To write a Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT) story that portrays negative emotions, you need to craft a narrative that highlights the emotional journey of the characters and their reactions to the situation presented in the picture. The PPDT is a test conducted during SSB (Services Selection Board) interviews for selecting candidates in the armed forces. The candidates are shown a hazy picture for about 30 seconds, and then they are required to write a story based on the picture within a specified time limit.
When writing a PPDT story showing negative emotions, keep the following tips in mind:
Observe the Picture: Pay close attention to the details in the picture. Identify the characters, setting, and any elements that suggest a challenging or negative scenario.
Set the Scene: Begin your story with a brief description of the setting and the characters involved. Introduce the main character (you can use 'he' or 'she' since you are narrating in the third person).
Create Conflict: Introduce a situation or event that gives rise to negative emotions. It could be a difficult obstacle, a crisis, a loss, a dangerous scenario, or any other event that causes stress or sadness.
Explore the Emotions: Describe the emotions experienced by the characters in response to the situation. For example, you can mention feelings like fear, frustration, disappointment, sadness, anger, confusion, etc.
Body Language and Expressions: Emphasize the characters' body language and facial expressions to convey their emotions effectively. Show how their emotions are manifested through their actions and reactions to the situation.
Overcoming Challenges: Present how the main character faces and deals with the negative situation. Highlight their resilience, determination, or coping mechanisms. It is not necessary to end the story on a positive note, but it should reflect the character's ability to handle adverse circumstances.
Use Vivid Language: Utilize descriptive language to paint a clear picture of the scene and the emotions felt by the characters. This will help the assessors understand your storytelling ability better.
Stick to the Time Limit: Remember that you have limited time to write the story, so make sure your narration is concise yet impactful.
Example of a PPDT Story showing Negative Emotions:
Picture Description: The picture displayed a group of people standing near a crashed spaceship in the middle of a dense forest. The spaceship seemed to have malfunctioned, emitting smoke and sparks. The expressions of the people were anxious and fearful.
Story: In the heart of an unknown forest, a team of scientists found themselves in a predicament. The spaceship that had brought them on this extraterrestrial exploration had crashed, leaving them stranded and unsure of their fate.
Amidst the wreckage, the team's leader, Dr. Sarah, struggled to hide her anxiety. Her years of hard work and dedication seemed futile in the face of this disaster. Tom, the pilot, was haunted by guilt, wondering if he could have prevented the crash. Among the other members, emotions ran high as fear and uncertainty gripped them tightly.
As the sun set, darkness enveloped the forest, intensifying their apprehension. They were miles away from civilization, and survival seemed to be their biggest challenge. The sounds of unfamiliar creatures in the woods only added to their distress.
Dr. Sarah knew she had to put aside her own fear and rally her team. She took charge, devising a plan to find a safe spot for the night and explore their surroundings during daylight. Despite her vulnerability, she put on a brave face, encouraging her team to stay strong.
Throughout the night, the emotions of the team fluctuated between despair and hope.