Writing Lesson & Overview - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Writing Lesson & Overview

Slide2

The Writing Process

Prewriting /Brainstorming

Drafting

Revising and Editing

REMEMBER: The AIMS writing exam is not a timed test, so you should have ample time to go through each step carefully.

Slide3

Pre-Writing

This does not just mean drawing some circles and writing down two words. Be sure to follow all steps before writing to help make your life easier later.

The process a writer goes through before he/she begins drafting a composition.

Understanding the Task (Attack the Prompt)

Brainstorming (webs, free-writing, etc.)

Choosing a Topic

Organizing Ideas

Slide4

Pre-Writing

First Attack the Prompt – underline format, circle the verbs, draw arrows, etc.

You must understand what the prompt is asking you before you start the rest.

The prompt may have multiple parts, be sure you address all of them in your pre-writing.

Slide5

Pre-Writing

Attack the Prompt

Underline the type of writing

: in what format are you being asked to write?

Is it a letter, an essay, an editorial?

Circle the verbs

: What are you writing?

Is the prompt asking you to convince, explain, describe, inform?

Connect verbs with specifics

: What are the verbs asking you to write about?

Be sure you understand exactly what the prompt is asking you to do and if there are multiple parts of the prompt.

Brainstorm

: Web,

freewrite

, list, do something!!!!

This will help you decide what ideas are valuable and to organize your thoughts.

Slide6

Pre-WritingAttack the Prompt

PRACTICE

In an essay, describe a person from history you would most like to meet, and explain why you would like to meet him/her. Be specific in your explanation.

Slide7

Pre-Writing

I know you hate this part…I get it…but investing some time here will make the writing easier for you later.

The process a writer goes through before he/she begins drafting a composition.

Attack the Prompt and then…

Free-write

Web

List

Outline

Any other ideas?

Slide8

Pre-writing

Practice

Choose two different pre-writing strategies for the following prompt. You will have 5 minutes for each.

PRACTICE:

In an essay, describe a person from history you would most like to meet, and explain why you would like to meet him/her. Be specific in your explanation.

Slide9

Choosing a Topic

Narrowing it down

Choose a topic that:

You care about

You can cover completely within the given space limit (2 pages)

Clearly related to the prompt

Appropriate for the audience and purpose/nature of the assignment

Slide10

Choosing a Topic (con’t)

Establish a thesis

Choose a few important points

What will best support your thesis?

What do your readers really need/want to know about the topic?

Stay focused on what the prompt asked for – what points are most effective?

Use brainstorming/

freewriting

as support in choosing the best points

Slide11

Choosing a Topic (con’t)

Keep your subject, audience, purpose, and form in mind when choosing

supporting details.

Ex. You are writing a personal narrative about learning to play the guitar. Which

ONE

of the following details would be most appropriate to include in the story?

Where and when the guitar was invented

A description of the parts of a guitar

Information about the person who taught you to play the guitar

A list of guitar brand names

Slide12

Supporting Details

Good supporting details are:

Relevant to the topic

Precise and significant

Appropriate for the audience

Might include:

Anecdotes, specific examples, reasons, facts/statistics, definitions, events, descriptions, actions, etc.

Slide13

Organizing Ideas

Moving from a page full of unorganized ideas to an organized plan for a composition is one of the most important steps in the writing process.

Slide14

Writing a Thesis

Your thesis MUST:

ANSWER the topic

from your attack the prompt

Use

key words

from the prompt

Be

one sentence

and no longer

MAY NOT BE THREE PRONG

Be at the

end

of your introduction

Be specific and simple

Be debatable (in persuasive)

Slide15

Examples:

Thesis Writing

Prompt: Describe a time in your life that you experienced an injustice.

Ex. A specific injustice that I’ve experienced and never forgotten occurred when a friend I trusted betrayed me.

Ex. An injustice that I’ve experienced personally has been the way that my parents have constantly put me in the middle of their disputes.

Ex. When I was in the first grade, I suffered a horrible injustice: my opportunity to be line leader was unfairly taken away from me.

