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IWW
Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Family Rules
These exercises were written
by IWW members
and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its
members.
You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that
you found
them at the Internet Writers Workshop
(http://www.internetwritingwor
kshop.org/).
Prepared by: Loretta Russell and Carter Jefferson
Posted on: November 25, 2007
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Exercise: In 400 words or less, write a scene in which a character
breaks a "family rule" and at least suggest what the consequences of
this action will be.
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Every therapist knows that families have "rules," some unconscious,
and some known and openly enforced. Are doors in the house always
closed, or open? Does the toilet paper always come out from the
bottom or the top of the roll? Do all the girls start wearing lipstick
at
age 10? Is the boys' going out for sports teams essential? Is
attendance required at holiday dinners, or may family members do
as they choose?
Such rules usually keep families moving smoothly. They are to
families what habits are to individuals--they save time and the effort
of constantly making decisions. But when a rule is broken, sometimes
serious trouble follows. And when people marry, they bring to a new
family rules that may differ widely but seem utterly commonplace to
each partner. Conflicts ensue.
In your sub, let the reader know what rule is in force, either by
implication or by seeing characters discuss it. Show the character
breaking it, or let us know that it's been broken by showing us the
reactions of one or more family members.
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Exercise : In 400 words or less, write a scene in which a character
breaks a "family rule" and at least suggest what the consequences of
this action will be.
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In your critiques, let the writer know whether the rule in question is
clear and the consequences of breaking it are properly shown.
Comment on any aspect of the writing that needs improvement as well
as complimenting the writer for things well done.
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Greg Gunther.
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