Dr. Faughey Oyster bay High School – 10-4-17 Narrative Essay Dr. Faughey Oyster bay High School – 10-4-17
A few questions for you to respond to in writing. What is a narrative? Have you ever written one? What did you have to think about when writing that narrative?
Narrative essay Narratives tell a story. An author might think of a topic they want to write about, and then consider how they want to tell it. DETAILS: Authors select descriptive details to include – ones that help them create a dominant impression. TIME: Authors play with time – stretching out events so that they fill pages, or using flashbacks. POINT OF VIEW: Authors adopt a point of view – emphasizing perspective by writing in first, second or third person.
But what makes a narrative good? Personal connection. But what makes a narrative good? Craft
What can authors do to tell good stories? Use a small moment to make a larger point.
Exploring a model text Take time with the essay you read last night. 5 minutes Exploring a model text Take time with the essay you read last night. Explore what you think makes it an effective essay. Go beyond whether or not you liked what the story was about – think about this essay as a model. It has been selected for inclusion in this book—why? Write a one-paragraph response and be specific.
“The Chase,” by Annie Dillard Get into your reading groups. Share thoughts and as a group come to a common understanding of what made the essay effective. What could make it better? What, if taken away, would make it worse? “The Chase,” by Annie Dillard Ian, Braedon, Patrick, Pavlos Lena, Karrington, Gianna, Danica “Champion of the World,” by Maya Angelou Ian, Anthony, Michael, Andreas Michael, Dennis, Ashley “Shooting an Elephant,” by George Orwell Connor, Mandy, John, Jenna Colleen, Eleni, Krista 10 minutes
Share out What was this essay about? Would you recommend it to another reader? What made it an effective narrative?
Closing Question Which narrative strategies or devices have you used in your own writing?
Which essay will you read next? Sign up by putting your name underneath the title of the essay you would like to read.