Assess students' ability to research and craft original historical fiction by writing a 400–600-word short story in the first-person voice of a character from a clearly identified historical period (e.g., Victorian London, Ancient Egypt, Ming Dynasty China). The story must include three historically accurate details woven naturally into the narrative and employ one specified literary device (irony, foreshadowing, or stream of consciousness). In addition, submit a separate 150-word author's note that identifies and verifies the three historical details and explains how the chosen literary device shapes tone, perspective, or plot. This task tests historical understanding, narrative voice, use of primary/secondary research, and application of literary technique at a Grade 6–8 advanced level.