Week 8 – Six word memoirs

Aims-

• To demonstrate a knowledge of implicit in text
• What is a memoir?
• Demonstrate a knowledge of synonyms

 

 

What is the writer doing when he/ she chooses specific words in their writing?

Specific words are used to create an atmosphere and/ or tone that helps to immerse the reader in a peace of writing. Specific words are also used to give the reader an idea about the character such as how they perform certain actions or what they are thinking.

 

Definitions-

Implicit- suggested though not directly expressed

 

 

Synonyms for-

Good-

acceptable
acceptable
bad
excellent
exceptional
favorable
great
marvelous
positive
satisfactory
satisfying
superb
valuable
wonderful
ace
boss
bully
capital
choice
crack
nice
pleasing
prime

 

Bad-

• atrocious
• awful
• cheap
• crummy
• dreadful
• lousy
• poor
• rough
• sad
• unacceptable
• blah
• bummer
• diddly

 

Big-

• husky
• jumbo
• mammoth
• mondo
• monster
• oversize
• packed
• ponderous
• prodigious
• roomy
• spacious
• strapping
• stuffed
• super colossal
• thundering
• voluminous
• walloping
• whopper
• whopping

 

Tired-

• annoyed
• bored
• distressed
• drained
• exasperated
• fatigued
• irritated
• overworked
• sleepy
• stale
• beat
• collapsing
• consumed
• drooping

 

Run-

• break
• race
• rush
• spurt
• amble
• bound
• canter
• dart
• dash
• drop

 

Funny-

• absurd
• amusing
• droll
• entertaining
• hilarious
• ludicrous
• playful
• ridiculous
• silly

 

Happy-

• cheerful
• contented
• delighted
• ecstatic
• elated
• glad
• joyful
• joyous
• jubilant
• lively

Know-

• be informed
• be learned
• be master of
• be read
• be schooled
• be versed
• feel certain
• get the idea
• have down pat
• have information
• have knowledge of
• keep up on
• on top of

 

Ernest Hemingway’s short story-

“For sale: Baby shoes, never worn”

 

How does the punctuation, choice of words and word order work?

The use of the coma after “baby shoes” gives the impression of a deep breath, almost as though the character in the story is regretfully putting the shoes up for sale. The decision to use “Baby shoes” puts more emotion into the story. A regular pair of shoes up for sale would be pretty normal, however baby shoes give the impression that whoever did not get the chance to wear them was very young. This brings out empathy from the reader towards the character.

 

Analysis of short stories-

“Nixon childhood, Reagan teenager, hope finally.” – By Tonia Mohammed-Madejczyk

This short story shows how the author has grown up through two white presidents and finally has hope now Barrack Obama has become president.

 

“Born bald, grew hair,

 

Timeline of my life- This will help me with ideas when it comes to writing my own 6-word memoirs.

• Born 10th September 2001 in Ashford, Kent
• Moved house at a few months old
• Went to nursery
• Finished nursery
• Started primary school
• Made friends and learned many things
• Began playing football but wasn’t very good
• Got ready for end of year 6 exams
• Passed my my exams and got into grammar school
• Made friends at new school and progressed with football
• Continued to study whilst joining another football team
• Won leagues with both football teams, as well as cups and tournaments
• Did my GCSE’s and left one football team
• Finished secondary school and progressed onto college after passing all my exams
• Finished playing football for a while

 

My own memoirs- using what I have studied in today’s lesson, I have written some 6-word memoirs of my own

Bus halts, students disembark, fearful eyes…

Refs whistle blows, bright eyes, victory

Envelope received, nervous expectation, deep regret

Bag in locker, takes seat, unsure

Looking forwards, memories behind, friends also