1. WRITING PROJECT “EXPLORING CHARACTERS”

2. Part I – Prewriting  Review the three short stories we read in class.  Choose one dynamic character from any of the stories, and, using the comparison chart provided to you, write at least 5 reasons (including specific examples from the story) why you believe that character is dynamic.  Choose one static character from any of the stories, and write at least 5 reasons (including specific examples from the story) why you believe that character is static.  On the back of the comparison chart, plan your essay using the form provided

3. Part II – COMPOSING Paragraph 1  Your task today is to write a compelling first paragraph to your essay  Here’s what you are looking to accomplish –Catch the reader’s attention –Inform your audience on what your essay is about –Introduce the two stories you will discuss characters from (may be one) –Define “dynamic” and “static” characters –closing sentence - transition reader smoothly to your next paragraph Highlight Goal DO NOT ANNOUNCE YOURSELF –NEVER say “This essay is about …” That is announcing. You need to develop the skill of communicating to your reader what it is you want him to understand, without explicitly saying it. –Example from an essay comparing and contrasting two stories  Bad example – In this essay, I will compare and contrast Harry Potter with The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.  Good example – Although Harry Potter and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe are phenomenal works of fiction with many similarities, they also share significant differences which set the two stories apart from each other.  Begin to develop this skill of writing without announcing yourself. ** Be sure to check your other paragraphs when you have finished writing to make sure you are not announcing

4. Part III – COMPOSING CONTINUED Paragraph 2  Your task today is to write the 2 nd & third paragraphs of your essay (the body). –FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH  Discuss your static character and the reasons why you came to the conclusion that he/she is static. –SECOND BODY PARAGRAPH  Discuss your dynamic character and the reasons why you came to the conclusion that he/she is static. CHECKLIST POINTS  ** Begin with a strong topic sentence which tells the reader what your paragraph is about  Use the information you gathered in pre-writing to complete this section.  *** Don’t forget your first paragraph goal of NOT ANNOUNCING  use quotes/examples from story HIGHLIGHT GOAL Transition words and phrases. –Nothing enhances the flow and coherence of an essay more than well places transition words and phrases. –On page 72 of your Elements of Writing text, you will find an excellent list of examples of transition words and phrases. –You MUST have at least four transition words/phrases in each of these paragraphs of your essay. –*** Now go back and check your first paragraph and include some transition words and phrases there also.

5. Part III – COMPOSING CONTINUED Closing Paragraph  Your task on this part of our writing clinic is to write the final paragraph of your essay  Your final paragraph must (1) sum up your essay AND (2) take a position on which type of character (static or dynamic) you think is more valuable to a story.  Make sure that you are using your transition words and not announcing yourself.  Try to sum up your essay without necessarily repeating yourself  Begin with a strong opening sentence and close with a sentence that leaves your reader satisfied HIGHLIGHT GOAL – Vocabulary  Using just the right word to express a thought can make a significant difference.  Look over your paragraph and use a dictionary or a thesaurus to try and replace words with others that will improve the flow and sound of your essay.  Now repeat that exercise for the paragraphs you have already completed.  Before turning in your final paragraph, make a list of at least 8 – 10 words that you replaced in your essay and put that list below your paragraph.

6. Part 4 – Revising  Your Review –spell check your completed essay –check your essay for grammatical errors –remove any contractions that you have in your essay. While contractions are okay for your creative and personal writing, they should be avoided in your formal writing.  contraction – can’t = cannot; don’t = do not; couldn’t = could not –check to see that you have completed each highlight goal –re-read your essay at least two times to make sure it flows well –read your essay out loud to yourself. If you are stumbling to read it, it probably means you need to correct/reword a few things to improve the flow of your essay  Peer Review –when you have completed your review have at least one of your classmates read your essay. –your classmate should review your essay using the rubric provided and provide your feedback on how to improve your essay. –make the revisions suggested

7. PART V – PUBLISH !!! You’re Done !!!  TURN IN YOUR PERFECT ESSAY WITH CONFIDENCE AND EXPECT TO RECEIVE AND EXCELLENT GRADE FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK. GOOD JOB!!!!