Ex. Though I’ve experienced many injustices, the most painful one occurred when I was falsely accused by my parents and punished for something that I never did.

Check each thesis statement for the rules from the previous slide. Are these considered acceptable thesis statements? Why? Explain in the space provided on your notes.

Slide16

Four Modes of Writing

Narrative

Descriptive/Expository

Persuasive

Letters

Slide17

Narrative Writing

Tells a story using details

Plot, character(s), setting, point of view, story development

Has a plot with a climax and resolution

Beginning

Middle

End

Slide18

Examples:

Narrative Prompts

Describe a time in your life that you experienced an injustice.

Write about a time when you and a person or pet spent an enjoyable day together.

Slide19

Descriptive/Expository Writing

Explains something to the reader using details/description

Tell/explain/describe

May include

directions

or “

how to

” information

May

explain a “why” or “how”

Descriptive = 5 Senses

Taste, smell, sight, sound, touch

Slide20

Descriptive/Expository Prompts

Expository

What kinds of things do you do to relax? Identify your favorite way to relax, and explain why it is your favorite.

Explain what steps a teenager can take to promote academic success during his or her years as a high school student.

Descriptive

Describe a home that would be an appropriate place for a clown to live.

Describe a place where you would want to spend eternity.

Describe a way you could help others in your town.

Slide21

Persuasive Writing

Persuades the reader to do something/believe a certain way

Ex. Commercials & political speeches

Letters to government officials or businesses may be persuasive writing

Slide22

Persuasive Prompts

Persuade

members of your community that vandalism could be decreased by adopting your proposed solution.

Choose one aspect of your school that you believe could be improved. Write an essay to

persuade

your classmates to agree with your suggested change.

Technology is advancing rapidly. Do you agree or disagree that technology has improved your life? Write a persuasive essay in which you convince the reader of your position.

Slide23

Letters

Requires professional writing style and letter format

Ex. business letters, job applications, letters to the editor

States purpose, provides background/context, addresses the needs of the audience

Clear, efficient, formal language

Appropriate technical terms

Slide24

Ex. Letter Prompts

Write a letter to the school paper in which you argue for or against the proposal.

Write a letter to your parents in which you explain why you would benefit from a new computer.

Slide25

Types of Prompts

You must be able to recognize what mode of writing a writing prompt requires

Verbs are useful clues

Ie. ‘persuade’ ‘explain’ ‘describe’

Slide26

Quick Check Quiz

1. List the four modes of writing.

Narrative, persuasive, expository/descriptive, letters

2. Give an example of persuasive writing.

Commercials and political speeches

3. List a “clue word” for expository writing.

Explain

Slide27

Three Main Parts

Introduction

Presents the topic clearly/briefly, gets audience interested

Body

Each major idea in one paragraph

Longest section, includes details

Topic sentences, transitions, and specific details in each paragraph to support the central idea of that paragraph

Conclusion

Briefly summarizes, extends/elaborates

DO NOT simply repeat what you’ve said – provide a final bit of insight on your topic

DO NOT introduce new ideas not discussed in essay

Slide28

Organizational Structures

Choose your structure in a way that best suits the prompt, thesis, and main points.

Examples:

Cause and effect

Chronological order

Comparison and contrast

Detailed description

Opinion and supporting arguments

Stages of a process

Definition and examples

Problems and solutions

Slide29

Outlines

Briefly describes what you will include in each part

After deconstructing the prompt, brainstorming, and free-writing, develop your outline

May or may not include complete sentences – but should have a complete thesis

Don’t be afraid to revise – make changes as needed and let it serve as a guide

Slide30

Example: Outline

Prompt: In a letter to students on a U.S. airbase in Germany, describe what life is like for students at your school.

Introduction: Tell the students that I’m describing what life is like for students at my high school. Tell them that, for me, the three most important things about Chandler High School are the following: the good teachers, helpful staff, and friendly students; the intramural and varsity sports programs; and the performing arts programs.

Thesis: At Chandler High School, positive relationships and diverse extracurricular opportunities enrich students’ lives on a daily basis.

REMEMBER: Where should the thesis go?? What should be described before?

