Names/Nombres by Julia Alvarez

Names/Nombresby Julia Alvarez7th Grade Literature

Prereading/Building BackgroundConnect to Your LifeLabel the next blank page in your LNb, Names/Nombres. Then answer the following questions in complete sentences.Think about a time when someone new joined your class. How did the newcomer try to fit in? If you were in a situation where you were the newcomer, how might you (or did you) try to fit in? VocabularyWhen you encounter unfamiliar words in your reading, use context clues to determine its meaning.Look at words, sentences, and paragraphs around the word to find clues to decipher the meaning.The scene at the fire was chaotic, with people running around and fire-engine sirens screaming.VocabularyUse context clues to figure out the meanings of the underlined words.The first draft of her essay was convoluted, but the second draft was clear.Jason wanted an exotic name, such as Gottfried or Prometheus.Was that part of the initial plan or one of the later plans?Two stores will merge by combining their operations and merchandise.Characteristics of a Personal EssayNames/Nombres is a personal essay, a short form of nonfiction that expresses the authors thoughts and feelings about one subject.Personal essays often include anecdotes in which authors use story elements, such as character, setting, and plot.

Characteristics of a Personal EssayMain characteristics:Short work of NONFICTION, centered around one main issue.Written to inform, entertain, persuade, or give an opinion.Usually autobiographical and focuses on the writers personal experiences.Usually told from first person point-of-view.Authors PurposeThree Reasons for Writing

To Inform (Expository)To Persuade (Persuasive)Entertain (Narrative or Poetry)

Authors PurposeWriting to InformOften called expository writing.

Expository writing shows or explains facts.

Examples:Biography of Barack ObamaNews report about a shootingNote to a friendEssay about killer bees

Remember: Expository = Expose

Authors PurposeWriting to PersuadeAttempts to influence the reader.Usually makes an argument.

Examples:Political speechesAdvertisementsA cover letter for your resumeAn essay urging readers to recycle

Authors PurposeWriting to EntertainNarratives: stories. Have a beginning, middle, and end

A story may have a lesson, but the authors main purpose is to entertain.

Examples of Writing to EntertainHarry Potter booksPoems about loveNarrative essay about the big gameScript for a TV show

Authors PurposeReviewInformative or expository writing provides factual information about a topic.

Persuasive writing expresses an opinion (may use facts to support).

All narratives are written to entertain, but so is poetry.

Authors PurposePracticeYou will be graded on participation and completion, not on accuracy.

On a separate sheet of paper, number one through ten.I will describe a piece of writing.You will write the authors purpose: to inform, persuade, or entertain.

1.The story of a teenage boy learning to understand and live with his father, who is an alcoholic Vietnam war veteran.

2.A list of the 25 richest athletes in the world.

3.An article arguing why Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player ever.

4.An X-men comic book.

5.The story about a young girl with low self-esteem learning to love herself.

6.A National Geographic article about the eating and breeding habits of the endangered bald eagle.

7.A website saying that a new shopping mall should not be built because it threatens an endangered bald eagles home. The website also lists other reasons why the mall should not be built.

8.A poem about bald eagles.

9.A magazine ad telling you to buy Nike Hyperdunk shoes because youll jump higher.

10.A sign saying, Rest Stop Five Miles Ahead.

Answers1. Entertain2. Inform3. Persuade4. Entertain5. Entertain6. Inform7. Persuade8. Entertain9. Persuade10. Inform

Setting ReviewSetting is the place and time in which the action of a story occurs.Most fiction writers spend a good deal of time describing the setting of their stories. Writers of nonfiction may or may not establish a clear setting, or them may do so a little bit at a time.Setting ReviewTurn to page 41. Read the paragraph at the top of the second column that begins, I suffered most We will read this paragraph aloud. Try to picture the scene being described as you listen.Setting Review Complete the setting web with your partner. Think about the following:

Where does this scene take place?What are Julias relatives doing?What effects might their behavior have on those sitting hear them?