A Literature-Inspired Writing Lesson from WritingFix
Focus Trait: VOICE Support Trait: WORD CHOICE

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Mob's Voice vs. Hero's Voice

a poem for two voices inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird

The writing of author Harper Lee is inspiring student writers to try new techniques with the traits of voice and word choice.

Students can self-publish their writing done to this lesson by clicking here.


Additional Student Samples Being Sought:
Grades 7, 8, 10, 11, 12

Learn more about WritingFix's policies for publishing student work by visiting our Publishing Student Writers Information Page.

WritingFix is currently seeking additional student samples from this writing assignment that can be featured in this space. Submitted student work must show evidence of revision, editing, and the final draft must be typed and sent through e-mail. Teachers: if you can help us obtain one, two or three student samples, along with a digital photo of the student(s) and a signed permission slips, we will send you either a complimentary copy of one of the Northern Nevada Writing Project's print publications.

Write to us at publish@writingfix.com and write "To Kill a Mockingbird: Poems for Two Voices" in your e-mail's subject line, if you have a student sample to share with us.

Student Samples: High School

Instruments:
a poem for two voices

by Sean, ninth grade poet

Voice #1:

Being a guitar

is a rough job.

I have six strings.

I am constantly hit with a piece of plastic.

My neck is very long.

Tuning is very tedious.

My sound is awesome.

A guitar rocks.

Voice #2:

Being a violin

is a luxury.

I have four strings.

I have a soft bow glide over me.

My neck is a tad small.

Tuning is a simple task.

My sound is majestic.

A violin soothes.

 

Homeless versus Businessman:
a poem for two voices

by Miguel, ninth grade poet

Voice #1:

Have you got some spare change?

Well then, hook me up.

Come on, man, you’re rich.

You’re going to tell me you can't give me any spare change?

You’re a jerk; you can’t share your wealth.

You can’t give me spare change in your pocket?

So you’re not going to give any money?

Voice #2:

No, go get a job.

Not even if you took a shower.

Look man I’m a businessman, not a charity helper.

No, it’s for my wife and children.


Look, man, I got to do my work.

No, I’m not your dad.


Fine, man, here’s a penny - get yourself something.


Click here to open/print Sean and Miguel and two of their classmates' poems.


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