Prepping for Beowulf Timed Writing 1 Learning the 8-Sentence Extended Paragraph

Activity 1: The Language of Evil, 20 Mins For each element of language, find two examples from the text and include line # {like this: “Quote” (line #)}. Then, for each example, write a brief sentence of commentary explaining how the example reinforces the idea of evil in the text. Example: “Meanwhile, the sword / began to wilt into gory icicles, / to slather and thaw.” (1605-1607) The dark magics that protect Grendel’s Mother cause blades in her presence to melt or “wilt” and become useless as her blood boils the water. Her evil contaminates the lake turning it into a weapon against Beowulf’s strength and power.

Activity 2: Paragraph Starters, 5 min. You have actually done the research for your timed writing! By separating out the elements of language you know HOW the poet reinforces a specific idea or theme, in this case evil. Look at the prompts I’ve given you. Each one tries to answer the prompt in similar but ultimately different ways. Pick one and think what evidence you can present to prove them. You are nearly there!

Activity 3: 8-Sentence Extended Paragraph, Rest of class and homework… Lets put it all together! The 8-Sentence Extended Paragraph is a basic paragraph-style that is academic and professional. It uses a topic sentence and closing sentence with two “patties” of concrete detail with two sentences of commentary.

8-Sentence Pattern (TS) Topic Sentence (must state an opinion) (CD1) Concrete Detail – a fact (usually a quote) from the text, begin with “For example…” or other introductory phrase. (CM1) Commentary 1 – connect the CD to your topic sentence. “This shows that…” (CM2) Commentary 2 – explain the detail further, its meaning or connotation. (CD2) Concrete Detail - a fact (usually a quote) from the text, begin with “Furthermore,…” or other introductory phrase. (CM3) Commentary 1 – connect the CD to your topic sentence. “This shows that…” (CM4) Commentary 2 – explain the detail further, its meaning or connotation. (CS) Closing Sentence – Close your paragraph by restating and summarizing.

4 Response (Complex with elevated register) TS In his final battle, the poet uses vivid imagery to dramatize Beowulf’s heroic struggle against death. CD1 For example, as Beowulf engages in his final weary battle, the dragon’s “breath flared,/And he suffered, wrapped around in swirling/Flames” (lines 688-90). <=Note citation CM1 The word “swirling” describes the flames gives a sense of violent motion. CM2 The hero is “wrapped” in these flames, as if Beowulf is being swallowed up by the heat. CD2 Another memorable image involves the ineffectiveness of Beowulf’s sword in battle: “The ancient blade broke, bit into/The monster’s skin, drew blood, but cracked” (lines 672-73). CM3 This shows how even Beowulf’s trusty weapon will not save him as he hurdles toward his impending death. CM4 The word “cracked” makes the reader hear the fatal sound the weapon makes as it fails him and breaks apart. CS The poet wants to draw us in to Beowulf’s struggles through these images—we suffer along with the hero.

3/2.5 Response (Simple and Low Register) Topic Sentence=>In his final battle, the poet uses vivid imagery to make us picture the battle in our mind. Concrete Detail=> For example, the dragon’s “breath flared,/And he suffered, wrapped around in swirling/Flames” (lines 688-90). <=Note citation Commentary=>This shows how hot the dragon’s breath was and how Beowulf suffered. Commentary=>These flames wrap around Beowulf making him suffer further. Concrete Detail 2=>Another memorable image involves his sword: “The ancient blade broke, bit into/The monster’s skin, drew blood, but cracked” (lines 672-73). Commentary=>This shows how his blade broke when he stabbed Grendel’s mother. Commentary=>This makes us feel badly for Beowulf as he loses the final battle with the monster. Concluding Sentence=>The poet wants to show us how intense the battle was through this imagery.

Commentary Starters CD Sentence Starters Fact, evidence   Fact, evidence The author states that The event that helps us understand this was… For instance,… Example An example… One example… Another example…

Don’t Do this!