Homework:
Choosing the Right Word Unit 9
Today:
I checked lots of homework assignments- 700-1000 words, pictionaries, and synonyms. I did not review any of the vocab.
I discussed the introductions in the pictures on this post. We discussed the difference between using the first person perspective vs. third person. We discussed how the setting can be introduced. We discussed the idea of using thoughts to give the reader the background to action that is happening in the present.
I suggested students use one of the following scenarios to start their piece.
1. TV Broadcast- They could have something on a TV set up the conflict. The main character then reacts to the TV broadcast.
2. Dialogue- The story could jump right in with a conversation, like we are overhearing two people talking and we need to figure out what is going on. 3. First person narrative- The story is told from the intimate perspective of the main character. It is like he/she is talking to us directly telling us the story.
4. Starting in the middle of the action- I showed them how the writer was bringing in the background through thoughts.
5. Vague- The last example sort of moves along slowly. It doesn't grab us outright, but we are intrigued.
We also discussed the importance of the title. Many times the intro has one meaning as we start, but by the end, the meaning of the title becomes clear.
We also discussed the idea that they need to have the end of the story clear in their heads so that the beginning can lead us towards the end.
Check out the examples I included to see examples of these.
