Today is October 15, 2015

• Get ready to get your topics back and start your writing today!

Announcement

• Magic Lens Quiz posted on Skyward.

• If you scored an 17 or below, you MUST retake the quiz on the Wednesday before Fall Break. It is mandatory.

• If you scored higher, but still want to try for a higher score, you may take the quiz again.

• The second score will REPLACE the first.

Recap from Pre-PSAT days

• On Monday, we read examples of strong narrative essays.

• On Tuesday, we came up with our own ideas and picked an idea.

• Today, we are going to start working on drafting our essays.

An effective story needs a beginning, middle and end

When writing your essay you must keep in mind:

Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram

Plot Diagram

2

1

3

4

5

Plot (definition)

• Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

1. Exposition• This usually occurs at the beginning of a short

story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

2. Rising Action

• This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

3. Climax• This is the turning point of the story.

Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

4. Falling Action• All loose ends

of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

5. Resolution• The story

comes to a reasonable ending.

Putting It All Together1. Exposition

2. Rising Action

3. Climax

4. Falling Action

5. Resolution

Beginning of Story

Middle of Story

End of Story

Plot Diagram for “Of Mice and Men”

Resolution OR

We meet Lennie and George. They spend the by the river

George and Lennie start working at the ranch. Candy’s dog is shot. Curley fights Lennie.

Lennie kills Curley’s wife

Lennie runs away. Curleyleads a mob to kill him.

George shoots Lennie.

Draw a Plot Diagram

Resolution OR

Map the Plot of a Narrative• Open your favorite narrative example from

Monday. On a separate sheet of paper, draw a plot diagram. Reread the narrative, Identify the parts of the plot and write them on the plot diagram.

• On the back, map your own narrative using the plot structure. What will happen in each section of the plot in your own story? Turn in this paper.

• Finally, start writing the first paragraph of your narrative. Paragraph 1 is due TOMORROW. It is homework if unfinished.