THE ORIGINAL COMPOSITION Intro

The Original Composition  Part Three of your provincial exam will ask you to:  Write a multi-paragraph composition on the writing prompt below.  Your writing may be persuasive, narrative and/or descriptive.  You may agree or disagree with the writing prompt.  You may use ideas based on your own experience, the experience of others, your reading, your imagination, or from any aspect of your life.

Persuasive Essay  In persuasive essays, you are writing to convince others by presenting solid, supported arguments.  Good Persuasion:  Takes a strong and definite position on an issue or advises a particular action.  Gives logical reasons and supporting evidence to defend the position or recommend action.  Considers opposing views.  Has enthusiasm and energy from start to finish.

Descriptive Essay  When you are writing a descriptive essay, you are "painting a picture" with words.  Good Description:  Creates a main impression-an overall effect, feeling, or image -about the topic.  Uses concrete, specific details to support the main impression.  Uses details that appeal to the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.

Narrative Essay  A narrative essay is a writing that tells a story.  Good Narration:  Includes specific details to make the incident come alive for your reader  Focuses on re-creating an incident that happened to you over a short period of time (usually an emotional experience)  Conveys a particular mood (feeling) - do you want to surprise your readers, make them laugh, have them share in your sorrow or fear?

What is a Narrative Essay?  A narrative essay is a story that has a specific point  A narrative essay strives to teach a lesson  A narrative essay strives to make a specific point  A narrative essay is not a diary entry – the story is linked to the purpose of the essay

Essential Elements of Narrative Essays  The focus of a narrative essay is the plot, which is told using enough details to build to a climax.  It is usually told chronologically.  It has a purpose, which is usually stated in the opening sentence.  It may use dialogue.  It is written with sensory details and vivid descriptions to involve the reader. All these details relate in some way to the main point the writer is making.

What Else Does a Narrative Essay Include?  Since this is a story, the narrative essay needs everything a story needs (these are known as the story elements):  Has a plot  Has characters  Has a problem  Has a climax  Often uses dialogue

Planning the Narrative Essay  Write a thesis statement, just as with any other essay  Brainstorm for a personal story or observation that illustrates or proves the thesis statement  Outline or web the important parts of the story to be told  Write an introductory paragraph that includes the thesis statement, and then write the story

Planning the Narrative Essay  Because this is a story, use as many paragraphs as necessary to tell the story  Write the conclusion that reflects on the thesis statement

Questions?