Narrative Writing

Graded on Criteria C and B

Teaching Task: After reading “The Tell-Tale Heart”, “Kid Appeal”, and “Frankenstein”, write an original scene developing an imagined experience or event using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences. (W.8.3 a-e)

Step 1: Pick one of the above stories to use as a mentor text for your scene

Step 2: Chose you “scene topic” from the menu:

A- Re-write a scene from the story or play changing the time period and/or setting

**Remember this needs to be a significant change

(Max 4-5)

B- Re-write the ending, changing the outcome of the story.

(Max 4-5)

C- Pick a significant event in the story, and add a scene, which changes the outcome of the story

(Max 4-6)

D- Re-write a scene changing the point of view.

(Max 6-7)

E- Add a scene before or after the story

(Max 8)

F- Keeping the theme the same write a scene in which a different character faces the same challenges.

**This is an original plot

(Max 8)

G- Write a fully developed and original/ new scene, with the character you created from the baby name activity and characterization assessment. Note: In order to be approved for this option, you must have received a 5 or higher on the Character Question Scene assessment and the Characterization assessment.

(Max 8)

Step: 3 Write your scene(2 pages minimum. 5 pages maximum. Typed) focus on the following:

___Dialogue

___Pacing

___Point of view

___Characterization

___Setting

___Introduction to scene

___Conclusion of scene

___Transitions

___Descriptive Details(Imagery)

___Precise words and phrases

___Organization

(Remember to indent and punctuate correctly. Use quotation marks and indent every time a new character speaks or you return to dialogue.)

Example:

And the narrator is talking talking talking talking talking talking talking talking talking talking talking some more. He is still talking and narrating, but suddenly he decides to pause in the narration to deliver a little bit of dialogue.

"Did you wash the goblin?" asked mom.

"But he smells," I complained.

"That's why I told you to wash him," she replied.

And the narrator goes back to talking talking talking talking talking talking talking (deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep breath) and he doesn't pass out on the floor but continues to narrate.

It's always a good idea to write more than a single draft and have someone peer edit/ proof read your work. Remember, writing is a process. It's like painting a house. You don't say "finished" after just applying the primer coat.

Recommended Steps for Writing a Narrative/Essay

1-Write your rough draft.

2-Peer editing (from someone else).

3-Write your second draft.

4-Proof read (from someone else).

5-Write your final draft, or edit your second draft into your final.