Idea #1: Teachers and students. Describe the many excellent and dedicated teachers, coaches, counselors, and other staff members. Describe the friendly students and interesting class discussions.

Idea #2: Sports programs. Describe the varsity sport teams: football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, golf, track and field. Let them know that a new swimming pool is being built.

Idea #3: Performing Arts programs. Describe the opportunities that students have to participate in orchestra, band, and smaller musical and vocal groups. Describe the opportunities to participate in dramas, musicals, and debate programs.

Conclusion: Sum up the three main ideas and close with a positive statement about my school and what life is like for students here.

Slide31

Organization

Present ideas in a way that your readers will find understandable & compelling.

Remember your audience and purpose.

Organizing will provide you with a plan to more effectively communicate your ideas.

Other options:

Graphic Organizers

Venn Diagrams (compare/contrast)

See provided handouts!

Slide32

Practice Time

PROMPT: Many students in your high school have part-time jobs. School board members have expressed concern that students’ school performance suffers when they have jobs during the school year. Write an essay to your district’s school board members convincing them to agree with your position on whether or not students are negatively affected by jobs during the school year.

Deconstruct the Prompt.

Brainstorm. Free-write. Thesis. Outline.

Slide33

Drafting

One voice – hundreds of ways to use it.

Friends? The principal? Police officer?

Voice, word choice, and sentence structure… appropriate for the situation and audience.

Slide34

Voice & Word Choice

Voice [ie. serious/formal, personal/informal]

Casual or formal language?

Informal: I was totally wired after three cups of coffee.

Formal: I was extremely tense after three cups of coffee.

Informal: I crashed after that exam.

Formal: I was exhausted after that exam.

Slide35

Practice

Rewrite the following sentences from casual language into formal language.

Theresa thought the essay was a snap.

Rosa is all hyped up about the party.

The movie was awesome.

Martin really blew it on his history exam.

Bill inhaled his sandwich at lunch.

Slide36

Using Resources

Dictionary and Thesaurus

Dictionary: spelling, synonyms, examples, definitions

Thesaurus: find words that can be used as substitutes

These are available to you – USE THEM!

Slide37

Being Specific

General words and phrases describe a class/category – ex. dog

Specific words and phrases describe a member of a class/category – ex. beagle, Jim’s beagle, Sebastion

Use general words for summing up, specific words for supporting your ideas

Specific words, vivid images, and familiar examples bring your writing to life

Slide38

Create a Picture

General Writing:

There was this guy. He went somewhere and met another guy. They talked, and then they did some other stuff. Then they went home. The end.

But… Who were they? What did they say? What did they do? General = vague.

INSTEAD: Provide descriptive details, use specific words and phrases, make it interesting

Slide39

Word Choice Tips

Use a mature vocabulary, but don’t go overboard trying to impress readers

Avoid repetition, or using two words together that mean the same thing (ex. plentiful and abundance)

Don’t use a word unless you’re sure of its meaning – look it up!

Use words correctly, and watch out for commonly mistaken words (ex. their, there, they’re)

Go back and look for words you’ve used

frequently

, then use a thesaurus to find stronger synonyms

Go back and look for words

that lack interest or originality

(ie. good, bad, pretty, ugly) and use a thesaurus to find stronger synonyms

Slide40

Practice Time

Replace each general phrase with a more specific word or phrase.

Earring

Car

Shoes

Flower

Store

Slide41

Spice it up:

Similes and Metaphors

Comparisons between two things

Simile: uses like or as (Mark runs like a deer)

Metaphor: states/implies one thing is another (Mark is a deer when he runs)

BE CAREFUL: Avoid cliches, or commonly use and worn out similes/metaphors – ie. “Derek is as skinny as a toothpick” vs. “Derek could hide behind a broomstick”

Slide42

Sentences

#1: Grabber – carefully designed first sentence to create a certain effect, in hopes of grabbing the attention of the audience

Simple, compound, complex sentences – use variety

Slide43

Simple Sentences

Expresses one complete thought.

Subject: person, place, thing, or idea that the rest of the sentence is about

Predicate: describes what the subject is or does

Ex. [Christy][blurs with speed.]

