2. Stage One Remind yourself of the ‘ingredients’ needed in writing a ballad: Tells a tragic story Tells a tragic story 4 line stanzas 4 line stanzas Rhyme scheme: abcb Rhyme scheme: abcb Regular, strong rhythm Regular, strong rhythm Longer first and third line (6,5,6,5 or 7,6,7,6 syllables) Longer first and third line (6,5,6,5 or 7,6,7,6 syllables) May use dialogue and questions May use dialogue and questions May end with a moral or address the reader May end with a moral or address the reader

3. Stage Two Pick a recent or past news story upon which to base your ballad. Pick a recent or past news story upon which to base your ballad. Find as much information as you can about the story. Find as much information as you can about the story. Brainstorm which details that you might want to include. Brainstorm which details that you might want to include.

4. Stage Three Now, think of some techniques that you could use in your ballad - try to use the following in your ballad: Now, think of some techniques that you could use in your ballad - try to use the following in your ballad:similemetaphorpersonificationalliterationonomatopoeia

5. Stage Four Now plan what you will describe in each stanza of your ballad. How will you set the scene in your first stanza? How will you set the scene in your first stanza? What will you describe in your second stanza? Etc. What will you describe in your second stanza? Etc. Which characters will speak? Which characters will speak? What dialogue will you use? What dialogue will you use? Finally will it have a moral at the end? What will it be? Finally will it have a moral at the end? What will it be?

6. Now… Start drafting. Start drafting. Remember to write in pencil… you will need to change and edit your work as you go. Remember to write in pencil… you will need to change and edit your work as you go. Remember you should be using a ‘abcb’ rhyme scheme and a regular, strong rhythm Remember you should be using a ‘abcb’ rhyme scheme and a regular, strong rhythm Ask people to read your draft and make suggestions for improvements. Ask people to read your draft and make suggestions for improvements. Then write your final version. Then write your final version.