Liz1610

Here is the link to where I have posted up my final drafts to be submitted for marking

Link

When I tackled the first assignment given to us within the module, I did not fully consider the fact that I was writing for the screen. I kept my paragraphs fairly long, and did not break up the information in order for it to look short to the reader. I did however include two pictures, as I felt this would make it attractive. I did forget the medium in which my piece of writing would appear on, and did not take everything into account at first.

The piece ‘How to have a girly night’ was kept short within each step, i.e. just one sentence, as web readers wish to only read small amounts of writing, and skim the page for the information they want to find. I added pictures along with each statement, as I wanted the piece to appeal to the eye, and help make it interesting. If it were appearing in print, the pictures may not be as necessary, as they would be reading the piece for a reason, whereas as it is appearing on the internet, someone may have stumbled across the site that it features on and would need to be drawn in, in order for them to want to read it. I feel this piece could feature on a website and also in a print outlet. The print outlet would be a female magazine, as many have articles such as this to help their readers think about things they could do with their lives, and make it easy for them in a few steps. I also used user-friendly, colloquial language such as, ‘snuggle,’ ‘boogie,’ ‘indulge,’ to attract a young female who wouldn’t want to be reading something written formally. They would want to feel as though you were talking in a way they might do so themselves.

When I received feedback on this piece, I was told that perhaps I should include an introductory paragraph, to introduce it and identify with the reader. It invites them in if they can relate to the topics, such as having boyfriend problems, or just having a bad day. I took this advice on board and added it to the article, as I felt that way it gave it a purpose for being written. From looking at other sites, I also got the idea to include links, where information was given on ideas to foods they could eat during the night etc, so I included links and suggested films they could watch and songs they could listen to. This piece is very much aimed at the female sex, due to the topic itself, and also the ideas mentioned such as gossiping about boys and doing facials for one another.

The piece that I wrote on the influence of music, entitled ‘Music and dancing returning to the younger generation’ came about from something I wrote in class based on a picture. My first draft did not include conventions that you would expect from a web piece which I have now included i.e. sub-titles so that the reader can find a subject they are looking for specifically, and also links to other sites that could be of use to them.

The audience of the piece is those perhaps being cynics of musicals, and also those who do not see the benefits of music to children. I did wonder whether to include information on the negative side of music, but from feedback, someone suggested that I stick to my viewpoint and believed I did not need to show both sides of the argument. As my viewpoint had a lot of sides to it, they felt it was strong enough to stand on its own. I included my own opinion on the wonders of musicals to back up my argument, and mentioned issues that are a problem at the moment e.g. knife crime, to make the reader empathise with someone who just wishes to escape from reality.

When we were asked to write a blog entry as an assignment, my teacher felt what I had done was too informal to submit. I reviewed the content and thought about where I could take it. I saw the potential for an article on the fun times of Christmas and trying to persuade those who dread the time of year to change their ways, which is now entitled ‘Why not to be a scrooge this Christmas.’ I mentioned the problems that most people have, and so acknowledged that I understood where they were coming from, but tried to bring out their inner child, and remind them of the magic that it brings. Again, like the Music article, I added in sub-titles to aid the reading, and allow people to skim until they find the subject they wish to know about – this was only done however after I received feedback. I realised that my piece of work beforehand was not suited to feature on a website, as it did not appeal directly to the eye. I again brought in my own opinion in order to back up my argument, and perhaps jog people’s memories of what they did at Christmas time when they were younger. The piece would feature on a website that would allow adults to receive ideas on recipes for Christmas treats, pictures that can be coloured in by children and so on. This idea came about from a website specifically designed to aid adults make their children’s Christmas special, where they helped give ideas on subjects such as those I have mentioned.

MUSIC AND DANCING RETURNING TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION

High School Musical frenzy

The musical phenomenon is once again creeping into our lives. You can’t go anywhere without hearing about High School Musical, and its great success. Not only is it entertaining children, but it is getting them to realize how fun music can be, and how getting involved in dancing is a very popular choice. Dance-a-long versions of the film have been released, to get the children active, along with sing-a-long versions to make them feel involved. High School Musical has been an excellent way to offer young people another choice to rap music, which can bring across dark and dangerous messages occasionally to the younger generation. They are now reminded that life can be fun, and there is another path that they can choose.

Dance mats

On Christmas lists across the country, I can guarantee one certainty will be a dance mat. This item can be plugged into the TV, and children can dance along to their favourite songs, not realizing they are staying active at the same time. There are customized options (again, High School musical has released its own version), so that the children can dance along with their favourite characters. Obesity could be a thing of the past if music and dancing can stay so popular.

Britain’s got talent

A form of dancing was drawn back to our attention through the discovery of George Sampson, a young boy who won ‘Britain’s got talent’ this year. His form of street dancing won over the British public, and he is now appearing in a stage production of ‘Into the hoods’ in the West End until his performance at the Royal Variety later this year. His success at a young age will give encouragement to young people across the country, and show that anything is possible.

