VOICE-writing+trait+lesson

Lesson from “WritingFix.com” __With Your Own Two Hands__ Materials: internet access, with speakers; “With My Own Two Hands” handout, looseleaf Because the Provincial Exam will ask you to identify various writing strategies, and explain how they create mood, meaning, feeling and the like, this is a look at the writing trait of “voice”. Many of our short stories recently have dealt with the topic of making the world a better place. They have made us think about the future and if and how we can make a difference. So in keeping with that theme, the music below presents two different “voices” on that topic. Voice is the writer coming through the words, the sense that a real person is speaking to us and cares about the message. It is the heart and soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and breath. When the writer is engaged personally with the topic, he/she imparts a personal tone and flavor to the piece that is unmistakably his/hers alone. And it is that individual something–different from the mark of all other writers–that we call Voice. [|http://educationnorthwest.org/resource/503#Voice] Here are some examples: [|Grade 11-12 Examples] [|Grade 9-10 examples]
 * Writing Traits- Voice **
 * 1) Google the definition of the writing trait of “voice”. Here is a good one, but look up a few more to get a better understanding.
 * 1) Take a stance. On loose leaf, brainstorm as many changes the world needs as you can, then write a few sentences that explain how. Also, can you impact any change, and what tools, or qualities do you possess that might be used. Are you optimistic or pessimistic?
 * 2) Watch the following clips in this order. Look up and read the lyrics to each song.
 * 3) Ben Harper “With My Own Two Hands” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEnfy9qfdaU&ob=av2e
 * 4) Lyrics []
 * 5) Badly Drawn Boy Year of the Rat []
 * 6) John Mayer “Waiting for the World to Change” []
 * 7) Lyrics []
 * 8) Hugh Laurie’s protest song []
 * 9) While you are listening to Ben Harper’s song, and John Mayer’s song, complete the part of the handout that you can.
 * 10) Once you have seen each video, the first two presenting an optimistic view, and the second two presenting a pessimistic view, review your stance. Complete the handout to take a stand and decide what you can do about the world, if anything. Be honest.
 * 11) Write your own poem, or song lyrics, expressing your voice. Be sure your true feelings come through. Be specific with your word choices as they create mood and feeling.
 * 12) Your poem must be at least 20 meaningful lines long.
 * 13) Hand in all paper- brainstorming, handout, poem to be marked