Classic Short Stories - Writing Activities - The Lady or the Tiger, Monkey's Paw

Get your students to interact with three classic short stories with these engaging writing assignments! Throughout your short story unit, students will write creatively and analytically, using textual evidence to support their claims.

✅ "The Lady or the Tiger?" by Frank Stockton Argumentative Essay:

Students choose an ending to defend and use textual evidence to support their claims. For a bonus, you can have students illustrate their chosen ending.

✅ "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs Mood Rewrite:

Students analyze the established mood in a passage and then rewrite it with a new mood. This creative writing assignment can be shared in small groups or turned in as a regular essay.

✅ "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl Persuasive Essay:

Mrs. Maloney is on trial for the murder of her husband. Students assume the role of either Mrs. Maloney’s prosecutor or her defense lawyer in the trial for the murder of her husband. Given the evidence in the story, students write a “closing statement” defending their chosen position.

Your Short Stories Writing Activities each include:

1. Project Description & Brainstorming Worksheet – students collect textual evidence or practice the necessary style for the tasks (.pdf & .doc)
   
2. Rubric – Choose between analytic (points-based) and holistic (standards-based) rubrics (.pdf & .doc)
   
3. Printer-friendly options - Print as half-sheets with the rubric on the front and the brainstorming sheet on the back
   
4. Digital versions (Google Slides)

Have students attach the task page as a cover sheet for their essays.

What other teachers are saying:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This bundle provides the perfect activities to promote discussion around short stories, as well as writing. The Brainstorming worksheet and Rubric provide students with guidance and ideas when writing their essays.” -Dara L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great activities! This helped me to flesh out my short story unit and make it more engaging in terms of activities. Thank you!” -Alexandra S.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Thank you for the time saver!” -Becky L.

Timing:

Consider giving students class time (15-20 min) to complete the brainstorming portion of the task. They can review their work with peers or you can check for task comprehension. Then, consider two nights of homework time before making the task due.

About Your Resource:

Your download is a .zip file containing a print-and-go version of these products and an editable version in Microsoft Word. Instructions for use and copyright information are included in this resource. Feel free to email me at nouvelle.ela@gmail.com if you have any questions. :)

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