PROMPT
Students will produce a well-written creative writing paper based on the following prompt: Depict a scene. This should focus on a scene, rather than a plot. Students must develop a paper that is descriptive, organized, uses transitions, and has clear details. The paper should use a minimum of four Figurative Language examples (simile, metaphor, personification) and an additional five colorful images. Each example should be underlined. The paper must have 325-500 words, and students must follow the discussed class writing specifications. In addition, students must demonstrate good writing style, colorful use of language, good grammar, mechanics, and sentence variety, as well as continuity of thought. STUDENTS MUST STAPLE THIS RUBRIC TO THE FRONT OF THEIR PAPER.
STANDARDS
EW1, EW2, EW3
STUDENT WORK
Scene Depiction: A Winter Forest
Written By Brittany 'Star' J. , Freshman (Period 3A)
A single chip of crystal flutters and dances to the ground. It is soon joined by others, tiny snow flakes meandering to the earth like a lazy rain. Tree limbs quiver as their loads of snow grow greater, and they groan softly under the added burden of petite diamonds. Sounds are muffled upon their voicing, but soon carry with pristine clarity and weave around the forest trees. It is a forest of limbs. Naked branches shiver and shake off their white coats as the last straggling animals scamper to their warm nooks.
Beyond the stoic line of ashen trees, a pale brook sneaks its way through the heart of the woods. Its waters are sleepy and contemplate the idea of ceasing movement altogether. The surface is glass and argues with itself, wondering whether to be a window or a mirror. The indecisive stream slithers on, and wispy winter clouds smile in the water’s reflection and amicably compete with the smooth stones that lie on the stream bed.
The alabaster carpet that has unrolled itself on the forest floor is marred here and there by a stubborn leaf or two that has refused to be buried and defiantly flaunts its autumn color. Every small fern and every patch of foliage has yielded to the chill, and fades their color so as to hide better beneath the thin sheets of frost that settle atop them.
In the distance an unnamed bird sings questions to the air, its call dipping and curious. It jars the peaceful lifelessness that has crept over the forest. The call abruptly ends and the air settles its restless stirring and returns to slow drifting. Aimlessly floating and caressing the weaving branches with cold. Winter has silently invaded every fiber of the woods and has serenely set up a kingdom of white. It thrives in the forest and the trees willingly twist and form a sanctuary that was absent before.
The somehow inviting chill leaves icy kisses on every sense and sparkles before one’s vision. The nimble fingers of frost have woven delicate strands of translucent lace over everything. Cold hugs the forest and the forest does not resist the embrace, rather it enfolds itself and wallows in the clear haze that has descended. Everything is sharply clear, and yet blurred in one instant. Things blend and move, but are stonily still and resolute in their frozen and unfeeling places. Winter’s seduction has worked its magic and created an eerily beautiful mirage.
TEACHER COMMENTS
It is evident that this student has a clear understanding of imagery and vivid description. The work masterfully utilizes figurative language to create a poignant and reflective glimpse at a specific place.
