1. Creative writing picture stimulus
An approach based on Image to Text: Manchester Art Gallery.
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2. IGCSE English Language
In paper 2 you will be asked to undertake a piece of imaginative writing.
One element provides you with a picture prompt.
You will be asked to write a story, or a descriptive piece and may be given a title or a starting point.
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3. Development of character and narrative
Approach
Remember all the elements of narrative you know from your study of English Literature and from early years.
Development of character and narrative
tense
setting
person
Mood and atmosphere
Narrative voice
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4. Opening the imagination…
Look at your picture.
Now really look at your picture. This can be hard so I want to suggest a few techniques which might help you to “get into” the task you have been set.
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5. Lines
One way to make yourself look into the picture is to draw lines based on the lines in the picture.
Try one, add another and another.
Is there a pattern?
Where is your eye led by the lines?
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6. Where do the lines lead?
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7. Lines… Had you noticed the land in the distance?
Had you noticed the convergence point at the base of the picture?
What do you make of the bird?
What of the strong vertical?
Just let yourselves think silently and write down any ideas you have… and yes…
The bird poo idea is relevant if you wish it to be!
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8. Light and shade
The land is very faint: why?
This one is black and white… they may not all be. So what strikes you and how might that enter a story
He is in silhouette. Which way is he facing?
Time of day?
Is this bright pathway of light significant?
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9. Ask questions of the picture
As you interrogate the picture – make notes. Ask questions which you can develop answers to to help your planning.
Next questions: How many characters are there in the picture?
I think there are certainly 4
The child
The bird
The sea itself (Walt Whitman…)
And… the viewer – who is looking, where are they standing and why are they there? Are you the viewer as you tell this story?
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10. Word Cloud (or “splurge”)
On a clean sheet of paper write single words which come to you as you look at the picture.
We will collate them here in 4 minutes.
Don’t share yet…
Sssssshhhhh!
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11. Questions
You will have realised that we are asking the usual questions:
Who, What, Where, Why and How…
In groups… use the A3 to write all the questions relating to your “W” question. Write as many as you can in 7 minutes…
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12. Answers
When you get your copy of the question sheet, look at the questions.
Choose one and answer it, in some detail…
Choose another…
Pass the sheet on ….
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13. Imaginations Should now be in overdrive Let’s share some of our ideas…
This creative thought process is what you need to try to tap into.
In the exam you may have 5 minutes or so to plan – these techniques may help to open up your imaginations….
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14. Metaphor
So much good writing uses figurative language for descriptive and atmospheric effect
Let’s consider the oldest form of Metaphor:
KENNINGS: 2 word descriptors from Anglo Saxon literature
What am I describing?
Boat Carrier
Sky Candle
Heavens’ breath
What is the difference here:
“Widow Maker” or “Homeland Defender”
Thinking in this way can help to develop images which are yours – not reliant on “dead” language and cliché…
See what you can come up with from the picture, trying to find ideas for each element – the figure, the land, the sea….
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15. Character
try these prompts for establishing a narrative around a character:
How old is he/she
Who or what do they most dislike?
Who does he most respect?
Everyone has secrets.  What is the hidden secret your character has?
What is the deepest regret?
Greatest strength?
What item is always carried with them and why?
Where will he sleep tonight?
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16. 1st Person When you write you have a VOICE – a “narrative voice”.
1st person, is close and subjective. It reflects the media idea of a shot in close up.
In this case the person might be either the viewer or the figure in the picture, for example
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17. 3rd person
Often referred to as “OMNISCIENT” because 3rd person narration often seems objective nd seems to know everything – it is as though the writer can see inside peoples’ heads and read their minds.
Related to the media idea of the long shot and the establishing shot…
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18. Your choice
Can you write as the 1st person or do you prefer to begin from longer distance.
Write a short paragraph based on this image. Then rewrite in the “other person”.
What has happened? Which suited you better? Has the tone of the writing changed?
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19. Last Game What lies outside the frame – just out of view?
Thinking compass points work with a neighbour to draft a continuation
to the Image and see if
This adds to your
narrative.
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20. What can he see that we can’t?
Is this the open sea or a city scape?
Who is watching
What is here?
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21. Q: using this image, answer the question below…
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