Twisting Expectations: Horror Short Stories

Lesson 19
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ELA

Unit 16

8th Grade

Lesson 19 of 20

Objective


Provide and incorporate peer feedback, and self-assess using a rubric. 

Readings and Materials


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Target Task


Writing Prompt

In this unit, we have explored the genre of horror fiction and the many literary techniques that authors of horror use to engage the reader and build suspense. One way that authors can do this is by writing from the perspective of a first-person narrator. Commonly, first-person horror stories are written from the perspective of a character who is in danger, and the reader experiences suspense, uncertainty, and fear along with that narrator. However, some horror stories are written from the perspective of the "villain"—the character or entity who is dangerous. 

In this task, you will select one of the following stories from our unit and rewrite one scene from the perspective of the story's villain:

  • "Click-Clack the Rattlebag": write from the perspective of the boy
  • "The Wife's Story": write from the perspective of the husband
  • "Behind Colin's Eyes": write from the perspective of the evil spirit/Sergeant Rock

Your story must:

  • Be at least 400 words long
  • Be organized logically
  • Include important events, lines of dialogue, and characters from the original text
  • Establish a unique point of view based on what you already know of the characters
  • Provide descriptive and sensory details 
  • Develop a suspenseful mood
  • Demonstrate creativity and originalit

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Common Core Standards


  • W.8.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
  • W.8.5 — With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.

Supporting Standards

L.8.1
L.8.2
L.8.2.c
L.8.3
L.8.6
SL.8.1
SL.8.6
W.8.3.a
W.8.3.b
W.8.3.c
W.8.3.d
W.8.4
W.8.6
W.8.10

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Lesson 20
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