Slide44

Fragments

Incomplete sentences, missing subject or predicate

Be sure to go back and check for/revise fragments during revision

Examples

Blazed past three defenders.

Because the score was tied at the end.

Slide45

Compound Sentences

Two or more simple sentences joined in one sentence, expressing two or more complete thoughts.

Each complete thought = independent clause

Ex.

The final buzzer sounded

, and

the game was over.

Ex.

Everyone cheered loudly

;

the girls’ team had just beaten the boys’.

Ex.

There is only one reason why she would behave so strangely

:

she has a crush on him.

Slide46

Coordinating Conjunctions

To make a compound sentence, one option is to use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

Remember that both clauses must be independent (can stand alone)

Examples

Christy smiled, but she did not speak.

Slide47

Semicolons

Another option is to combine two independent clauses into a compound sentence using a semicolon.

Examples

Christy smiled; she did not speak.

Slide48

Colon

One might also create a compound sentence using a colon between two independent clauses when one answers something about the clause before it.

Example

There was only

one explanation

:

the train arrived late

.

Slide49

Complex Sentence

Contains an independent clause and a dependent clause.

Some may use a subordinating conjunction, which joins two clauses and makes one less important than the other.

Example:

Before

the game had begun,

Christy had made a speech to her team

.

She told them to be good sports

so

the boys wouldn’t feel bad about losing.

Slide50

Subordinating Conjunctions

Examples:

After, before, although, because, how, except that, even though, if, once, provided that, so, so that, than, while, which, where, when, until, unless, though, etc.

Slide51

Compound-Complex

Contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Example:

Christy was proud of her team

, for although they were excited,

they didn’t taunt the boys

.

Slide52

Variety is Key

“I wanted to learn to ski. I didn’t know how hard it would be. I didn’t get to ski more than once. I spent my entire vacation with my leg in a cast. I sipped hot chocolate. I sat in front of the fire.”

What’s wrong with this passage?

What type of sentences are used?

PRACTICE: Revise this passage in the space provided using different types of sentence structures. When you’re finished, identify the types you incorporated.

Slide53

Paragraphs

Paragraphs:

Begin on a new, indented line

Clearly focus on one important idea that supports the thesis

Begins with a topic sentence:

The stated main idea of the paragraph

Continues with a body:

Sentences supporting the topic sentence with details, examples, and commentary

Ends with concluding sentence:

Wraps up the information of the paragraph and leads the reader to the next paragraph

Slide54

Paragraphs (con’t)

Logical and coherent

DO NOT LOSE FOCUS

Sentences should fit together naturally, flowing easily from one to the next

Ordered carefully – building on what came before

PRACTICE: Complete the practice hand-out provided. (BD, p. 46)

Slide55

Transitions

Words, phrases, or sentences that help the reader understand how your ideas fit together to support your topic.

Make your writing easier to read by creating a natural flow of ideas between sentences and paragraphs.

Ex. “In addition to,” “Moreover,” “Equally important,”

Slide56

Revising & Editing

Check your writing for spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence construction/variety, and paragraph organization.

Are the ideas focused, engaging, and clearly expressed?

Is the writing presented in a form that is readable and attractive?

Slide57

Key Questions

Is my paper written for the correct audience?

Does my paper contain a strong main idea?

Does my paper stay focused on my main idea?

Does my paper contain specific ideas that support my main idea?

Does my paper have a clear beginning, middle, and end?

Are my ideas logical and easy to follow?

Does my paper contain interesting and meaningful words? Are they specific?

Does my paper contain varied sentences that are clear?

Does my paper contain correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar?

Slide58

Revising & Editing

REMEMBER: Have minimal errors in spelling and grammar, and write as legibly as possible!

Revision Strategies

Sentence Fluency

Wordiness and Redundancy

Editing and Proofreading

Slide59

Revision Strategies

HINT: Read the entire essay before you begin revising. Do not revise sentence by sentence. You need to get across the general message or idea first. Your revision will be much more successful this way, and the revised essay will be better organized.

