Mystery Writing Assignment:
S.T.E.A.L. Piece #1
Assignment:
Write the beginning of a mystery story in which
you indirectly characterize a teenage, modern-day
Sherlock Holmes using S.T.E.A.L. (Speech,
Thoughts, Effects on Others, Actions, Looks).
 You must write from the perspective of a
teenage, modern-day Watson (i.e. use the
first person “I” voice).
 Use the prompt below as a starting point for
your piece. You will need to expand on it by
adding details that help readers clearly
picture the setting and, most importantly,
“paint” a clear picture of Holmes’ unique
character traits.
 You must include dialogue that is correctly
formatted and punctuated.
 You must include an example of each of the S.T.E.A.L. elements AND
label them using the comments tool in Google Docs.
Prompt:
I was sitting in class one day when a mysterious student appeared at the door
and motioned for me to come out into the hallway. At first, I ignored him.
But he didn’t go away, so I decided to sign out to use the bathroom. Once I
stepped into the hallway, he quickly said, “Let’s go. I need your help.”
Baffled, I responded with a bunch of questions: “What? Why? Who are you?”
The mysterious student answered, “My name is Sherlock Holmes, and we’re
wasting time. I need your help, Watson.”
Additional Requirements:
 Use a consistent verb tense.
 Keep the time span short (roughly 10-15 min.).
 Your piece should be at least one-page, double-spaced. Use 12-pt.
font!!
 Make sure you have a full heading & a title.
 Make a copy of the GD template I’ve shared & name it:
section#.lastname.S.T.E.A.L.Piece#1
 Share your document with me. (You do not need to print it.)