Introduction to creative writing

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 1

What meme are you today?

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 

What are we doing today?

- Check-in

- Lesson goals

- Practical information

- Introduction to (creative) writing

- Warm-up exercises

- Homework

By the end of this lesson...

- I can tell the difference between formal and informal writing.

- I can write a short informal message to a friend.

- I can write a short formal email to a teacher or adult.

- I can explain what a beginning, middle, and ending of a text is.

How did the test go?

1. It went really well!
2. I might have to retake the test.
3. I'm not sure...
4. I think I did fine!

Practical information

- Your grades will be in Magister within two weeks. 

- Block 4 will consist of: Unit 8 + 9, and a Creative writing file!

In the next few weeks you will become a professional writer!!!

Introduction to creative writing

Take notes of the next few slides.... It might save your life!

Why do we write? 

To inform, to tell a story, to ask for something, or to share feelings.

Writing comes in many different shapes and forms!

Can you think of some? Take a minute to write some ideas down.

To communicate with others

We write letters, texts, emails or messages to talk to people when we are not with them.

Example: Writing an email to your teacher or a birthday card for a friend.

🧠 To remember things

We write notes, lists, and homework to help us remember important things.

Example: A shopping list or a to-do list.

🎨 To be creative

We write stories, poems, and songs to use our imagination and have fun!

Example: A short story about a dragon, or a poem about the rain.

🧾 To give information

We write to explain something or teach others.

Example: A report about a country or a how-to guide.

🙋‍♀️ To ask or ask for something

We write when we want to ask a question or ask for help.

Example: Writing a formal letter to ask for a job or more information.

He grabbed the golden key, ran to the door, and pushed it open — but instead of escaping, he found something he didn’t expect.

1. Beginning
2. Middle
3. Ending

One sunny morning, Emma woke up to a strange sound outside her window. It wasn’t a bird or a car — it was something much stranger…

1. Beginning
2. Middle
3. Ending

That’s how I met my best friend, and from that day on, everything changed.

1. Beginning
2. Middle
3. Ending

What do you think formal and informal writing is?

Formal v.s. Informal writing

When we write, we choose how we write — and that depends on who we’re writing to.

Informal writing

We use informal writing when we write to friends, family, or people we know well.

Hey Tom!

Are you coming to football tomorrow? It starts at 4. Let me know!

See you,

Jamie 😊

In informal writing:

✅ We can use short forms (I’m, can’t, don’t)

✅ We can use emojis (if allowed!)

✅ We can be funny or casual

✅ We don’t have to use perfect grammar

✅ We start with Hi or Hey and end with See you! or Love,

Formal writing

We use formal writing when we write to someone we don’t know very well, or someone in a professional or serious situation.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to ask for more information about your English course.

Yours faithfully,

Jamie de Vries

In formal writing:

✅ We use full sentences

✅ We don’t use slang or emojis

✅ We start with Dear Mr / Ms...

✅ We end with Yours sincerely or Kind regards

✅ We are polite and clear

To be continued... for now!

Writing task 

Step 1. Go to teams

Step 2. Open the document Mr. Rusniadi added to 'assignments'

Step 3. Do the assignment in teams. 

Step 4.  Do Workbook 8.1

By the end of this lesson...

- tell the difference between formal and informal writing.

- write a short informal message to a friend.

- write a short formal email to a teacher or adult.

- explain what a beginning, middle, and ending of a text is.

Homework

Workbook Unit 8.1

See you tomorrow!