CREATIVE

WRITING
 HOW TO CHOOSE A TOPIC
• Read all the topics.
– Write down a few ideas on each topic.
– Eliminate the topics that you do not understand or know very little about.
– Remember you have to be able to write the required number of words on the topic without
repeating yourself.
• Underline all the keywords in the chosen topic to ensure that you do not miss
important information.
• Choose a topic that you fully understand.
– If you are uncertain about what the topic requires from you then you should not attempt to
write it.
• Choose a topic that interests you.
– If you don't care about limiting cigarette advertising, don't select it as a topic for a persuasive
essay.
– You'll have more to say, and you'll write better, on something you care about.
– Generally, if you choose a topic that is interesting to you, then your reader will find it
interesting too.
• If your essay requires knowledge, choose a topic about which you have sufficient
information.
– Make sure you select a subject that you can develop with enough details.
• After you've picked a topic, don't be afraid to change it if it isn't working out.
– Teachers would rather you write a good essay than sticking to a topic that was a poor choice.
• Use fresh and original images and descriptive words.
– Avoid too many idioms as it makes your writing unoriginal.
– Avoid using inflated vocabulary – it may seem forced and not fit the context of the topic.
A ESSAYS
NUMBER OF WORDS AND TIMEFRAME

– Grade 8: 180 – 210 (45 minutes to 1 Hour)

– Grade 9: 210 – 250 (1 Hour)
– Grade 10: 250 – 300 (1 Hour + 15 minutes)
– Grade 11: 250 – 300 (1 Hour + 15 minutes)
– Grade 12: 250 – 300 (1 Hour + 15 minutes)
 1 – NARRATIVE ESSAY
• Tells a story or of past events
• Can be written in first or third person
• Usually written in the past tense
• The story should have characters and a setting
• Events leaning to the complication (problem)
• Should have a resolution and an ending
• Must have a strong story line and be convincing
• An unusually interesting ending gives the story a final touch
• The readers interest must be maintained
• Use sensory detail: Sight, sound, touch, smell, taste
 2 –DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
• The writer describes something or someone
• Can be written in the past or present tense
• Use adjectives and adverbs
• Give a general orientation of a subject
• Should create a picture in words
• Words and expressions are chosen carefully
• Images of sight, sound, hearing, taste and touch, makes your description more
vivid
• Use figures of speech (metaphors, personification, alliteration)
 3 –EXPOSITORY ESSAY

• Communicates ideas / information in a logical way

• Factual
• Need to research on the topic
• Need a thorough understanding of the topic
• Generally written in the past tense
• Good research is vital
• Statements must be supported by facts
4 – ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
• The writer has a specific opinion or point of view and argues, defend or
motivate his/her position.
• The writes opinion should be clear throughout the essay.
• Subjective and the writer tries to convince the reader.
• Use simple present tense
• Should give a range of arguments to support point of view
• Focus on points FOR OR AGAINST a statement.
• The conclusion should be strong, clear and convincing
 5 – DISCURSIVE ESSAY

• It’s objective and aims to give a balanced view of both sides of an argument
• Use simple present tense
• Arguments FOR AND AGAINST must be given.
• Should understand the topic and reflect BOTH sides of the argument
• Rational, objective, calm, well-reasoned and well-supported statements
• Tone should be unemotional and convincing
• Conclusion should give a summary and recommendation
 6 – REFLECTIVE ESSAY

• Contemplates an idea and gives his/her emotional reactions and feelings

• Reflect on aspirations
• It is subjective (personal)
• Use personal pronouns
• Vocabulary that expresses view points, emotions, etc.
• Feelings and emotions play an important role
• Big part of the essay may be descriptive.
B LONG TRANSACTIONAL
NUMBER OF WORDS AND TIMEFRAME

– Grade 8: 120 – 140 (30 minutes)

– Grade 9: 140 – 160 (30 minutes)
– Grade 10: 120 – 150 (45 minutes)
– Grade 11: 120 – 150 (45 minutes)
– Grade 12: 120 – 150 (45 minutes)
 1 – FORMAL / BUSINESS LETTERS
• Written in direct, formal English
• The reader must understand what has been communicated.
• Avoid:
– Slang
– Contractions
– Abbreviations
– Acronyms
– Sarcasm
– Clichés
Application / Complaint etc. To the Editor
46 Hoog Street The Editor
Newcastle City Press
2940 55 Tall Street
XXX (line open) Bloemfontein
12 February 2020 9300

