Lecture Week 8 by Chan Hui Lim

Task 1: Below are some “telling” sentences. Rewrite each one using sensory details and strong verbs to “show” the scene instead.

Telling: The library was quiet.

Showing: The space in the library feels so oppressive. The sound of needles falling to the ground, classmates flipping through books, and mosquitoes surrounding their ears can all be heard clearly. The footsteps of teachers and classmates entering and leaving can also disturb the students who are studying.

Task 2: Below are neutral sentences. Rewrite them twice—once in a cramped, restricted setting and once in an open, expansive setting.

Cramped, restricted setting:

She walked across the room-She cautiously passed by the messy table, afraid of accidentally spilling the cup full of juice. The surroundings are filled with the smell of garbage, making the air stagnant. She tried to walk past the table as much as possible because the ground was filled with leftover instant noodles and snack bags, making it feel like there was nowhere to rest.

Open, expansive setting:

She walked across the room-She opened her hands and enjoyed the cool air in the room to the fullest. The space inside is spacious, allowing people to freely engage in activities such as dancing, enjoying delicious food, singing, sleeping, and others. Surrounded by charming perfume which will let people want to stay in this place all the time. She happily opened her hands and spun around in place.

Task 3: Below are five themes. Choose one and create a setting that symbolizes or reinforces it.

A Fear of the Unknown- As soon as I opened the door, the room was very eerie, and the objects inside were almost completely invisible to the naked eye. There is a fragrance in the air, but upon closer inspection, there is a putrid odor that makes one feel a bit uneasy. The unknown variables ahead make people feel that there is danger ahead. I dare not approach because the naked eye cannot see ahead, and my body can clearly feel the waves of cool breeze.

Task 4: Choose one of the settings below and write a short dialogue-based scene where a character’s words and actions establish the environment.

Scene: A busy night market in Southeast Asia, following many different stalls, colorful lights, and pedestrians walking freely on the road. The night market vendors are working hard to shout, hoping that their business can do well and make many customers happy to consume. Each consumer has a few bags in their hands, looking like they have gained a lot.

Lina:  “Wah, there are many people in the night market! Look like there many stalls that we can explore lah. ”

John: “Ya lah, and the hot also no joke. I feel like I am under the sun even now is night.”

Lina: “Some more, I think I need to take shower again sudah because my clothes are getting wet.”

John: “Nevermine, let’s go fo shopping together, there seem to be a lot of delicious food here. I can't wait to buy a lot of delicious food and return home to enjoy it! ”

Lina: “Sure. I believe that food will make us happy. Am I right? ”

John: “Of course.”