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Copyright: Carmen Capuano 2015

Short story competition

 

The story below has been written with two different levels of ability in mind, which require specific approaches due to natural differentiated abilities.

 

Two versions of the same general story beginning have been given, a clean and simplistic model for the younger set and a more linguistically challenged style for the older one, using more eloquent and considered language.

 

Whilst the younger group could be expected to write around another page or possibly two, the longer opener for the older children leaves the overall finished size down to personal ability and choice. This, I believe, is the best way forward, allowing those with a more succinct style to shine, whilst also showcasing those with a more flourished yet rambling voice, so that neither style is considered best and both are judged equally on their own merits.

 

In order that this fair approach be carried forward, I have taken into consideration the fact that typically, genres can be divided quite equally, in that girls tend to favour romance and excitement, whilst boys lean more towards science fiction, action and adventure.

 

As a cross-genre writer I have blended elements of the above, so that the story can be taken in any direction. For the same reason I have  omitted a title for the work, as this should necessarily reflect the overall style.

 

Whilst there are obvious elements of horror in a science fiction setting, the inclusion of Serena allows the plot to flow into a romantic adventure setting, as easily as it does to the more boy-oriented genres, thus allowing for impartial and unbiased competition.

 

For writers who like their protagonists to be female, there is the opportunity to have Serena as a lead character, perhaps even involved with, or responsible for the rescue of the male protagonist. For others who prefer a sole lead, she can remain firmly in the background, either present or living only in his memory.  She can be a girlfriend, a sister or just a friend. The possibilities are limited only by the children themselves…

 

PLEASE NOTE: I have given a list of questions that can be considered by the younger group to help them. The older children should need no such help.

 

Please also note that the age range given is generalistic by its nature – there will be some children who although in the younger age group are much more capable writers, and likewise some in the older age range for whom the simplistic version might be more appropriate. Therefore it might be wise to allow these to use the other story beginning, rather than their own age defined ones. I think the key here is to be guided by the children themselves in these instances.

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