Standard: Show you can apply your understanding of theme and purpose to write a story. This thinking is called abstracting.
l Use this understanding of theme to provide a clear purpose for this piece.
l Using the theme, build a plot around a situation, condition or problem.
l Write an interesting beginning that sets the tone and provides the reader with who, what, where, and why.
l Use appropriate details to help the reader see, hear, and feel the experience.
l Use appropriate dialog, description, and suspense to add to the story.
l Have an appropriate ending that leaves the reader understanding your purpose.
Steps for Narrative Writing
1. Think about the main character of your story. This character must be an adolescent who deals with an issue of growing.
2. Develop your character. You want your character to be round, to have a personality and a life! Your character will need to change through the story, so he or she will be dynamic. Follow the steps on the Developing Character handout. Get to know your character.
3. Think about the problems your character faces in life. What lesson will he or she learn through the story you write. Word this lesson as a life-lesson. This becomes your theme.
4. Use this theme to plan your story. Fill out the “Narrative Writing Pre-Write” form. Make sure you have filled in all sections. The “Tag” should wrap up any loose ends not covered by the solution/resolution.
5. Write your first draft. Refer to your Pre-Write form as you write this draft. Read it over. Make sure your story shows the theme.
6. Conference with a peer. Ask someone to read your piece and fill out a conference sheet
7. Use the information and ideas from your conference to improve your piece. This revised piece is your Draft Two.
8. Self-edit your piece. Read it over, spell check., and correct any errors. Make sure you have clear sentences and well written paragraphs. Check for correct use of punctuation and capitalization. If you are printing your draft, read it over one more time and make any final changes in colored pen.
9. Teacher-edit: Share your work with Ms. Doyle either on google.docs or on paper. Make sure you have had a conference and have self-edited. Your conventions of writing score will be based on this draft. The last day to submit a piece for teacher-edit is Monday, May 24.
10. Complete your final draft, PRINT IT, and pass it in by Friday, May 28.