ESL Blogs

This month we are going to practise giving advice. I want to challenge you to experiment with "personification". This is when you give human qualities or characteristics to something that is not human. 

Your Task 

1. Choose a "thing" that you want to pretend to be. You are going to write from the perspective of this thing. It can be a living thing, but not a human. 

2. Open a new blog post. Use the title: Writing Challenge: Advice from a/the ___________ . Offer some advice to humans from the perspective of the "thing" you chose.  Try to include 3-10 items in your list. You can use Do's and Don'ts or just Do's or just Don'ts. Be sure to use the imperative. 

3. Publish your advice piece. Come back to this post and leave a link to your post. 

4. Leave comments on other bloggers' posts. When you leave a comment, address the thing that wrote the post (not the writer). When you receive a comment, try to stay in character. In other words, try to respond from the perspective of this thing. 

OPTIONAL: Your writing can be in the form of a poster, such as Advice from a Tree. 

My Example: 

Advice from The Internet 

1. Don't Trust Me 

I may tell the truth, but I may stretch the truth or even tell lies. If you're going to quote me or use me for research, be sure to do your homework. In other words, make sure that you double check (make that triple check) my sources. 

2. Don't Tell Me Everything

I may ask you for personal information and files, such as your full name, your picture, and a password. Sometimes it's safe to tell me, but not always. Some people use me to  steal your information. They may steal your money or make your life miserable. Use me in a safe space. 

3. Don't Copy My Pictures and Words

Yes, I offer some stunning images. Yes, I often use just the right words. You may be tempted to copy my pictures and words and pretend they are your own. This is against the law. It is also dishonest. You are a creative, talented person. Draw and take your own pictures. Write your own stories and thoughts. If you find something interesting when you're looking at me, share it instead of copying it. 

4. Don't Stop Reading Books

It can be tempting to surf my waves all day long. You can waste a lot of time if you use me without a plan. Instead, why not go to the library and pick up a book. You can learn a lot from books. Support your local bookstores and libraries. They may disappear if you don't.

5. Don't Spend Too Much Time With Me

I have a lot of interesting information to share with you. You may even become obsessed with me. Don't forget about the sun and the moon and the trees, though. They have a lot of important things to share too. The more time you spend with me, the harder it is to break free from me. Try living without me once in a while. When you're hanging out with friends or family members, you don't really need me.