Planning a Narrative Article with the “Write to the Point” Objective: Learn how to complete the “Write to the Point” planner for a Narrative Article. Look at the Narrative ‘Write to the Point’ planner and compare it to the Feature Article planner. What’s the differences? The intro and conclusion are exactly the same, but the “body” is different. The key difference is the use of narration as the method for supporting the point of the article. The square represents the whole story with beginning, middle, and end (sequential order).

Planning a Narrative Article with the “Write to the Point” We’re going to work backwards again, to complete the planner. First, we’re going to read the prompt. Next we’ll look at the finished article. Then, we’ll fill in a blank planner the way we think the author did. Let’s read the article entitled “Homemade Gifts are Best”

Homemade Gifts

Planning a Narrative Article with the “Write to the Point” Look back at the title and intro. What do you think the writer might have written in the “Make your Point” triangle? Put a box around the introduction paragraph. Look back at the conclusion. What do you think the writer might have written in the “Drive Home your Point” triangle? Put a box around the conclusion paragraph. Now help me make a bulleted list of the sequence of events to put in the square (body). What were the ‘big steps’ of the story?

Write to the Point Organizer Intro or Lead Paragraph Make your point Homemade gifts are the best

Middle (Body) Paragraphs 1 2 3 4 5 6

Write to the Point Organizer Conclusion Paragraph A gift you make yourself can be the best. Drive home the point

Planning a Narrative Article with the “Write to the Point” Look at the article. How are the bulleted statements on the planner elaborated in the article? Underline each sentence that elaborates on the bulleted statements. (Number them) Let’s do the first one together! Then you will finish the rest. Afterwards, we will discuss your findings. Then, we will analyze the idea development of the article.

Planning a Narrative Article (Analyzing the Idea Development) What do you notice or like about the writing? Which parts do you think the writer has developed the best? Is the narrative in a logical sequence? Are there sufficient details to understand the story? Is there any place in the story you wish were more developed?

Planning a Narrative Article with the “Write to the Point” NOW it’s time for you to complete your own “Write to the Point” planner for the prompt you chose! Remember to just write short phrases. It’s used for keeping you organized and on track. It should be VERY clear which prompt you chose on your planner.

Writing the Intro, Conclusion, and Title What 2 elements should the Introduction paragraph have? Engage the reader (Grab the reader’s attention!) Sets up a clear purpose What element should the Conclusion paragraph have? Why is there a dotted arrow pointing back to your intro paragraph on your planner? Because the conclusion should remind the reader of the purpose that you mentioned in the intro. Let’s look at some examples: “Responsibilities in the Classroom”, “Homemade Gifts” & “Good Friend Contest”

Writing the Narrative Look at the On-Demand Checklist to Narrate an Event. This checklist shows the expectations for reaching Proficient in the On-Demand test. Knowing what is expected makes it easier. Use this checklist and evaluate the narrative “Homemade Gifts are Best” Is it Proficient? What did this author do successfully? What did this author do unsuccessfully?

Time to Finish the Narrative Article Finish writing your Rough Draft (title, intro, body, conclusion) Be sure to answer YOUR prompt!!! Proofread, revise, and edit (C.O.P.S.) Use the On-Demand Checklist for Narrative Writing. Write your Final Draft, then Proofread check for any mistakes or skipped words.