XXX (Line open) XXX (Line open)

The Manager Dear Sir / Madam (Salutation)

City Groove Magazine XXX (Line open)

55 Tall Street BIASED JOURNALISTS RUN OUR COUNTRY (Caption)

Bloemfontein XXX (Line open)

9300 (P1) Statement on why you are communicating …

XXX (Line open) (P2) Facts etc.
Dear Sir / Madam (Salutation) (P3) Recommendation and Conclusion
XXX (Line open) XXX (Line open)
APPLICATION FOR A VACANT POST (Caption) Yours faithfully OR Concerned citizen
XXX (Line open) NAME and SURNAME NAME and SURNAME
(P1)Kindly receive herewith, my application for the post of …
46 Kantoor Strret
(P2) Something about yourself
Newcastle
(P3) Conclusion
2940
XXX (Line open)
Yours faithfully
12 February 2020
NAME and SURNAME
 2 – INFORMAL / FRIENDLY LETTERS
• Usually informal style (Condolences would Friendly letter / Informal letter
be more formal) 46 Hoog Street
Newcastle
• Although the language is more relaxed in an 2940
informal letter the following should be XXX (line open)
avoided: 12 February 2020

– Slang XXX (Line open)

Dear …
– Contractions
XXX (Line open)
– Abbreviations (P1) Introduction (Why you are writing the letter)
(P2) Body (More information)
– Acronyms
(P3) Conclusion
– Innovations as used in SMS, What’s app, etc. XXX (Line open)
Yours sincerely / Your loving …
– Foul language
First name
 3 – REVIEW
Title of the Book / Film:

• An individual’s responds to a book, Author / Producer:

film, occasion, etc. The genre:

• Projects “judgement” The Setting: Short description

• Subjective
Character: Shot description
• Give relevant information / facts
The Plot: Do not give away the story

Just enough to capture the reader

Conclusion

Recommendation
 4 – DIALOGUE
• Language will depend on the type of
conversation
Bob: (Extra information in brackets, before or
– Interview: formal
after what is being said)
– Conversation with a friend: informal XXX
XXXXXX
• Direct speech Piet:
• No inverted commas XXXXXX XXXX
 5 – ARTICLE
Newspaper Heading
By Line
• State facts briefly but accurately
• Strive to communicate the essence (core)
without losing the reader
• Give a brief suitable title
• Start with the most important facts
– Who
– What
– How
– When
– Where
– Why
Magazine
• Heading should attract attention
• Should stimulate interest
• Paragraphs should not be to long
 6 – SPEECH
When you write a speech think about the following and then adapt accordingly
• How:
What style will you use. Will you encourage or be diplomatic etc.
• When:
When are you speaking. Main speaker? Evening or morning
• Where:
Is it for a school function or a wedding, on a yacht or in a school hall
• Why:
What is the purpose of the occasion? Why have you been invited to speak?
• Who:
Who is you audience, this will determine if you can use informal language
• What:
Show conviction and self- confidence
• What:
❑ Show conviction and self-confidence
❑ Strong (clever) opening to attract attention
❑ Develop points well
❑ Avoid clichés
❑ Use fairly short sentences
❑ Consider your closing carefully
❑ Use language that expresses your maturity, values and background
❑ Swearing, crudity and profanity are unacceptable

