to show us about war? Why does this ending show that about war? (2)

Assessment Break #7

As with Assignment #3 & #6, the assessment of this assignment is fairly straightforward. As always, ensure that your responses are in full sentences in order to receive full marks. Questions are worth 1 mark for a correct and complete response, unless otherwise stated. Make sure you have fully explained your responses for these questions in order to get full marks! The total value of this assignment is 15 marks.

Self-Directed Learning

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How to Write a Personal Letter

In the next assignment, you will be writing a letter. Read the next few pages to learn the proper format for writing a letter.

Format:

Below is the correct format. Format means the way that you lay out the page when you write a letter. Take note of indentations, use of punctuation such as commas and where they go, as well as alignment (everything down the left side of the page). On the next page is a sample personal letter as well.

Name of Letter RecipientRecipient’s AddressRecipient’s City, ProvinceRecipient’s Postal Code

Date, Year

Dear _________________,

This is where your first paragraph should go. Do not indent the first paragraph. You will start a new paragraph every time you begin a new idea. Every paragraph except the first paragraph should be indented. Personal letters are written to friends or family, so using a format with a space between justified paragraphs would be too formal, and inappropriate. Your letter should flow without any spaces between sections of the text.

Sincerely/Yours Truly/Etc.,

______________________

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Paragraphs

Sometimes it is difficult to know when you should start a new paragraph. As a general rule, whenever you start a new topic, you should start a new paragraph. As you look at the sample personal letter below, note the formatting as well as all the important pieces of a letter, and where new paragraphs begin. In the left margin, these items are pointed out to you. Also notice that the letter is aligned on the left margin. Lastly, notice where there is blank space beween certain parts of the letter. This is the proper way to set up a personal letter.

Sample Personal Letter

Date April 26, 2012

Blank space

Greeting Dear Grandpa,

Blank space

How are you? I am fine. I have been up to a lot lately. My team won 3rd place at the provincials for hockey. I even scored a few goals! Now that 1st paragraph hockey’s over, I’m looking forward to soccer starting. Maybe my soccer

(sports) team will even go to provincials!

I can’t wait to come visit you in the summer time. We had so much 2nd paragraph fun when we saw you at spring break. Do you think we can go hiking at

(visiting) that same place? I bet it would be even better in the summer time.

Pretty soon it will be time for exams for me. Mom said that if I do well on the exams, I can get the new PS3 game I want. It’s supposed to be 3rd paragraph really cool and have amazing graphics. Maybe we can try it out when I see

(exams) you this summer! Just kidding. Hope everything’s good where you are.

See you in a few months!Blank space

Closing Love,

Signature David

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 123

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Assignment 8: RAFT Writing

In this assignment, you will write a letter using the RAFT method, which stands for ROLE, AUDIENCE, FORM, and TOPIC. Your letter should be about the same length as the sample personal letter above. In this case, you will use the following RAFT:

ROLE:!! ! The SniperAUDIENCE:! ! The Sniper’s motherFORM:! ! Personal LetterTOPIC:! ! The death of your brother

As you plan what you will write, put yourself in The Sniper’s shoes. How would he be feeling right now? How would you feel if you had done what he has? What else would you have to say to your mother, especially at a time like this?

Assessment Break 8

This assignment is out of 15 marks. It is marked similarly to your Common Assessment Essay in the sense that each aspect of your writing is marked separately. You will also notice this happening frequently in your next unit. There are four aspects that you will be assessed on: ideas, organization, style and mechanics.

Ideas are out of 4 marks, and refers to what you write. Make sure you write enough to be able to get a good mark on this section. The table below will be used to assess your work.

0 Marks 1 Marks 2 Marks 3 Marks 4 Marks

Did not write letter.

Letter is plagiarized.

Main ideas are weakly developed.

No topic sentences in body paragraphs.

Insufficient writing in each paragraph.

Details in the body paragraphs weakly support topic sentences or paragraphs.

Each body paragraph is sufficiently and relevantly supported by the story “The Sniper.”

Each body paragraph is developed with topic sentence and supporting details.

Thesis stays on topic in each body paragraph.

Each body paragraph is very well developed with a strong topic sentence and creative and distinguished supporting details.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 124

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Organization is out of 3 marks, and refers to how you lay out your letter. Did you use the correct format, as given in the lesson preceding this assignment? Make sure you’ve left spaces where appropriate and so on. The table below will be used to assess your work.

0 Marks 1 Marks 2 Marks 3 Marks

Did not write letter.

Letter is plagiarized.

Letter does not use correct format, as outlined in unit 4.

Letter somewhat uses correct format, as outlined in unit 4, with few errors.

Letter uses correct format, as outlined in unit 4, with no errors.

Style is out of 4 marks, and refers to how you write. Make sure you write the letter AS IF YOU ARE THE SNIPER. Do not write it in the 3rd person. How would a son speak to his mother? These are the things you should be thinking about as you compose your letter. The table below will be used to assess your work.

0 Marks 1 Marks 2 Marks 3 Marks 4 Marks

Did not write letter.

Letter is plagiarized.

Student does not write in the voice of the Sniper (may be written in studentʼs own voice, or in 3rd person).

Vocabulary is simple but sufficient to convey basic ideas.

Student sometimes writes in the voice of the Sniper.

Attempting to use creative and appropriate vocabulary for audience (mother).

Student writes in the voice of the Sniper.

Vocabulary is appropriate to the audience (mother).

Effective use of some sentence variety.

Student writes in the voice of the Sniper.

Vocabulary is varied and appropriate for audience (mother).

Sentence variety is evident.

Mechanics are the bits and pieces that make up your writing: grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. This is out of 4 marks. The table below will be used to assess your work.

0 Marks 1 Marks 2 Marks 3 Marks 4 Marks

Did not write letter.

Letter is plagiarized.

No editing apparent.

Content is lost as a result of many spelling & mechanical errors.

Errors in spelling and mechanics distract the reader.

Writing has been well edited.

Occasional spelling & mechanical errors do not distract the reader.

Writing is virtually free of conventional spelling and mechanical errors.

Self-Directed Learning

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 125