Creative Writing Exam: Truthless Futures
Based on the story: "A Future Without Ability to Tell the Truth"
Inspired by the book "A Future Without: 50 Short Stories of What May
Not Be" by Uri Kartoun (Paperback – May 24, 2024)
Part I: Comprehension & Reflection (30 points)
1. Short Answer (10 points)
In 3–5 sentences, describe how the loss of truth impacted one of the
following systems:
- The legal system
- The media
- Personal relationships
2. Reflective Response (10 points)
Do you believe society could adapt in real life if truth-telling
disappeared? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples
from the story and your own ideas.
3. Creative Analysis (10 points)
Choose one of the new roles or systems that emerged in the story (e.g.,
Verifiers, action-based contracts, arts as truth). In a paragraph, explain
why it succeeded where traditional systems failed.
Part II: Creative Writing Prompts (Choose ONE – 40 points)
Write a short story (300–500 words) based on one of the following
prompts. Your story should be set in the same world as the original text.
Option A:
You are one of the first Verifiers. A couple hires you to help determine
whether their love is real. What do you observe? What makes you
certain—or uncertain?
Option B:
A young student at a newly restructured school struggles to adjust to a
, world where truth can't be taught using words. Describe their day, and
how they start to find new ways of learning.
Option C:
A famous artist holds an exhibit of sculptures that claim to express deep
truths. One piece shocks the world with what it reveals. What is it—and
why does it resonate?
Part III: Story Expansion Challenge (30 points)
Write a continuation or alternate chapter of "A Future Without Ability to
Tell the Truth." Your piece should:
- Introduce a new conflict or twist (e.g., someone regains the ability to
tell the truth, or a technology claims to restore it).
- Maintain the tone and world-building of the original story.
- Be between 300–500 words.
Bonus Question (5 points extra credit)
Invent a new profession that could only exist in a world without truth.
Describe its responsibilities, challenges, and importance to society.
Based on the story: "A Future Without Ability to Tell the Truth"
Inspired by the book "A Future Without: 50 Short Stories of What May
Not Be" by Uri Kartoun (Paperback – May 24, 2024)
Part I: Comprehension & Reflection (30 points)
1. Short Answer (10 points)
In 3–5 sentences, describe how the loss of truth impacted one of the
following systems:
- The legal system
- The media
- Personal relationships
2. Reflective Response (10 points)
Do you believe society could adapt in real life if truth-telling
disappeared? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples
from the story and your own ideas.
3. Creative Analysis (10 points)
Choose one of the new roles or systems that emerged in the story (e.g.,
Verifiers, action-based contracts, arts as truth). In a paragraph, explain
why it succeeded where traditional systems failed.
Part II: Creative Writing Prompts (Choose ONE – 40 points)
Write a short story (300–500 words) based on one of the following
prompts. Your story should be set in the same world as the original text.
Option A:
You are one of the first Verifiers. A couple hires you to help determine
whether their love is real. What do you observe? What makes you
certain—or uncertain?
Option B:
A young student at a newly restructured school struggles to adjust to a
, world where truth can't be taught using words. Describe their day, and
how they start to find new ways of learning.
Option C:
A famous artist holds an exhibit of sculptures that claim to express deep
truths. One piece shocks the world with what it reveals. What is it—and
why does it resonate?
Part III: Story Expansion Challenge (30 points)
Write a continuation or alternate chapter of "A Future Without Ability to
Tell the Truth." Your piece should:
- Introduce a new conflict or twist (e.g., someone regains the ability to
tell the truth, or a technology claims to restore it).
- Maintain the tone and world-building of the original story.
- Be between 300–500 words.
Bonus Question (5 points extra credit)
Invent a new profession that could only exist in a world without truth.
Describe its responsibilities, challenges, and importance to society.