Slide60

Revision Strategies

Revise by adding, deleting, rewording, and rearranging.

Use a dictionary and thesaurus.

Use the checklist provided in the test.

Use proofreading marks.

Slide61

Revising:

Word Choice

Check for wordiness, overly fancy when simple works, redundancy, overuse, inappropriate/informal

Sentence Fluency:

Check for variety, flow, and correctness

Slide62

Editing and Proofreading

Edit for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

Know your faults.

Look for one type of mistake at a time.

Improve sentence fluency.

Look for fragments/run-ons.

Eliminate slang/informal language

Slide63

Proofreading

After editing, check your final copy to make sure it is just the way you want it and no new errors have been introduced.

Check to see that it is legible!

Give the text a “fresh read” from beginning to end

Read the paper backward – each sentence separately.

Slide64

Proofreading Questions

Have all necessary changes from the editing stage been made?

Have any new errors been introduced?

Is the handwriting legible?

Is everything just the way I want it?

Slide65

The 6 Traits

1. Ideas and Content

2. Organization

3. Voice

4. Word Choice

5. Sentence Fluency

6. Conventions

Slide66

Ideas and Content

How well-developed are your ideas?

How well-supported are your ideas?

Do you have interesting details?

Do your ideas all connect to form a clear message?

Slide67

Ideas and Content

What is the best thing you can do to make sure that you get a high score for ideas and content?

Prewriting! Deconstruct the prompt, brainstorm, free-write, outline. Choose the

best

ideas.

Slide68

Organization

Who is my audience, or who is my paper being written for?

Ex. “your fellow students”

Important: writing to convince your

peers

to your way of thinking

What is the purpose of my essay?

Ex. “convince” – to persuade

Do I have enough details to support my ideas?

Min. 3 supporting details for each body paragraph

Ex. If you stated that school uniforms are a bad idea because they are too expensive for many students, you are going to need to support that claim.

Details might include:

The price of an average school uniform, the average amount of available money students have to spend on clothes, and the issue of being forced to purchase something a student may not want.

Slide69

Organization (con’t)

Introduction (8-12 sentences)

Grabber (1-2 short sentences)

Ex. Quote, anecdote/story, rhetorical question

Background on the topic (3-4 sentences)

Interesting and engaging outline of main points to discuss in the essay (3-4 sentences)

Smooth transition into the thesis

A clear, logical thesis statement in the last sentence (1 sentence)

Ex. Modern-day video games are far too dangerous because they contribute to violence among teenagers and society.

Ex. Violent video games are forms of entertainment and should not be blamed for violence among teens.

Slide70

Practice: Thesis

Write a specific and complete thesis

for

and

against

each of the following topics:

Topic: Mandatory drug testing for professional athletes

Topic: School uniforms

Slide71

Introduction: Wrap Up

An effective introduction combines the following elements:

Grabber

Transition/set-up

Thesis

Makes your opinion immediately clear

States the reason(s) for your opinion

Slide72

Body of the Essay

REMEMBER: All ideas in the body should connect to your thesis. It is your job to convince a reader why your viewpoint is correct. You will need to provide plenty of support to make a strong argument.

Let’s talk numbers here…

2? 3? 4? What works?

Slide73

Sample:

Persuasive Outline

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Paragraph 2: Discuss first subtopic from thesis.

Ex. Explain how the dress code will discourage cliques.

Paragraph 3: Discuss second subtopic from thesis.

Ex. Explain how the dress code will discourage judgmental behavior among students.

Paragraph 4: Mention any counterarguments and explain why they are wrong.

Ex. People who oppose the dress code due to ruining student freedom are incorrect because…

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

Summarize main points, restate thesis (NOT REPEAT), end on a powerful/passionate note – inspire your reader to action.

Slide74

Voice

Unique way of expressing yourself

Must recognize your audience

Commitment/enthusiasm

Ex. Persuasive writing = voice that shows dedication to the issue; take a firm stance and do not back down

Ex. “I think that a dress code is a great idea because…”

What would strengthen the confidence of this voice?

Slide75

The “I think/believe…” Problem

DO NOT USE:

I think/believe or similar structures

Why?

