Bonus Narrative-- Standardized Test Preparation Workshop [adapted from Writing and Grammar: Communication in Action, Prentice-Hall, Publishers, 2001]

Responding to Narrative Writing Prompts The writing prompts on standardized tests often measure your ability to write using the elements of narrative writing. Your writing will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Responding to Narrative Writing Prompts Details suitable for the audience and purpose named in the prompt A method of organization that allows you to organize details in a meaningful and coherent sequence Appropriate transitions that help your narrative achieve unity and coherence Effective use of description, characterization, and other details Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Responding to Narrative Writing Prompts When writing for a timed test, plan to devote a specified amount of time to prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading. Following is an example of a narrative writing prompt. Use the suggestions on the following slides to help you respond.

Sample Writing Situation The Internet is rapidly becoming a primary source of research and communication. It is also becoming an easy and time-saving way to make purchases. However, because the Internet is still relatively new, many people are wary of using it for this purpose. Using your own experiences working on the Internet, respond to one of the following prompts:

Sample Writing Situation Write a letter to a family member who is not familiar with shopping on the Internet. Draw on your own experiences to convince him or her to use the Internet to do some shopping. Write an editorial for your town paper directed at working parents on the ease of using the Internet for shopping. Draw on your own experiences to convince them of its many benefits.

Prewriitng—1/4 of your time Consider your Audience—Although each prompt is directed at an audience that does not use the Internet to shop, avoid getting caught up in defining technical terms or providing directions on navigation. For example, if you are writing to a family member, you may use less formal language and shorter sentences. If you are writing an editorial, you should use more formal language and longer, complex sentences.

Prewriitng—1/4 of your time (2) Consider Your Purpose—Your purpose is to persuade your audience to shop using the Internet. Make a T-chart listing any negative aspects on the left side and positive aspects on the right side. Then, as you make your argument, show how the negative aspects can be overcome.

Prewriitng—1/4 of your time (3) Gather Details—Begin to gather information from your personal experiences of using the Internet for browsing or shopping. List details about your own experiences and the many different types of shopping offered.

Drafting—1/2 of your time Elaborate As you draft, give specific details that support your ideas. For example, you may include details from your personal experience, An anecdote about a friend’s experience, And factual data about how long it took you to place an order on-line.

Drafting—1/2 of your time (2) Make Clear Connections In order for your audience to follow your ideas, use transitions that indicate the logical connections between ideas. For example, first, second, after, and then indicate the time that events occurred, While most importantly and less importantly indicate order of importance.

Revising, Editing, and Proofreading —1/4 quarter of your time Make Corrections Review your response for errors. Neatly cross out any details that do not support your purpose. Change language that is inappropriate for your audience, and make sure that transitions keep ideas flowing smoothly. Check for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. When making changes, place one line through text that you want eliminated and place it in brackets. Use a caret [^] to indicate the places you wish to add words.