Writing an imaginative composition requires the writer to skillfully craft an interesting/captivating story using the elements of good imaginative composition writing. The elements of good composition writing are:
Elements of a good imaginative composition
1. Creativity
Creativity is the
ability of the writer to generate unique and captivating ideas while writing. The
ideas on what to write about depends on the knowledge of the writer, exposure,
memory, intelligence, creativity and personal experiences of the writer. Some sources of creative
ideas are:
Sources of creative Ideas
- Poetic Music
- Media
- Folktales
- Politics
- Religion
- General environment
2. Introduction of an imaginative composition
The introduction of an
imaginative composition should be striking, effective and able to arouse the
interest of the reader. For instance, to arouse the interest of the reader in an imaginative composition, the writer should use sounds, dialogues and even
flashbacks.
For example: Sitting
in the darkroom, I painfully reflected and mourned my dark shadowy past...
The introduction of an imaginative composition:
- Should be clear, precise and effective
- Should tell the reader what to expect in the rest of the imaginative composition
- Should be interesting/captivating
- Should arouse and maintain the reader’s interest
3. The body of an imaginative composition
The body of an
imaginative composition is made up of several interconnected paragraphs that
lay out the story to the reader. Each paragraph of an imaginative composition
should start with a topic sentence. The paragraphs should contain details,
reasons, examples, descriptions and explanations.
i. Characters:
Though the characters
of an imaginative composition are introduced at the introduction, they are
fully developed at the body. The characters must be interesting and fully
developed.
The writer should use
dialogues and describe appearances to put life into the characters. This can be
attained through the use of appropriate adjectives and adverbs to describe both
what the character looks like and what he/she does.
Example: The old woman
recoiled in terror and let out a blood-curdling scream...
ii. The use of interesting phrases:
The phrases used in
the body of an imaginative composition should be both captivating and
appropriate. The writer should try to make the phrases used specific and vary
their usage.
Example: Use of scurried off instead of ran
iii. The sentence structure:
The writer should use
a variety of sentences in the body of an imaginative composition. The sentences
should vary in length, that is, vary between short and long sentences. The
speaker should also ensure that simple, compound, complex and complex-compound
sentences are interchangeably used to break any monotony at the sentence level.
iv. Use of the appropriate paragraphing:
Each paragraph of an
imaginative composition should be built around a single idea. The paragraphs should
be organized in a logical, smooth-flowing and coherent way. The paragraphs must
use morally acceptable words, expressions and appropriate topics.
Whatever the writer writes in an imaginative composition must be within the logic. This means that what is written is realistic and not entirely based on the world of fantasy.
v. Use of good linking
words and connectors:
An imaginative
composition relies on linking words and connectors to create a seamless flow of
ideas. These may include for instance, just then, without hesitation, subsequently,
consequently, as a result, etc
vi. Plot and setting
The plot is an
imaginative composition is the order of occurrence of the events in an
imaginative composition. Plot specifies who does what, to whom, where and what
followed what.
The setting, on the other hand, is where an action takes place. This can be a physical place or a place in time.
Other things that the writer needs to consider while writing an imaginative composition are:
Upholding morals:
every imaginative composition should teach a moral lesson
The writer should not
write a very predictable story
vii. Conclusion of an imaginative composition.
The conclusion of an
imaginative composition should logically summarize the story and tie all the
loose ends of the story together. The writer should strive to make the best conclusion
of an imaginative composition as possible.
Example: ...I wished that I had another chance – I would have been wiser
.... from the experience, I learnt that bad friends spoil good morals.
Other ways of ending an imaginative composition are:
- Waking up from a dream.
- Arriving at a destination.
- Using a proverb.
- A realisation.
Things to avoid when writing an imaginative composition
- Avoid repetition and Redundancy e.g return back, enter into, kneel down, lift up hands
- Avoid misusing capital letters and punctuation marks
- Avoid joining separate words
- Avoid splitting one word
- Avoid using contracted forms
- Avoid using obscene language (uphold morals)
- Avoid spelling mistakes
- Do not feature violence/ abuse in composition
- Avoid using cliches
- Do not add the title to the composition unless you are asked to.
Things to do when writing an imaginative composition
- Have a good handwriting
- Write on contemporary issues such as Covid-19, corruption, HIV/AIDS, etc.
- Paragraph your composition well
- Have clear and correct sentences
- Avoid using slang/informal language
- Use rhetorical questions to provoke the minds of the reader
- Create suspense in your composition
- Make use of flashback
- Use direct speech
- Use dialogue
- Be original
- Be creative
- Economise on words