States the obvious.

Unnecessary and redundant.

Diminishes the strength of your argument.

Slide76

Voice - Review

REMEMBER: Your voice is unique, don’t be afraid to express it so long as you continuously acknowledge your audience.

Let your passion and enthusiasm shine through with your choice of words.

Do not use “I think/believe” etc.

Slide77

Word Choice

Stronger words = more effective

Specific vs. general

Use the thesaurus!

Rewrite the following sentences using more meaningful, vivid words.

Dinner last night was

good

.

The chocolate cake was

good

.

He

walked

by with an

angry

look on his face.

The

small

child began to

cry

.

Slide78

Sentence Fluency

Structure, rhythm, and flow

Varied structures

Simple, compound, complex, compound complex

Varied punctuation

Flows well and sounds natural

What is the best way to check the sentence fluency in your essay?

Read it out loud! (In your head, of course)



Slide79

Practice:

Sentence Fluency

Rewrite the following sentences to improve the variety and fluency.

I had to go to the store. I needed to buy apples. I needed to buy bananas. I also needed paper towels.

I only had one reason for not completing my homework. I procrastinated and ran out of time.

She exercises in the gym every morning because she wants to maintain good fitness and a healthy lifestyle so that when she gets older she’ll be able to maintain good fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

Slide80

Fragments & Run-ons

Fragments:

Incomplete sentence

Ex. I always look forward to the weekends because I get to sleep in late. Really late.

Run-ons:

Go on and on without observing the rules of proper punctuation

Ex. My favorite place to vacation is in Santa Barbara, California because it is beautiful and I love the ocean and the salty air and my family always finds delicious places to eat.

What is the best way to check for these?

Read it out loud! (in your head, of course)



Slide81

Review:

Sentence Fluency

Use a variety of sentence structures and punctuation

Do not overuse a particular type of structure or punctuation

Read your writing aloud to see if it flows

Check for fragments and run-ons

Slide82

Conventions

Proper spelling, grammar, punctuation

What is the most important thing you can do to help your score in conventions?

PROOFREAD your essay! Do not assume that it is error free. Chances are, there will be several errors that can be caught and corrected by just reading over your essay.

Slide83

Conventions (con’t)

Use a dictionary to check for spelling

The essay is not timed – look up every word if you want

The grader will have no sympathy for misspelled words knowing you had this resource available to you

Slide84

Conventions (con’t)

Verb Tense Agreement

Be sure to use the same verb tense throughout your essay

If you start writing in the present tense, you need to stick with it

If you start writing in the past tense, you need to stick with it

This is an easy error to fix when you take the time to proofread and catch it

Ex. The Grapes of Wrath is a story about a family traveling to California. They travel with few belongings, and they suffered for much of the journey.

Where does the verb tense change? Correct the error and rewrite the correct version in your notes.

Slide85

Practice: Verb Tense

Rewrite the following sentence to correct the change in verb tense.

People may say that professional sports had lost their appeal due to superficial requests that are made by players and the outrageous salaries that they demanded.

Slide86

Capitalization

Remember which words require capital letters and how to write them properly.

Examples that require them:

The first word of a sentence

Names of people (first and last)

Names of cities, states, towns

Names of famous monuments and parks

Months of the year and days of the week

Works of art and literature

Slide87

Punctuation

Commas, periods, semicolons, colons, dashes, etc.

DO NOT use exclamation points or question marks

Commas:

Separate items in a list

Precede a coordinating or subordinating conjunction

Placed after a dependent clause

Slide88

Practice: Commas

Rewrite the following to include commas where required.

I went to the movies with Sara Katie and Rose.

We had a great time on Saturday but I wish we had gotten home earlier.

As she walked down the street she thought about her day at school.

Slide89

Review: Conventions

Use a dictionary when you are unsure

Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation

What is the best way to increase your conventions score?

PROOFREAD!

