Learning Exercise

Writing with a Fable

This assignment for a composition class uses morals from fables to develop a thesis for an essay. It could be adapted for literature, history, or social studies lessons as a way of showing that students understand the concept of using a story--or a group of anecdotes or personal experiences or other examples--to illustrate and support a generalization. See also http://www2.ferrum.edu/applit/studyg/STUDYGFOlk.htm for guidelines on teaching with fables and short works of folklore.

Course: Freshman Composition

Material:: Aesop's Fables
Date last modified:: August 13, 2010
Created by:: Tina Hanlon
License:

Aesop's Fables

Texts of over 600 fables (as of 2009) and some other classic stories, with some audio fables and lesson plans see more

Material Type:: Reference Material
Author:: John R. Long

Exercise

Assignment is outlined on web page http://www2.ferrum.edu/thanlon/comp101/FableTopic.htm.

Additional Information: http://www2.ferrum.edu/thanlon/comp101/FableTopic.htm

Disciplines

Humanities / English / Language / Composition and Rhetoric
Humanities / English / Literature / General
Humanities / General

Audience

Technical Notes

Students need access to the Internet if they use online fables (which are also available in countless books).

Requirements

Basic composition and editing skills

Topics

English composition

Type of Task

Learning Objectives

Write a coherent, well-organized essay that uses anecdotes or personal experiences to support a precise thesis.

Assessment

Writing standards appropriate for your composition course. For example: a unified focus and organization b. logical development of ideas and supporting examples c. precise and effective wording d. standard sentence structure and vocabulary e. avoidance of mechanical and grammatical errors