writing prompts (from Teacherweb)

Using any novel we've read in class, explain how a novel might influence change in society.

The theme of a literary piece is the central idea or message that it delivers. Cite a specific literary work and discuss the theme.

A struggle between two or more opposing forces in a work is called conflict. Cite a piece of literature (narrative poem, short story, or novel) and explain the conflict embodied in the work.

Imagery is the use of descriptive details that appeal to the reader’s senses. Using a poem, short story, or novel that you are familiar with, discuss how the author’s use of imagery enhanced your reading experience.

Personification is the technique wherein a non-human
character is given human thoughts, feelings, and dialogue. Illustrate how this technique is used in your favorite poem, novel, or short story this year.

The setting of a novel is where the action takes place. Explain how the setting complements the story in a short story or novel you have read. 

Sometimes an author will write dialogue that illustrates a person’s intelligence, speech pattern, or locality. Discuss a piece of literature in which this happens. Also discuss whether this
technique helps or hinders your reading. 

Using a piece of literature that you are familiar with, discuss the theme of unrequited love.

Discuss the theme of greed in a piece of literature that you have read.

Using a piece of literature that you are familiar with, discuss the theme of personal suffering and loss.

Using a piece of literature that you are familiar with, discuss how the weather or climate affects the mood or tone.

Discuss a novel that has been controversial and perhaps banned, and explain why and whether you agree/disagree.

A third type of conflict is called character vs. him/herself. This is also referred to as internal conflict because the character must face self-inflicted fears and problems. Write about this type of conflict, using a piece of literature that you
have read.

Discuss how faith is symbolized in a piece of literature that you have read.

Discuss the theme of social injustice, using a piece of literature that you have read.

Novels often become mirror images of life. Discuss a time when you saw a similarity between your life and that of the main character in a novel. Explain the situation and compare the way you handled the situation with the way the character did.

Repetition is a technique used by a poet to create sound or to emphasize a subject in a poem. Discuss how and why this technique is used in a poem that you know.

Often, in literature, a character is viewed as an outsider or a loner. Using a piece of literature that you are familiar with, discuss such a character. Be sure to describe this character’s attitudes towards himself or herself, and how he or she deals with the isolation that
comes with these two labels.

Discuss a character from literature that seems to be present only for comic relief. Explain how this character adds to or detracts
from the work.

Frequently, popular novels are adapted into motion pictures. Discuss a novel that you have read and that has been made into a motion picture. Compare/contrast the plot, setting, and
characterization in both mediums.

Discuss a hero in a literary piece that you have read.

Write a literary analysis of a poem. Include
theme and symbolism in your discussion.

Using a piece of literature that you are familiar with, discuss the theme of personal triumph.

Using a piece of literature that you are familiar with, discuss how evil is personified.

Discuss the difference between poetry and prose, using literary pieces that you have read.

Describe a character from a short story or novel that you would trade places with, and explain why.

The protagonist in a story is usually the do-gooder, or the character that most readers emphathize with. Identify a piece of short story or novel where the author wants us to empathize with the
antagonist, or evildoer. Explain by using details from that work.

Discuss a character that you loathed. The character can be from a short story or novel. Explain the techniques the author used that caused you to feel this way. 

Conflict, in a work of literature, is the struggle between opposing characters or opposing forces. One type of conflict is character vs. character. Explain this type of conflict using a piece of literature that you have read.

Another type of conflict is called character vs. nature. Using a piece of literature that you are familiar with, explain how the author uses this type of conflict.

The coming of age theme is very popular in literature. This term refers to a pre-adolescent boy or girl going through many difficult, life altering experiences in order to reach young adulthood. Using a novel or short story you are familiar with, discuss this theme. Be sure to use supporting details and evidence in
your essay.

Discuss the theme of prejudice, using a piece of literature that you have read.

Discuss a piece of literature that uses an object of worth, such as a sword, as its focus. Discuss the symbolic purpose of this object.

Analyze a poem that uses a pessimistic tone.

Analyze a poem that uses a hopeful, optimistic tone.

Discuss the theme of nature in a piece of literature that you have read.

Discuss how doom is foreshadowed in a piece of literature that you are familiar with.

Discuss a novel that has been controversial and perhaps banned, and explain why.