How to write a Tall Tale

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How to write a Tall Tale

• By Mrs. Hickey

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How did Tall Tales get Started?

• Settlers
• Storytelling
• Groups of workers with the same jobs created
  superhuman heroes
• Some characters were real, while others never
  lived

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Key Elements found in Tall Tales

• Characters who use everyday language
• A problem solved in a funny way
• Main character has super human abilities and
  seems larger than life
• Exaggeration is used to describe things as
  greater than they really are.
• Use of metaphors and similes

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Assignment

• You will be working in groups
• Purpose of tall tale to entertain
• Pre-write using graphic organizer
• Focus on one or two of characters traits to
  exaggerate
• Create list of impossible feats of character
• Draft story

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Rough Draft

• Create your main character and title
• Describe your heros super human characteristics
• Think of an amazing adventure and problem which
  your main character solves
• Use metaphors and similes to describe and
  exaggerate
• Using adverbs and adjectives make your story more
  interesting

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Grading

• Be as creative and unique as possible
• Focus on grammar and spelling
• Your tale must demonstrate understanding of the
  history of tall tales
• Your tale should be 1-2 pages long

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Rubric Rating Scale1very weak,2weak,3okay,4ve
ry good,5super