1. Brainstorming: Writing Workshop #1
First, let’s review the definition of THEME:
THEME – the insight about human life that is revealed in a literary work
– this can be expressed in a few ways:
-- a life lesson; the obvious theme
-- an illustration of human nature in adverse conditions *During climax
-- the indirect but intended message of the author; UNIVERSAL THEME
Next, complete the brainstorm activity to determine the THEMES taught in the four short stories in the “Life Lessons” unit.
“The Utterly Perfect Murder” By Ray Bradbury
“And Summer is Gone” By Susie Kretchmer
“The Bass, the River, & Sheila Mant” By J. D. Wetherell
“American History” By Judith Ortiz Cofer

2. Brainstorm for Writing Workshop
Theme
“TUPM”
Bullying is wrong.
Always follow your conscience.
Actions have consequences.
Revenge isn’t always the answer.
“ASIG”
Keep your friends close, your enemies closer
True friends have your back
Birthdays don’t change, people DO
“TBTR&SM”
You can’t always get what you want
Sometimes we make wrong choices (MISTAKES)
Go for what you love, not for what you want
“AH”

3. Brainstorm for Writing Workshop
Theme
“TUPM”
Don’t dwell on the past
Respect others – what goes around comes around
Don’t bully
Listen to your conscience
Revenge isn’t the answer
“ASIG”
Stay true to yourself
People change
Friends stand up for each other
Treat people how you’d like to be treated
“TBTR&SM”
Looks aren’t everything
Follow your morals
Mistakes can cost you-but you can learn from them
Don’t conceal yourself for the sake of others
“AH”
Don’t judge a person (Don’t be prejudiced)
Crushes can lead to disappointment
Stand up for yourself
One man can make a huge impact

4. Brainstorm for Writing Workshop
Theme
“TUPM”
Bullying is wrong
Revenge is not the answer
Think before you act
“ASIG”
People change
Stay true to yourself
“TBTR&SM”
You can’t always get what you want
Don’t change yourself for someone else
You can learn from your mistakes
“AH”
Don’t discriminate/prejudge
Always listen to and respect your elders
Stand up for yourself
One person can really make an impact

5. WRITING WORKSHOP: Keystone Benchmark Test Practice
PROMPT: Of the four stories, choose the one that contained the most meaningful life lesson. After stating which story you have chosen and specific details from the story, discuss the author’s purpose for writing about this lesson as you provide TWO reasons for selecting it as the most meaningful.
TIPS FOR WRITING:
Have a well-written paragraph of at least 7 sentences including a topic sentence,
Supporting details, and a closing sentence.
Make sure you answer ALL of the questions in the prompt.
Remember the 3 types of theme and the PURPOSE of theme in fiction
Include VERY SPECIFIC DETAILS as you describe the scene, the lesson, and MOST
IMPORTANTLY what the character gained as a result of his experience.

6. Revision Checklist Do you have… …an attention getter?
…a strong topic sentence that provides the story’s title & the lesson on which you are going to focus?
…specific details/background from the story?
…include your reasoning for the AUTHOR’S PURPOSE
…present TWO reasons for choosing this story/theme? (*This may include a PERSONAL CONNECTION, if possible, to please the judges!)
…have a strong concluding thought for closure?

7. Name ___________________ Pd
Name ___________________ Pd. ___ Story’s Title: __________________________ Theme _______________________________ Rubric for Final Copy: Themes
Attention getting hook Y / N
Strong topic sentence that provides the story’s title & the theme Y / N
Specific details/background from the story? (conflict, climax, resolution) Y / N
Your reasoning for the AUTHOR’S PURPOSE Y / N
TWO reasons for choosing this story/theme? (*This may include a Y / N
PERSONAL CONNECTION, if possible, to please the judges!)
Strong concluding thought for closure? Y / N
COMMENTS:

8. Link to Keystone Constructed-Response Rubric

9. Name ___________________ Pd
Name ___________________ Pd. ___ Story’s Title: __________________________ Theme _______________________________ Rubric for Final Copy: Themes
Attention getting hook Strong topic sentence that provides the story’s title & the theme Specific details/background from the story? (conflict, climax, resolution) Your reasoning for the AUTHOR’S PURPOSE TWO reasons for choosing this story/theme? (*This may include a PERSONAL CONNECTION, if possible, to please the judges!) Strong concluding thought for closure? *NEW* Direct quote from story to further illustrate the theme Transitional words/phrases to create a natural flow Proper use of grammar, spelling, & conventions TOTAL SCORE ____ / 20

10. pd. 2
Have you ever judged someone based on his/her looks? In the story “American History” Elena is judged based on her Puerto Rican heritage. As the protagonist, Elena was confronted with the conflict of not being able to take honors classes because her first language was Spanish. The story’s climax also offers insight into the setting when Eugene’s mother disapproves of her son’s relationship with Elena. The author’s purpose for writing about the theme of never judging a person for something he/she cannot control because readers can relate to this topic. (****insert your personal connection here*****) A second reason the author wrote about prejudice is to inform less experienced readers about its effects. The theme in this story proves that no one is perfect and teaches the reader to get to know somebody before making a final decision

11. Pd. 3 Everyone has been judged, but the way one reacts makes you who you are. In the story “American History” Elena the protagonist faced racism and discrimination which demonstrates people will judge others no matter what. For instance, Elena was restricted from taking honors classes simply because English was not her native language. Another experience occurred in the story’s climax when Eugene’s mother told Elena she could not study with her son because she was Puerto Rican. The author’s purpose in choosing this theme was its universal application. (****insert personal connection here*****) A second reason is to create awareness for readers who have not experienced discrimination. In conclusion, while everyone may not feel the effects of discrimination, he/she should treat others the way he/she would to be treated.

12. Pd 6
How do you define real friendship? In “And Summer is Gone,” David, the protagonist, learns to stay true to himself and the meaning of real friendship. One good example of David staying true to himself was when he continued with his artwork and other interests, he did not change to please Amy. Another example is at the end of the story when Amy and her friends harass David at the art show. David realizes to stay true to himself as a result of Amy’s disloyalty. The author’s purpose for writing about this theme is because people often learn from their own experiences. A second reason for this theme is readers can identify with the subject matter since most have witnessed or experienced it. ******share personal experience here***** As the reader can see, true friendship is hard to come by, but if one stays to himself, he will always find a true friend.

13. Pd. 8
Have you ever been judged by someone who does not know you? In the story “American History,” Elena discovers that no matter what in life, people are going to judge others who are different. One way in which Elena learns this lesson is that honors classes are not open to her because English was not her native language. Another example occurs during the story’s climax when Eugene’s mom disapproves of her son’s relationship with Elena due to racism. The author’s purpose for writing about this theme is to expose the existence of racism in modern times. Another reason why the author chose this theme is to demonstrate how prejudice affects people. (****share personal connection here*****) Being judged can hurt, but sometimes one may have to overlook it just as Elena does in “American History”.