Read over slowly and carefully, reading it out loud (in your mind, of course)



Slide90

Test Taking Tips

1. Read the prompt carefully.

2. Use your time wisely.

3. Plan your writing.

4. Be thorough.

5. Revise and edit your work.

6. Make sure your response is legible.

7. Rest, eat breakfast, relax.

Slide91

Narrative Writing

Tells a story, focusing on relating a sequence of events and actions

Plot, character(s), setting, narrator (the voice)

Point of view:

DO NOT USE SECOND PERSON! “You”

Stay consistent, if you begin in first-person, stay in first-person

Slide92

Narrative Writing

Establish a specific setting

Describes where and when the story takes place

Ex. Season, weather, time of day, point in history, geographic location, landscape, surroundings, etc.

Use specific details to describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the scene

Slide93

Narrative Writing

Develop the character(s)

Include specific details to bring them to life

Show

them to your readers using thoughts, words, and actions

Use dialogue and descriptions of the character’s actions, expressions, and feelings to show what kind of person he/she is

Slide94

Narrative Writing

Base the plot on a conflict

In almost every story, the main character has a central problem – or

conflict

Ex. person-person, nature-person, person-self, etc.

What does this character want most – and why? What is blocking the character from getting what he or she wants?

Slide95

Narrative Writing

Follow an organized structure

Sequences of events

Establish significance of events and how they affect the characters

Evens must be connected but not necessarily listed

Should have a clear beginning, middle, and end

Beginning

: establishes main character(s), setting, central problem

Middle

: character(s) attempt to solve the problem, often facing complications

End

: Plot reaches high point – or climax – followed by a resolution

Slide96

Narrative Writing

Keep your reader’s attention

Grab and keep the audience’s interest

Pace events so they are fast enough to keep interest, but not so fast that the reader can’t enjoy what’s going on or feels rushed

Do not tell how everything will turn out from the beginning – reveal clues and let the audience discover things as they go along

Slide97

Narrative Writing

Use a range of strategies and literary devices

Develop your style

Figurative language (ie. similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, etc.)

Specific, sensory language and concrete details – use the 5 senses

Effective paragraphing – remember, every idea gets its own paragraph

Also – when using dialogue, begin a new paragraph when a new character is being quoted

Slide98

Narrative Writing

Focus your story on a main idea and a theme

Main idea – what is your story about?

Ex. Romeo and Juliet: two young people, whose families are bitter enemies, fall in love.

Theme – message you want to convey to readers

Ex. Love is more powerful than hate.

Slide99

Narrative Writing

Words with Power

DO NOT rely to heavily on adjectives and adverbs

Consider strengthening verbs and nouns for increased effect

Ex. After dark, the boys entered the woods, which were dark and full of animal sounds.

Revised: Shortly after the stars began to wink in the night sky, the boys entered the dark and sinister woods, which were filled with the sounds of hooting owls, chattering raccoons, and the muffled cluck and chuckle of night birds.

Slide100

Narrative Writing

Everyone has a pet with whom we like to spend time. Write a narrative about a time when you and a person or pet spent an enjoyable day together.

Your narrative should include:

A description of the setting

Specific and appropriate details

A clear sequence of events

Slide101

Persuasive Writing

Convincing or inspiring others to hold a certain opinion or take a specific action.

States a position clearly in the

thesis

– not to be confused with stating the

subject

: it is your

position

on the subject

Slide102

Persuasive Writing

Supports position and arguments with compelling and relevant evidence

Choose points carefully – use those that will be persuasive to your audience, not just you

Anticipate the concerns of your readers and address them well

Slide103

AVOID:

Jumping to conclusions or making generalizations without enough support

Presenting opinions as facts

Suggesting that since once event happened before another that it must have caused the second without a proven cause/effect link

Saying that only two options are possible when there may be more

Ignoring evidence that doesn’t support your argument

Slide104

Persuasive Writing

Organize information in a logical, easy-to-understand format

The structure will depend on your topic, audience, and your writing style

Some possibilities:

Give an opinion and support it with 2-3 well-explained reasons

Give an opinion. Present the opposite viewpoint, then given reasons against that opposite view

Give an opinion. Present the opposite viewpoint. Admit that the opposite view has some merit, but then show how your opinion is better.

