Share What You Know Unforgettable Stories What Makes a Compelling Story? Learn the Traits Key Traits: Narrative Hook Your Audience Use Sensory Language Analyze a Strong Narrative Rubric: Narrative Apply the Traits Practice Activities Hook Your Audience Evaluate Suspense Use Transitions to Keep the Story Going Use Dialogue Effectively Create Setting Through Sensory Language Read, Rate, & Revise Evaluate a Personal Narrative Try a New Approach Develop Setting Evaluate Pacing Write Now Choose a Topic Your Turn 1
Unforgettable Stories What are your favorite novels, stories, movies, and TV shows? What makes them so compelling? On the chart, list the appealing elements of each. Title Appealing Element(s) 2
What Makes a Compelling Story? Whether you re absorbed in a science fiction novel set in the distant future or watching a TV drama ripped from the headlines, a captivating narrative has the power to seize your imagination. A compelling narrative: has a plot that revolves around a gripping conflict features believable characters developed through vivid description and dialogue takes place in a richly described setting or settings incorporates effective pacing and is easy to follow uses techniques to heighten suspense and anticipation about what will happen 3
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Use Sensory Language Read the passage. Which details could be improved with sensory language? Underline phrases that need revision. Then suggest specific changes. As Adrian and I approached the amusement area, he pointed out a frightening ride. Just watching the people on it made me uncomfortable. Adrian, however, couldn t wait to get on. While he rode the ride, I stood and watched the carousel. The horses and music reminded me of when I was a child. When Adrian found me a few minutes later, we heard the familiar call of a hot dog vendor and walked over to him. 6
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Rubric: Narrative Understanding the key traits of a narrative can help you evaluate narrative writing. Use this rubric to help you evaluate any narrative, including one you ve written. TRAIT STRONG WEAK Captivating Introduction The introduction hints at the conflict and introduces the characters and setting. Characters and Point of View Characters are developed through dialogue and description. The point of view is consistent. Dialogue and Sensory Language Dialogue and vivid sensory language develop the characters, setting, and events. Compelling Plot The plot is clear, effectively paced, and absorbing. Satisfying Conclusion The conclusion effectively resolves the conflict. 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 1 8
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Develop Setting Reread the third paragraph of the narrative. How could you develop the setting with vivid sensory details? Click the tiles for details you might add. Then mark or suggest revisions. I had taken the photograph the previous spring. My dad and I had hiked up a small mountain ten miles from our house. The scenery was gorgeous, and it was a great day. At the top, I looked down and saw an eagle s aerie below us. As I focused, the eagle flew in. I took at least a dozen shots. Beautiful! sight details touch details hearing details smell details 17
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Your Turn Planning your narrative is an important part of the writing process. Use this graphic organizer to plan an engaging narrative. PREWRITING PLAN: NARRATIVE Characters: Setting: Basic Conflict: Event 1: Event 2: Event 3: Resolution: 20
Use Sensory Language Read the passage. Which details could be improved with sensory language? Underline phrases that need revision. Then suggest specific changes. As Adrian and I approached the amusement area, he pointed out a towering, spinning ride. Just watching the people spiral and whirl made my stomach capsize. Adrian, however, couldn t wait to get on. While he rode the Helix of Terror, I stood and watched the carousel. The bobbing painted horses and strains of organ melodies reminded me of when I was a child. When Adrian found me a few minutes later, we heard the familiar call of Hot dogs! Get your hot dogs! We walked toward the shout and there, in front of us, was the silver hot dog cart, the vendor enshrouded in steam. 21
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