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IWW Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: This is Classified (Version 2)

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/).

Exercise: This is Classified (Version 2)

Prepared by: Florence Cardinal
Posted on: May 18, 2003
Reposted on: September 5, 2004
Reposted on: September 11, 2005
Reposted, revised, on November 12, 2006
Reposted, revised, on April 22, 2007

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Exercise: In 400 words or less, tell a story, or give us the beginning of one, that
explains what prompted someone to run a classified advertisement. Be sure to
include the ad and credit the source at the beginning of your sub. Stick to the
information given--don't change the family dog to a cockatoo, or substitute a pair of
glass slippers for the wedding gown.

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This is another in the "inspiration is everywhere" category.

Have you ever read the classified ads in the newspaper and wondered about the
story behind some of them? For example:

"FOR SALE: Wedding gown, Size 8. Never worn. PH: XXX XXXX."

Why didn't the lady wear her wedding gown?

Or:

"TO GIVE AWAY: Five-year-old male cocker spaniel. Great with kids. Family pet.
Looking for a good home."

Why are these folks giving away the family dog?

Find such an advertisement in a daily or weekly newspaper, old or new, or at
Craig's List: http://www.craigslist.org/about/cities.html

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Exercise: In 400 words or less, tell a story, or give us the beginning of one, that
explains what prompted someone to run a classified advertisement. Be sure to
include the ad and credit the source at the beginning of your sub. Stick to the
information given--don't change the family dog to a cockatoo, or substitute a pair of
glass slippers for the wedding gown.

-------------------------

Critique: This is a story; critique it as you would something on the Fiction list. What
did you like about it? What needs work? Would you keep reading after the first
paragraph? Do the characters live? Is the plot fascinating? Is the reason for the
placement of the ad made clear?


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