Creative writing word challenges
Challenge 1: Compound adjectives
A compound adjective is a word comprising of two words that are joined by a hyphen. They link
the adjective to another word to give a stronger impression of something.
Take a look at the compound adjectives below:
1.
raven-haired
6.
blood-red
2.
flame-red
7.
baby-faced
3.
mouth-watering
8.
sure-footed
4.
steel-grey
9.
bull-headed
5.
cat-like
10.
stony-faced
Use each one of these compound adjectives in a vivid sentence to show your understanding. If
you want to impress, use some as a form of imagery (simile, metaphor or personification).
For example:
The old man’s eyes were as deep-set as a precious jewel in an ancient crown.
Finally, see if you can think of some of your own compound adjectives and build them into your
own sentences.
Challenge 2: Imagery
Write a definition for each of the following words. For each, write a sentence using imagery. Try
to use personification, metaphors and similes.
1.
wearisome ..........................................................................................
........................................................................................................
2.
apt ....................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
3.
heedless .............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
4.
pitifully ..............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
5.
abhor .................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
6.
despondent ..........................................................................................
........................................................................................................
7.
craftily ...............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
8.
lithe ...................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
9.
deserted ............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
10.
advised ...............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
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Creative writing word challenges
Challenge 3: Showing not telling
This challenge reminds you to focus on showing not telling. Describe the physical symptoms of
each of the following words by writing a sentence to ‘show’ how a character is feeling.
1.
weary ................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
2.
shocked .............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
3.
frightened ..........................................................................................
........................................................................................................
4.
anxious ..............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
5.
determined .........................................................................................
........................................................................................................
6.
valiant ...............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
7.
stubborn ............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
8.
reflective ...........................................................................................
........................................................................................................
9.
jubilant ..............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
10.
sombre ..............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
Remember: think of a situation where the character is clearly going to be feeling this emotion
and describe the way your character’s body will react.
For example (frightened):
As James ventured into the eerie castle, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up and
his knees knocked together.
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