Writing About Discovery ©Alison Byrne 2014 A good traveller is one who knows how to travel with the mind.

Here’s a simple version! What does it look like? Here’s a simple version! Creative Writing Related Text Prescribed Text

What are the markers looking for? Only by seeking to discover the nature of things can we come to understand the world. The concept of ‘discovery’ is inspired by your prescribed and related texts. Concepts are explored with insight, complexity and/or subtlety. Stories that address the question conceptually as defined by the rubric:

Here’s a visual reminder

So, you begin with the rubric Discovery is shaped within personal, cultural, historical and social contexts and values. Discovery can be the product of careful planning or impulsively driven by desire, curiosity or wonder. Discovery can be intensely personal, emotional, creative or spiritual Discovery can be transformative for the individual or society, but can also present challenge Perceptions of discovery can vary.

Textual medium and genre So, you have identified the discovery concept you want to explore. The next thing you should consider is how you will structure your narrative. Your choice of textual medium/type can be used to shape or support the narrative, but you should also be able to explain how this choice has been shaped by your prescribed and/or related text.

A journal: exploration, travel, the individual Spoilt for choice! For instance, if you are studying Frank Hurley, consider the possibilities of using: A journal: exploration, travel, the individual You should also consider the genre in terms of discovery. Think of ways in which you could build on the discovery elements in genres like: Sci-fi, adventure or steampunk

What else, you ask? Markers will be looking for well crafted and evocative narrative displaying originality and artistry . Easy! The use of language appropriate to text and context. So if you are writing an expedition journal, use the language appropriate to that text. The use of a range of literary techniques to effectively represent discovery. The mechanics of language are applied skilfully.

What do I mean by ‘the mechanics of language’? Glad you asked! The mechanics of language is the incorporation the proper use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and other factors deemed necessary for high-quality creative writing. For instance, how do you use the following for effect?: Italics Ellipses Hyphens Quotation marks

Exposition, complication, resolution, moral Narrative Structure Since junior school you have been learning about narrative structure. Who can forget: Exposition, complication, resolution, moral But! In your exploration of discovery, you also need to show that you understand the structure of discovery texts as defined by the module…

Structure Remember that we also study the stages of ‘discovery’ in a text so your narrative should reflect that idea too.

Getting started The sooner you start developing a concept, the better. You are probably wondering where to begin…that’s normal. A good way to start is to take a minor character from your story and retell an event from their perspective.

Writing Task If you are doing Frost, write an opening paragraph based on Mending Wall from the point of view of the neighbour. If you are doing The Tempest, write the opening scene from the point of view of one of the mariners. In either case, describe the main characters in detail leading to your chosen focus on discovery.