Writer's Workshop
Some great resources:
#1: Personal Narrative Essay
Use one quotation from class (or your own find) as the catalyst for a personal narrative essay. This essay may be written in first person.
Constructing your response:
- A thought provoking quotation is only the beginning. As you consider the quotation, you need to think about what it means. Define unfamiliar words and ask for help in understanding abstract ideas) How it is true or in what ways is it true. Give examples. Then, to really develop your essay fully, you need to think about how your own experience relates to the ideas.
- Do not begin your response in any of the following ways:
- This quote is about. . . (or any variation of that).
- "I think," "in my opinion," or others like them. (This is your work. It is obvious that the ideas are your own.)
- In Conclusion... (we have our own eyes and can see that it's the last paragraph)
- This quote is about. . . (or any variation of that).
- "I think," "in my opinion," or others like them. (This is your work. It is obvious that the ideas are your own.)
- In Conclusion... (we have our own eyes and can see that it's the last paragraph)
- When you refer to the person who said this quotation, use his or her first and last name to begin with, and after that, use only his or her last name. This is a standard way to write. You would never refer to Albert Einstein as Albert. You just don't know him that well. A good way to begin is to put the idea presented in your own words (ie: When Abraham Lincoln says "quotation goes here," he means that . . . .)
#2: Rhetorical précis
"Rhetoric" is the art of persuasive speaking/writing. A rhetorical précis differs from a summary in that it examines: (1) the mode of argument and (2) the author's perspective/purpose. Précis are short and sweet and need to follow the prescribed structure: Rhetorical Précis Worksheet
