1. Anecdotes Your Story

2. Learning Goal  Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well ‐ chosen details, and well ‐ structured event sequences.  a. Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation and its significance, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events.  b. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.  c. Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular tone and outcome (e.g., a sense of mystery, suspense, growth, or resolution).  d. Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.  e. Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative. (11 ‐ 12.W.3)

3. On a sheet of paper:  Write a list of 5 “green” words that describe you.  They need to be abstract.  They need to have strong connotation.  They can be positive or positive and negative.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JrRQ1oQWQk&spfreload=10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JrRQ1oQWQk&spfreload=10

4. A Story  An anecdote is a short story that shows a slice of your life.  It is a small event described with detail to help the reader feel like they were there.  It demonstrates a part of your character.  College  Applications that require personal statements.  Scholarship and Admissions interviews.  Employment  Cover Letters  Interviews  Life  Parenting

5. Why a story?  Everyone learns through stories, because they are entertaining and multi-faceted.  Stories draw the audience in and help you connect with them.  Stories (and how you tell them) can reveal intricate things about your personality, character, and decision-making skills.  Telling a story can help you create a lasting impression.  Good for interviews and admissions.

6. How to Start  Start thinking about things that have happened in your life that have significance.  Jot a few ideas down on your paper as we go.  Memorable Meals  Most people eat and have strong connotations with meals.  EX: Christmas morning  Outdoor Activities  Can show your adventurous or helpful spirit, especially if you are shy.  EX: Sedona – Slide Rock  Challenges  Can show your humanity and sophistication.  EX: First day of school – 32 pairs of eyes  Failure  Can show the depth of your maturity and your resilience.  EX: GRE Math  Commitment  Can show what you are passionate about and how you face/overcome obstacles.  **Take a couple minutes to come up with a few ideas for stories.

7. Once you have an Idea  Look at your story ideas and match them to one or two of your green words.  Start by answering the 5 w’s:  Where, Why, Who, When, What, … and how  Try to visualize the situation  Think about the sounds, sights, tastes, smells …  Like you are watching it on Youtube.  Limit your story to right before the peak.  Write the first draft of your story.  1-2 paragraphs  Casual Register  Do not worry so much about grammar.

8. Refine and Revise  Go through your story and take out any information that is not pertinent to your story.  Vivid details are imperative for a great story.  Things you particularly remember.  Add adjectives and adverbs to sentences that seem blah.  Check your grammar.  Make sure you have varied sentence length.  Too many details will irritate your audience.  Some dialog will help draw your audience in.

9. Tomorrow  **Opening lines …  One dark and stormy night …  Contest for tomorrow  https://todaysmeet.com/Mormann https://todaysmeet.com/Mormann  Swap stories with your shoulder partner.  Read the stories out loud to each other.  Make any changes you feel necessary.

10. Common College Application Prompts