Musical adaptations

With musicals such as Hairspray joining the big screen, and winning a ton of awards at the West End, we could be looking at many more being made into films in the coming years. We already have the news of Catherine Zeta Jones taking the lead role in ‘Cleo,’ a musical about Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. One other Broadway musical that has become an on-screen hit (the most successful Hollywood musical of all time to be exact) is ‘Mamma Mia,’ and proves that the exuberant music/dance genre of film has made a comeback in style.

Popularity returning

Being a huge fan of musicals myself, it’s wonderful to see their popularity returning, and the opportunity being given to the younger generation to witness their magic. Children are now being allowed the chance to get involved themselves with the music, which perhaps is even planting the seed in their minds that they too could star in one in the future.

Reasons for escape

With credit crunching, knife crime rising at a dramatic rate, and general depressing events occurring, no one can blame us all for disappearing into the cinema for a few hours and escaping to a land of fun, where people do just burst into song for no reason. Their land is perfect, and everything runs smoothly, compared to the world that we live in. Musicals appear to be here to stay, and I for one am ecstatic about it.

Why not to be a Scrooge this Christmas!

Mission statement

Ok all you Scrooges out there. My mission today is to show why this time of year is so amazing. There may be a fair few of you who dread when the first Christmas song is heard, but there are so many great parts to it.

Remember!

I want everyone to think back long and hard as to how you used to spend your time over Christmas, the good memories you have of Santa Clause, and the magic of the idea of snow arriving Christmas morning. Don’t let the downsides of the time of year let you forget the true meaning, and the wonderment that enthrals throughout. It’s the best time of year – embrace it!

Early start

The worst thing for the shops to do however is to start bringing out the advent calendars and selection boxes in the middle of November, as it only angers those who dread it. A Christmas lover myself, I too believe this is a little bit too early, but I suppose it’s a good idea to start shopping early, as it doesn’t attack the bank balance as hard if it’s all done in stages.

Why people dread Christmas

I can name most reasons why any given human being screams when they realise Christmas is coming. One is of course the amount of money that gets spent overall and there is also the stress of hosting the Christmas dinner on the big day and having to endure family members you have not seen for years. They always ask questions that you don’t wish to answer, as you can’t answer in the way you want to. The ultimate however, mainly for women, is the worry of putting on too much weight. There are the many temptations; Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, chocolate advent calendars and selection boxes, and the many options lining the supermarket shelves as you wander past – there always seems to be so much more there than usual!

True meaning

Most people forget however the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a time of merriment, good will, giving, and the celebration of Christ. It isn’t a time for stress, anxiety, and debt. The religious side of the festival is greatly forgotten, due to the commercialism that surrounds us all. Children become enwrapped with getting the presents they want; therefore it is our job to make sure they remember the meaning behind Christmas.

The best parts

I love it myself, this time of year. The cosy atmosphere of a living room with a hot fire makes me feel safe, whereas the crisp mornings clear my thoughts and help me start a new day. The decorations that line the streets help bring the excitement to your tummy, and keep you company as you walk around shopping at night. When it’s time to decorate the house, my sister and myself jump at the chance to collect the boxes from the attic, and we spend hours setting up the miniature nativity play and placing ornaments on the tree. It’s something we can always do together, and allows us to have fun. The wrapping of presents is something again my sister and I do together. We put on our favourite Christmas films, get out all the wrapping paper and bows, and help each other wrap items if they are a bit difficult. What one of my ultimate favourite things though is when the Christmas adverts appear on television, with the songs – especially the Coca-cola advert: “Holidays are coming, holidays are coming!” It’s only Christmas when this advert comes on – it’s been said by many people.

Own private memories

I have many good memories of Christmas over the years, so I suppose I’ve been very lucky. I would always get the presents I wanted, we could lay down a mince pie and some milk for Santa on Christmas Eve and it would always be gone by morning, and most of all, my family would always be around me on Christmas Day. We’d spend hours together, opening presents, playing games, entertaining each other, and having a laugh. The only bad thing I remember is putting a staple through my finger whilst playing with a new stationery set I’d got that morning.

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Where would this piece of work be found?

This would be found on a website featuring things to do at Christmas, such as recipes for Christmas treats, Pictures to cut out for children to colour in, Ideas for games etc. It is a website aimed at adults and a reminder to them of the joys of Christmas.

Class work

Chester was at the bar, leaving Julian picking his nails and looking at the beer stained table. “Have you ever told him?”

My chest tightened, but I knew what he was talking about. “Told him what?”

“What happened at that party.”
”No.”

“Why?”

I thought hard. “He doesn’t need to know.”

“I wish it would happen again.”

I didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry Julian but you need to forget about it. I have.”

Class work

Arthur left the Laundrette. His laundry bag grazed various puddles as he dragged it towards his house. It had lasted him twenty-three years, but recently, he found the plastic handles incapable when carrying his greasy overalls. He stopped at the curb and crossed to the other side. Water doused his heels as a truck went past. The trailer swerved and mounted the pavement. Arthur’s striped laundry bag fell to the ground, as did he.