Week of October 17

Here are 4 TIPS FOR WRITING A GOOD NARRATIVE ESSAY:


1. Clarity. Ideas should be clearly distributed between sentences and paragraphs.

Example: Although I have never been to the races before, I was very excited to behold them, yet also somewhat nervous, because of the type of people who go there.

Improved: I'd never been to a horse race. I was excited to go, but also a little nervous, since I wasn't sure about the people at the track.

2. Don't describe each and every one of your own movements.

Example: As I went in the door, I turned and saw a TV. I looked around and saw posters on the wall. As I went further in I noticed everyone was watching M*A*S*H.

Improved: I immediately noticed the posters on the wall, though everyone else's eyes were focused on a TV playing M*A*S*H.

3. Avoid the second-person narrative. An important part of the narrative essay is the fact that the writer experienced the events described.

Example: As you go in the door, you will turn and see a TV. You look around and see posters on the wall. As you go further in you notice everyone is watching M*A*S*H.

Writing in the present tense is okay, however.

4. To interest the reader, dynamic word choice is key.

Week of October 10

Happy Columbus Day! Enjoy the long weekend.

This week we will spend time reading various stories related to the plays we will see on our field trip. We will read, "The Necklace," "The Raven," and many others.

Students will also continue working on their narrative essays. Essays will be due the following week. Don't forget to begin your essay with a hook or teaser to entice your reader.