ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at creative writing formats that allow students to produce authentic writing in social studies beyond the traditional essay. Long before humans recorded their history in academic journal articles, they used lyrical form to share their most important stories and religious ideals. However, poets have also used their craft to participate in the writing of history. In fact, speech-writing is one of the main formats of assessment in the spectacularly successful college role-playing curriculum called Reacting to the Past, which began at Barnard College and has extended throughout the country. Perspective pieces are some of the most popular assessment options for students, especially those students who enjoy creative writing and find the traditional essay format a bit staid. Writing one article gets the student to one point, probably displaying comprehension of historical facts. Students may need help writing headlines, ledes, and organizing the information so that the most important ideas come out first.