❖ Can start like

Today, 20 July, …
 6 – CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)
• Document which the writer presents
him/herself to the world
• Should be a strong, first impression of the
candidate
• Should present information clearly, objectively
and briefly.
• Should address the post for which the
candidate seeks employment
• Must include:
– Personal details
– Formal qualifications
– Work experience (if applicable)
– References
 7 – OBITUARY
 An obituary is a piece of writing which honours the departed.
 Many people still make use of the obituary to inform (just like an informative article) the multiple readers who were unaware of
the passing of someone they might have known.
• The easiest way to begin is to plan.
– Who is the person?
• Date of birth and death (Full dates)
– Where did his/her life start?
– Where did his/her journey take them?
– What are some of their great achievements?
• Remember to place these in a time-line to keep the flow.
– Who are they leaving behind?
• Children/Wife/Husband/etc.
– When will the memorial service take place?
– Where will the service take place?
– Who will be allowed to attend?
• A “closed service” refers to invite only.
 7 – BROCHURE
• A small book containing pictures and information about a product or service
• Cover: attract attention
• What: What product or service
• Who: Who is involved
• Why: Why should you buy/come
• Where: Where can you buy or find the product or service
• Contact information: Phone numbers, address, email etc.
• Additional information
 7 – EDITORIAL

• Text that is written by the editor of the newspaper or magazine

• Sums up main articles and should intensify their urge to read.
• Written in passive voice
• Headline – Eye-catching
• Introductory paragraph – Introduces and summarises the editor’s standpoint on
the issues
• Body – Strong arguments or evidence that supports the point of view
• Conclusion – Sums up the argument and may make recommendations
 8 – FORMAL REPORT
• Reports are factual accounts or summaries written n a formal, brief manner
• May be investigative or eye-witness account
• AIM: to convey and record information
• FACTS: correct, relevant, informative and able to be substantiated
• Attention to detail
• May be written in point form
• Objective (avoid first person, I or me)
• Must be signed and dated
– Investigative report: Person to whom the report is addressed, Title of the report,
Who requested the report, Procedure followed, Findings, Conclusion and
Recommendation
– Eye-witness report: Names, Time, Date, Facts of incindent
C SHORT TRANSACTIONAL
NUMBER OF WORDS AND TIMEFRAME

– Grade 8: 80 - 90 (30 minutes)

– Grade 9: 90 - 100 (30 minutes)
– Grade 10: 80 - 100 (30 minutes)
– Grade 11: 80 – 100 (30 minutes)
– Grade 12: 120 – 150 (30 minutes)
 1 – INVITATION
• Short text that conveys a message
• Content and nature of the invitation
determines the choice of language
• Address:
– Subject of the invitation (e.g. Wedding)
– Date
– Time
– Venue
– RSVP
– Contact person and number
 2 – DIARY ENTRY
• Portrayal of daily events
• Writer’s point of view Date

• First person Time (Optional )

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Line open

Dear Diary

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Line open

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Line open

Love / Goodnight / NAME (Must sign off)

 3 – POST CARD
(Place) – (Date)
• Casual and informal Dear …
________________________________________
• Limited space ________________________________________ NAME
________________________________________ 46 Kantoor Street
________________________________________ Newcastle
________________________________________ 2940
________________________________________ South Africa
________________________________________

Love you all / Until then

NAME
 4 – DIRECTIONS
• We use directions when we are
telling someone how to get
somewhere.
• Be brief and clear
• Chronological order
• Always refer to a specific direction
• Indicate the approximate distance
• Give number of street to cross
• Use Street names and landmarks
 5 – INSTRUCTIONS

• Describing how something is done

• Chronological
• Brief sentence
 6 – ADVERTISEMENT
• Catch the attention of the reader
• Create interest
• Create desire
• Lead to action

• Keep in mind:
– Target market
– To what senses is the advertisement
appeal
– Layout and font size
– Language use
 7 – FLYER EVENT NAME

• Small pamphlet
• Advertising an event or a business • DAY •
MONTH
• Distributed free
• TIME •
• Layout is a cross between pamphlet AM/PM

and a poster • PLACE •

ADDRESS

FREE DRINKS • DJ NAME

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 8 – POSTER
• Used to advertise an event or sell an item
• Normal placed around busy places
• Intention is to draw the community’s attention
to the event
• Bigger than a flyer
• The title must be written out in full
• Font used must draw the attention of the
reader
• Pictures must be clear
• Relevant point about the event must be given
• Date, time, venue
• Contact person and details must be provided
 9 – WRITING AN EMAIL
• Electronic mail
• It is fast replacing
traditional letters Recipient’s
address
• Instant form of
communication Summary of
the content
• Language will depend of
Salutation:
the audience Dear…
Can add
attachments
electronically

Sign off:
Yours
faithfully
Sincerely
Kind regards