Character Sketch: Introduction and Conclusion Ms. Marshall

Character Sketch: Introduction and Conclusion September 12, 2011 Warm Up: You have spent the last several class periods experiencing the writing process while creating your vision of a hero. Why is your hero a hero? What makes a hero? Answer in a paragraph or more. Warm Up: You have spent the last several class periods experiencing the writing process while creating your vision of a hero. Why is your hero a hero? What makes a hero? Answer in a paragraph or more. Today’s objective is to write the introduction and conclusion to our character sketches. Today’s objective is to write the introduction and conclusion to our character sketches. 14

Introduction What makes a good introduction? Should grab the reader’s interest Introduce your topic “A Hero” Show enthusiasm for your subject Connect with your true feelings about what a hero should be

A Good Beginning Consider one of the following approaches. Consider one of the following approaches. Start with an interesting detail stated in an exciting way.Start with an interesting detail stated in an exciting way. Ashes filled the air when I was around the campfire. Crackle, crackle it went.Ashes filled the air when I was around the campfire. Crackle, crackle it went. Start with dialogue or a saying.Start with dialogue or a saying. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said that “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of simple minds.” He said it almost 200 years ago, but perhaps it bears repeating today to our senators and congressman who act as though our country can continue to spend money it does not have.It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said that “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of simple minds.” He said it almost 200 years ago, but perhaps it bears repeating today to our senators and congressman who act as though our country can continue to spend money it does not have. Sound, repetition, and simile.Sound, repetition, and simile. Screech, screech, screech! The first time we tried to play the recorders it sounded like a lion running his claws down a chalkboard.Screech, screech, screech! The first time we tried to play the recorders it sounded like a lion running his claws down a chalkboard. 14

Conclusion What should a conclusion do? What should a conclusion do? Clearly signal that your description is completeClearly signal that your description is complete Leave the reader with a final idea or imageLeave the reader with a final idea or image Make a final statement about what a hero isMake a final statement about what a hero is 14

Endings Consider one of the following approaches.Consider one of the following approaches. AdviceAdvice If you cannot swallow and your throat is puffy, then you have strep. You should get lots of rest. And get a shot because the shot will make you better faster than the medicine.If you cannot swallow and your throat is puffy, then you have strep. You should get lots of rest. And get a shot because the shot will make you better faster than the medicine. LessonLesson I learned that I shouldn’t lie because it gets me into worse trouble. In the future I’m not going to lie. If I have a problem, I’m going to tell someone about it, and ask for help.I learned that I shouldn’t lie because it gets me into worse trouble. In the future I’m not going to lie. If I have a problem, I’m going to tell someone about it, and ask for help. Main ideaMain idea Chores aren’t the worst but they’re definitely not the best!Chores aren’t the worst but they’re definitely not the best! 14

Reflection and Homework Reflection:Reflection: Did you choose one of the suggested approaches for your beginning or ending? Explain.Did you choose one of the suggested approaches for your beginning or ending? Explain. What areas do you want to work on in your character sketch tonight?What areas do you want to work on in your character sketch tonight? 15 Homework 15 Homework Final revision on your character sketchFinal revision on your character sketch Use the checklist and the rubricUse the checklist and the rubric 14