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IWW Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Torn (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/).

Prepared by: Florence Cardinal
Posted on: Sun, 18 Nov 2001
Reposted on: Sat, 13 Nov 2004
Reposted on: Sun, 23 Oct 2005
Revised and posted on: Sun, 28 Jan 2007

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Exercise: In fewer than 500 words, show us a character trying to choose between
two mutually exclusive goals.

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In this exercise you will show a character feeling torn as he or she  deals with inner
conflict created by having to choose between two different goals.
 
Try to show the struggle faced by someone who has well defined, but  incompatible,
goals. For example, how might a mother act who is torn between her desire to stay
home with her children because she thinks that's what good mothers do, and her
urge to return to a fascinating  full-time job? How will a young man respond when
he doesn't want to disappoint his buddies by not accompanying them on a mountain
climbing expedition, but knows that if he stays home he has a chance for a date
with the prettiest girl in class?
 
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Exercise: In fewer than 500 words, show us a character trying to choose between
two mutually exclusive goals.

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To Critique: Note if the conflict is clear and understandable, and the  character's
actions show his or her inner struggle. Please continue to point out ways the writing
in general may be improved through revision or editing.


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Modified by Gayle Surrette.