AnecdotesAugust 2015

Anecdotes• An anecdote is a brief, entertaining story,

usually about an event that really happened to the person telling the story

• It is typically something that is funny, scary or remarkable

• You also learn something from this event

Assignment

Your task is to write 3 anecdotes—they can be similar in theme or different. • Remember that you can start some papers with an

anecdote (to hook readers into reading)  

Paragraph 1 (Introduction)

Introduce yourself.

•Who are you?

•Give some context (basic background) so your anecdotes will make sense.

Paragraph 2: First Anecdote

THE STRUCTURE OF AN ANECDOTE Beginning(Orientation)

Here we give background information: When / Where / Who / What / How? Clues are given about what is coming next, without giving

too much away… just enough to arouse interest Tell me something interesting about you

Middle(The remarkable event)

Here we tell what happened: Using vivid description, exaggeration and humor Language that makes the reader / listener want to know

what happens nextEnd(The reaction)

Here we share our reaction:e.g.: shock / horror / disgust / surprise / laughter / nostalgic memories / making a decision to change or be more wary …

Paragraph 3: Second Anecdote•Follow the same anecdote format as Paragraph 2

Paragraph 4: Third Anecdote•Follow the same anecdote format as Paragraph 2

Paragraph 5: Lessons Learned

• What are the overall lessons you have learned from these events?

• How might these lessons help others?

• Do you have any advice?

You may listen to music if you follow the following rules:

Due at the end of the period.Use MLA formatting (or what you think that means)

• No sharing headphones• Your neighbor doesn’t want to hear it• If it becomes a distraction to you getting

your work done, you will be asked to put it away

• This is not license to text or mess around on your phone

Juniors:PSAT October 15th

You should plan on taking this test as it can be used

as a marker to study from for the SAT, which is a graduation

requirement and is in the spring. Sign up with your counselor ASAP or see me for more information.

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