Slide105

Persuasive Writing

Choose a tone that is appropriate to your audience and purpose

Respectful, formal, confident

NOT: disrespectful (to opposition or anyone else), informal, or hesitant (ie. I think…)

Slide106

Persuasive Writing

Select one thing about your school that you would like to see changed. It might deal with the lunchroom, homework, sports, class requirements, or any other aspect of school life.

Write an essay to persuade your classmates to agree with your suggested change.

Your essay should include:

A clearly stated position.

Strong arguments and evidence.

Persuasive word choice.

*Remember to edit for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.

Slide107

Expository Writing

“Explanatory” writing

You play the role of the expert

Your job is to explain as clearly as possible your special knowledge of the subject

Addresses the: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

Slide108

Expository Writing

Provide a clear description of your subject and the purpose in your thesis

Choose an organizational strategy appropriate to the purpose, audience, and context of the subject

Slide109

Organizing Expository

Examples:

Define or classify an idea and give examples

Explore a problem and give possible solutions

Examine causes and effects

Present a main idea and supporting information (details, reasons, facts, examples, etc.)

Compare and contrast two subjects

Analyze a whole by looking at its parts

Slide110

Support, support, support

Facts

Details

Examples

Explanations

STAY ON TOPIC

Slide111

Beginning Prompts

Write a report on…

Explain how…

Describe how…

Define…

Slide112

Descriptive

Is exactly that. Describe!

THE FIVE SENSES

Slide113

Expository Essay Time

There are many opportunities for volunteers to help others in your town. Write an essay describing a way you could help others in your town. Support your ideas with plenty of details.

Your essay should include:

An effective introduction, body, and conclusion.

Specific and appropriate details.

A clear organization.

Slide114

Letter Writing

Business letters, scholarship letters, letters to the editor, job applications, college admission letters, etc.

Use the appropriate letter format – block style

Slide115

Block Format

Your Address

Date

Recipient’s Address

Salutation (greeting)

Body

Complimentary Close

Signature

Slide116

Be serious – be yourself.

Formal communication – straightforward and serious tone

You want to be taken seriously? Write seriously.

Polite and respectful – no matter the audience.

Slide117

State your purpose!

Get to the point

Clearly state WHO YOU ARE

WHY YOU ARE WRITING

Straightforward and direct

Ex.

Mr. Mayor, I am writing to urge you and the city council to strongly oppose the proposal to close Kinkaid Park, paving the way for construction of high-rise apartments on the land.

Slide118

Background REQUIRED

Describe the necessary background concerning the problem

Brief and cocise – NOT a drawn-out story

Ex.

As you know, this park has served the city’s needs for more than 65 years. Its playgrounds, tennis courts, ball fields, and picnic areas are used by about 30% of the city’s citizens.

Slide119

AUDIENCE AWARENESS

Yes, I’m really saying it again.

ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF YOUR AUDIENCE.

You are not simply thinking of what YOU want and need. You are thinking about what your readers need and want.

They will find it easier to agree with you when they know what’s in it for them.

Ex. The high-rise project could be constructed between 9

th

and 11

th

streets, along Desert Avenue; this land has already been zoned for multi-family housing.

Slide120

Clear and efficient

Answer the Who/What/When/Where/How/Why/When so they don’t have to look

BUT – exclude unnecessary information and keep it concise (to the point!)

Slide121

Technical Terms

Formal language often requires precise terminology

But avoid useless and unnecessary jargon…

Carefully edit and poroofread as always – checking for language appropriateness and audience awareness

Slide122

Sense of Focus

Topic sentences still required

Each main thought should still have it’s own paragraph, and organized with a clear progression from beginning to middle to end

Don’t forget your transitions…

Slide123

Letter Time!

Members of the local school board are proposing that students complete 75 hours of community service as a part of high school graduation requirements. High school students will be allowed to vote on the issue, and their views will be taken into consideration. Write a letter to the school paper in which you argue for or against the proposal.

Slide124

As always…

Your letter should include…

An introduction, body, and conclusion

A clearly stated position

Specific and appropriate reasons

Persuasive word choice

Edited for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.