Page 104 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade6_Flipbook

b. Structure: What is the plot of the script? What exposition is provided? What is the conflict?
The plot is that a miser needs to be taught a lesson. The exposition is that Sushil is rich, but a miser. One internal conflict is that Sushil wants a dumpling, but he is afraid that he will have to share if he asks for one. An external conflict is that Sakka wants to teach Sushil a lesson.
c. Use of Language: What information do the stage directions add to the script? What other text features and conventions of script writing do you recognize? How does the imagery create a mood that will engage the audience?
The stage directions are particularly important with a character such
as “BOY” who has no dialogue but who propels the plot by eating
the dumpling in a way that captures Sushil’s attention: “(makes loud sounds of enjoyment as he eats)”. Other text features include the use of capitalized character names followed by colons to introduce dialogue, such as “NIRMALA: What is wrong, my husband?” The imagery adds to the humor and the disapproval the audience should feel for Sushil when he overreacts to his internal conflict: “Sushil lay groaning . . .”
Check Your Understanding
7. The excerpt from the script “The Millionaire Miser” ends in the middle of
the story. Make a prediction about what might happen next.
Students’ responses will vary.
8. Based on your prediction, write a few more lines of the script, starting where the excerpt ends. Include dialogue, narration, and stage directions.
Students’ responses will vary.
ACTIVITY 2
Writing a Script as a Class
WRITING PROMPT: Work with the class to transform a text you have previously studied in class into a script. Be sure to include:
• Characterization conveyed through dialogue and narration
• A plot developed through exposition, conflict, and complications
• Stage directions providing instructions such as actor movement and tone • Audience engagement strategies, such as imagery that creates a mood
Refer to the Scoring Guide for this writing task at the end of the workshop to help you understand where to focus your attention and efforts.
Writing Workshop 9 • Script Writing 5
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