Unit 7 Writing Project

Select two or three options from the list above to brainstorm a new scene for The Season of Styx Malone. Using your writing notebook, write what happens in the scene, the setting where the scene takes place, the characters, and who will be the narrator.

After brainstorming, select one of the scenes. Use the graphic organizer discussed in class to plan your writing.

Characteristics of a strong introduction may include the following:

◦ introducing the characters and narrator

◦ introducing the setting, although it may not always be explicitly stated

◦ showing rather than telling (may use figurative language)

◦ describing the first event

◦ intriguing or hooking the reader

◦ introducing what the narrator is thinking or feeling

◦ using descriptive language and sensory details

◦ including a variety of sentence types

Characterics of a Strong Narrative:

◦Think about the events that will happen in order and how the characters behave, think, and feel during the events.

◦Include descriptive and figurative language, sensory details, and dialogue to show characters actions, feelings, and perspectives

Characteristics of a Strong Conlusion:

◦concludes or ends the story

◦ explains how problems are resolved or what happens to the characters

◦ answers questions the reader might have

◦ leaves the reader hooked, excited, or wondering what might happen next

◦ connects the ending to events that happened at the beginning of the novel

◦ includes a variety of sentence types

Narrative Writing Checklist:

Reading and understanding the narrative

❑ Read the narrative carefully to understand the scene and its purpose.

❑ Identify the main characters, narrator, setting, and main events.

Organization and structure

❑ Check whether the introduction and sequence of events are clear in the story.

❑ Comment on the use of transitional words and phrases, as well as the flow between the different parts of the narrative.

Character development and dialogue

❑ Evaluate how well the characters are developed, including their personalities and actions.

❑ Evaluate how the author used dialogue to help you infer the characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Setting description

❑ Examine how well the setting is portrayed and whether it contributes to the tone of the story.

Use of descriptive language, sensory details, and figurative language

❑ Highlight strong descriptions and sensory details that enhance the reader’s understanding of the setting, story, and characters.

❑ Highlight strong examples of figurative language, including similes, metaphors, and imagery.

❑ Suggest where more descriptive or figurative language could be used to help the reader imagine the story and infer characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Overall impressions

❑ Share overall strengths and aspects of the narrative that you enjoyed.

❑ Offer specific suggestions on what could make the scene more compelling.