Portfolio: Problems and Solutions

I will be happy to answer any question or explain anything you need explained. Ask away!

The Woman in the House on the Left

The woman in the house to the left is standing out in her yard. She never just stands there. She’s always on the go. Her husband comes out. They talk. They hug. She cries. He comforts.—from “Write Any Genre” Web site.

Word list for today’s writing:

NOUNS: brush, roses, blender, bandanna, ring, kiss

VERBS: scurry, snag, whirl, nest, paint, argue

The Man Across the Street (Prompt)

The man across the street is trimming branches off a tree with a chain saw. He stops suddenly and tries to see into the window of the house.

Begin the story with this setting/idea. It is not necessary to put the words in the piece if you don't wish to do so.

Use these verbs: crouch, squash, scratch, stab, stroke, caress

Use these nouns: shirt, laptop, lady, stranger, bikini, garden

Edits on Pieces from May 13 Class

A Rant or a Rave About Sports!

Write either a rant (an angry, upset and frustrated piece) or a rave (a glowing, happy, wonderful piece) about sports. Be sure to narrow your topic to something specific; for example, Roberto Luongo's bad goaltending in the sixth game of the playoff against the Chicago Blackhawks . . .

Rants and Raves from WE Newspaper in Vancouver

I'm Watching a Flagger

Post your "flagger" pieces here. If you missed class, instructions below:

Starting writing with “I’m watching a flagger (someone who controls traffic with a handheld sign) . . . As you write make sure to use all the following verbs. Use the verbs in the same order as given below.

curse, tangle, flick, sweat, kneel, buzz, flip, grasp

EDITS from Kay, Esther and Somayeh's favourite tree pieces

On Language: Vocabulary Size

What do you think of Ammon Shea's ideas about vocabulary? Do you agree?