At this point in the course, it is necessary that you produce a sample of your writing skills.

One of the most powerful tools used in feature story is the ANECDOTE. The anecdote is a mini story, sometimes a story within a story. It is sometimes humorous, but it can also be serious, even tragic.

For this second assignment, please write an anecdote of 100 250 words. For the time being, no formal heading is necessary. Just type your name and student ID number in the text boxes and press submit when you are done.

The anecdote should generate human interest (be empathetic, heartwarming). It should by description and narration give a clear indication of a person's character. It is sometimes used to make moral or ethical points, or as an example. Parables are common in the holy scriptures of many religions.

There is a formula to writing the anecdote. It is as follows:

1. The first sentence should be an attention grabbing statement. It is sometimes called the TEASER. You want to create enough suspense to make your reader want to continue.

2. Now tell your story. Use good action sentences. Don't get bogged down in description. Don't be afraid to use dialogue. This is the BODY.

3. Wrap up your story. Give it a definite conclusion. Don't leave your reader not satisfied. This part is the CLIMAX.

At the bottom of the page is an example of an anecdote which one of my students wrote. You might want to study it for style and form.

Assignment two consists of two parts:

1. Write the anecdote described above in the first text area.


2. A story you have found on the internet, (use your browser's copy and paste functions to put an anecdote in the second text box).
3. After all the information has been entered, press the submit button.

My girlfriend has busy hands. It is an idiosyncrasy of hers for which I have always been grateful. Yet, it often gets her into trouble.

Recently, while she was waiting in line at the bank, she began to play with one of the chains that rope off the customers who are waiting for a window. One of her fingers became lodged inside of a link in the chain. She casually tried to remove her finger, but couldn't. She tried pulling, twisting, everything short of amputation, but nothing worked.

People became suspicious when, with two of the tellers' windows open, the line stopped moving. Eventually she had to ask for help. A bank guard removed the chain from its stands and led her off to the back of the bank where her finger was finally freed.

It was the only withdrawal she made that day.