The Black Cat Creative Tasks
TikTok Review
Podcast Script
Graphic Novel
You are going to script and film a
review of The Black Cat. Your review
can be no more than 3 minutes
long.
Your review needs to include:
Background information about
the story and author
An overview of the plot and
characters
What you liked about it
What you disliked about it
Final thoughts and if you would
recommend it to other people.
You are going to write a podcast
script based on The Black Cat. You can
either:
Debate if the narrator is insane or
calculating
Discuss whether alcoholism
excuses or explains his violence
Compare The Black Cat to realworld discussions of guilt, cruelty,
and the human mind
Transform The Black Cat into
a graphic noel. Your graphic
story should include:
Illustrations of the
characters and settings
Dialogue and/or narration
Visual elements that show
moods, emotions, and
atmosphere
Crime Scene Report
Set and Costume Design
A 5-Minute Play
Create an official police or court
report that investigates the events
of The Black Cat. Your file should
include:
• A timeline of events leading up to
the crime
• A report on the discovery of the
body
• An eyewitness statement from a
neighbour or officer
• A sketch or photograph of the
cellar wall or crime scene evidence
• Once complete, write a brief
conclusion with your theory about
the narrator’s guilt
Imagine you are putting on a stage
performance of The Black Cat. You will
select two key moments from the
story, one from the narrator’s home
before the crime and one from the
cellar after it. Design the set and
costumes for the characters involved.
Consider how your designs show the
contrast between ordinary domestic
life and growing terror. Think about
how colours, materials, and settings
reflect guilt, fear, and madness.
You are going to use the plot
of The Black Cat to create a
play script; however, your
play can only be 5 minutes
long.
Your script needs to contain
all the key events of the plot
and they need to remain in
the correct order.
You will need to think
carefully about your use of
language so you can convey
all the information in a clear
and concise way.
Radio Drama
Newspaper Article
Illustrated Confession
Write and script a short radio
drama version of The Black Cat,
designed to be performed with
sound effects only (no visuals).
Your task includes:
• A script with character dialogue
and stage directions
• A list of sound effects (e.g.,
screams, thuds, meowing, knocking)
• Timing cues to build suspense
and highlight key moments
• A title and introduction as if it’s a
19th-century Gothic radio show
Write a news article about a key event
in The Black Cat. You will need a
catchy headline and should use
biased or sensational language
throughout.
Include interviews with neighbours,
police officers, or court officials and
discuss how the event reflects
society’s concerns about crime,
morality, and the darker side of
human nature.
Imagine the narrator of The
Black Cat has created a
personal diary of his crimes.
Your confession should
include:
• Written extracts of his
thoughts
• Drawings or symbols that
show fear and guilt
• Visual elements that
become more chaotic
Once complete, write a short
reflection explaining how
your choices.
Once you have completed your
design, write a short reflection
explaining and justifying your choices.
Thank you for supporting Ink &
Insights!
Creative Resources for the English Classroom
Thank you for downloading The Black Cat Creative Review
Tasks. I created this to support students explore
literature in a more engaging way.
If you’d like more ideas for using creative, flexible
resources in the classroom, or just want a behind-thescenes look at how I create mine, you’re always welcome
at the blog. I share:
Behind-the-scenes insights into my resources
Creative teaching ideas you can adapt your own way
Honest reflections on classroom life and space for
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