Feedback from In-Class Memorable Story Writes

Ideas - Intros should “grab” the reader: a. A strong memory for me was when I went to my friend’s cabin. OR...b. My heart tremored as I saw him teetering on the cliffed edge of the water. Earlier that day I only envisioned going to my friend’s cabin to play cards and lie around on the hot beach.

Story Elements - should lead up to a climactic point where something major happens. Make sure the main goal is met - the importance of this place or event is made clear to your reader.

Writing Mechanics: Grammar, Spelling, Sentence Variety

Paragraph indentations!• Shorter paragraphs are better than longer paragraphs.

Avoid run-ons, fragments and comma splices.

Sentence Variety: Creates flow in your writing by transitioning from one idea to the next. Here are some transition words to try:

• However, Nonetheless, On the other hand, Similarly, As a result (of this), Subsequently, Afterwards, With this in mind, Hence, Furthermore, though

Vocabulary: Read and expand on your vocab. Specifically, avoid repetition of words in describing a particular person, place or thing. For example:

• ‘Huge’ = monstrous, gigantic, colossal, enormous, immense, titanic

SHOW DON’T TELL

The SniperBy

Liam O’Flaherty

The Sniper

Discussion Questions:

1. Is killing justified during times of war?

2. How would you classify the conclusion (ending) of the story? Is there a point to it, and if so, what is it?

3. Do you think the sniper knew his brother had joined the “Free Staters”? Would this have made a difference in his actions in this particular situation?

Journal Entry #2:

Provide examples (one for each) of external and internal conflict from the story ‘The Sniper’ and explain how these conflicts create tension or suspense in that story.

An external conflict is a struggle between a character and some other outside force. Outside forces may include another character, society as a whole, or a force of nature.

Ex. Person v. Person or Person v. the Environment

An internal conflict is a struggle within the character's mind. This may occur when a character needs to make a difficult decision or has conflicting feelings.

Ex. Person v. Self

Historical Background of ‘The Sniper’

1919-1921: Irish War of Independence• The newly formed Irish Republican Army (IRA)

launched guerilla warfare during the Irish War of Independence to liberate Ireland from the British.

1921: Anglo-Irish Treaty• This treaty ended British rule in 26 counties of

Ireland and, the Irish Free State was created as a self-governing state.

• However, 6 north eastern counties remained within the United Kingdom (Britain), which we know as Northern Ireland.

1922: Irish Civil War • After the ceasefire, political and sectarian

violence between republicans (usually Catholics) and loyalists (usually Protestants) continued in Northern Ireland for many months.

• In June, 1922, disagreement among republicans over the Anglo-Irish Treaty led to an 11 month civil war.

Liam O’Flaherty

The TroublesThe Troubles is the common name for the ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland that spilled over at various times into the Republic of Ireland, England and mainland Europe.

The Troubles began in the late 1960s and is deemed by many to have ended with the Belfast 'Good Friday' Agreement of 1998, but sporadic violence has continued since then. Internationally, the Troubles is also commonly called the Northern Ireland conflict and has often been described as a war.

Traditional IRA activities have included bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, punishment beatings, extortion, smuggling, and robberies. Before the cease-fire in 1997, the group had conducted bombing campaigns on various targets in Northern Ireland and Great Britain, including senior British Government officials, civilians, police, and British military targets.

‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ by U2

"Sunday Bloody Sunday" is noted for its militaristic drumbeat, searing guitar riff, and melodic harmonies. One of U2's most overtly political songs, its lyrics describe the horror felt by an observer of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, mainly focusing on the Bloody Sunday incident in Derry in 1972 where British troops shot and killed unarmed civil rights protesters and bystanders who were there to rally against internment (imprisonment without trial).

Bono on ‘The Troubles’:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQxBhtEY110

Exploring Themes in a Variety of Genres