The Writing Relays feature several events designed to enhance students' writing abilities in different areas.
40-word Dash
The 40-word Dash involves describing an object in 32-48 words in 10 minutes or less.
The proctor will show the writer an object such as a shoe, a squash, or a hammer. Time will be allowed for students to examine the object. The writer should describe the object so that a reader who has not seen the object can visualize it. The description, in present tense, should be an exact impression that conveys all relevant sense responses such as sight, sound, touch. For example, “The white leather baby shoe shows wear at the heel.” The writer should describe the object, not create a fiction suggested by the object. Figurative language and imagery may be used to enhance the description.
80-word Dash
The 80-word Dash involves the narration of an event shown in a black and white photograph. The piece should be 64-96 words and should be completed in 20 minutes or less.
The proctor will show the writers a large black and white photograph. Time will be allowed for students to examine the photograph. The writers should interpret what is happening in the photograph. Because no explanation accompanies the picture, different writers will use their imaginations to interpret the same picture in various ways. The narration, in present tense, should convey the logical sequence of the actions and interpret the emotions and motives that are implied by the situation. For example, “The tiny Chinese girl looks joyful as she jumps over the dagger.” The writer should narrate only the event that has been captured in the picture. The writer should not explain what may have happened before or after the photograph was taken.
200-word Dash
The 200-word Dash is a persuasive letter to the editor. The piece should be 168-232 words in length and the time limit is 30 minutes.
The proctor will show the writer a set of newspaper headlines about recent issues. The students will be given time to examine the selections. The writer will choose one issue suggested by a headline and write a letter about the issue to the editor of a newspaper. The writer should state a definite, clear position about the issue and try to persuade the readers of the newspaper to agree with that position. For example, “Pit bulldogs should be banned in Memphis.”
The writer may take any position on the issue; the letter is judged solely on the effectiveness of the persuasion. Giving clear explanations, the writer should logically support the position stated in the letter. The letter should also appeal to the emotions and values of the reader. In addition, the writer should briefly refute any expected opposition to the declared position.
400-word Dash
The 400-word Dash is a collaboratively written 320 to 480 word exposition on a given topic. The piece should be completed within 60 minutes.
The proctor will give each group of three writers a list of topics with explanations and specified audiences. Time will be allowed for each group to select one topic. Each group may use any combination of expository strategies such as defining, classifying or dividing, narrating a process, illustrating, or reporting causes or effects