1. Immersion Day 3: Discovering the Many forms of writing
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How Writers Work Unit 1
8th Grade ELA Writers Workshop

2. RATIONALE
We can learn from mentor texts in order to explore how form/genre and purpose are connected.

3. First, some writing words to work with…
Genre/Form
A type or category of writing such as biography, science fiction, poetry, essay, reviews, mysteries, etc.
Text Type
Narrative
Informative or Expository
Argumentative or Persuasive
Descriptive
Purpose
The rationale for why writing is done.
Example: Purpose of narrative is to tell a story in order to teach a lesson.

4. “Making the Story My Own” by Diane Hurles
This personal essay has many types of text forms.
While reading, think about:
What is a journalist?
What forms can newspapers have?
What form is this text?
What forms does this writer mention?

5. Genre/Forms of Writing
Together, we will record forms of writing as we listen to the mentor texts today. …

6. Form and Purpose go hand in hand
When you think about what you want to say, you need to think about what form will fit what purpose best.
Topic
Purpose: Be as specific as possible
Form
Football
To inform the audience about a favorite player
Informational: Biography
Baseball
To encourage readers to believe our Mariners will make it into the playoffs.
Informational/Argumentative: Journalism
Grandmother
To keep a memory of a favorite shared vacation alive.
Narrative: Memoir

7. Independent Writing Time
On the next page in your writer’s notebook, make a chart like the one below.
Remember, be as specific as possible.
Brainstorm as many ideas as you can think of for later use.
You can come back and add ideas throughout this unit.
Topic
Purpose: Be as specific as possible
Form(s)