This module aims to encourage appreciation for literature and to develop your own skills as creative writers.
Authors employ literary techniques (i.e. figurative, rhetorical and linguistic devices):
“to express insights, evoke emotion, describe the wonder of the natural world, shape a perspective or to share an aesthetic vision”
The rubric stresses that language is versatile, powerful and beautiful – it can be used to express a wide range of things, manipulate the emotions of and evoke all types of responses from the audience. You have 2 short prescribed texts to analyse – basically to study how they use techniques to do the things above. Through your examination, develop a thorough understanding of the effects and the skills used.
The module expects you to take in this knowledge and apply it in your own work. Examiners will look for your use of techniques and they contribute to the overall purpose of your work – that would prove that you understand and have learnt the skills of a writer. Techniques to consider include: allusion, imagery, narrative voice, characterisation, and tone. As for the general message in your piece, the rubric says to explore: purpose, audience and context.
The context of your work, of course, relates to you. The rubric suggests your work be a form ‘self-expression’, and it is true that it would be easier for you to write a great piece if it comes from your genuine perspective.
Since this is a new module, the only idea we have about the nature of the exam questions is from the sample paper NESA wrote. In it, there are two components:
- 300 word Reflection: essentially writing a short essay evaluating the process of writing (including techniques used, effect created, overall message, etc)
- 500 word Creative piece: writing a short story
Note that the rubric states:
“skills in producing highly crafted imaginative, discursive, persuasive and informative texts”
So be aware that they might not ask for a short story. After all, examiners are looking for your creative versatility and writing ability to express various things using various forms.
