WORKSHEET

Generating Ideas: What Shall I Write?

It is best to focus on an event that takes place in a short period of time. Possible topics include:

An event that was interesting, humorous, or embarrassing

Something you found especially difficult or challenging

A memory from your childhood that remains vivid

An important moment that changed your life

Part 1 - Exploring with Sentences

Before you begin choosing a topic, explore each possible topic by writing a sentence using the same sentence pattern as demonstrated in the example.

An event that was interesting, humorous, or embarrassing

Example: When the beady-eyed raccoon darted out from behind my sofa, I knew it was time to find a new apartment.

YOUR SENTENCE________________________________________

Something you found especially difficult or challenging

Example: Running a marathon takes stamina, endurance, and lot of patience.

YOUR SENTENCE________________________________________

A memory from your childhood that remains vivid

Example: The smell of vanilla and cinnamon brings me back to my grandmother's kitchen.

YOUR SENTENCE________________________________________

An important moment that changed your life

Example: I owe my life to a single man who changed my life: my father.

YOUR SENTENCE________________________________________ Part 2 - Your Story Begins

Now that you have considered several possible topics, it is time to explore the topic in more depth. Fill in the blanks to complete the following sentences.

My story is about__________________.

My story takes place _______________ (where).

My story takes place _______________ (when).

In the opening, _______________ happens.

The conflict in my story is___________________.

The resolution of the conflict is_______________.

The main point of the story is________________.

Part 3 - Organizing: Create an Outline

Consider your story with a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning informs the audience of the topic of the story either implicitly or explicitly. It is often best to be direct, particularly as you move forward in your studies to classes specific to your field of study. Be certain the reader has enough information to understand where you are going. The middle is where you describe the conflict and build to the climax, the moment when a decision must be made or a change occurs. In the end, the conflict is resolved, and a moment of reflection follows, often underlining the main point or theme of the story.

Complete the following:

Write one sentence introducing your topic/story.

Write one sentence describing the scene when the story opens.

Write one sentence describing the conflict.

Write one sentence sharing how the conflict is resolved.

Write one sentence describing what you learned.