Writing ModesSATP section 9.1

pp. 437-443

Essays can be divided into three modes (categories or types):

narrative

informative

persuasive

Narrative writing—

--tells a story

--follows a sequence of events (usually chronological order)

--the purpose is to entertain (sometimes it may make a general point or include a lesson)

--will include literary elements: setting, characters, conflict, etc.

A narrative prompt –

Think of a time from your early childhood that made a lasting impression on you, or think about a childhood memory that you will never forget. Choose one of these times and write a story about what happened. Be sure to include precise details in your response.

Sample response:

On a hot day in August at our favorite spot on the Broad River, the fish weren’t biting as they usually do, and my brother and I began to fidget restlessly. After asking our parents for permission, my brother and I quickly abandoned our fishing poles and scampered our way to an old Indian mound in search of arrowheads. To our astonishment, we found more than arrowheads left behind by a civilization. We found ourselves face-to-face with an apparition that would forever brand our memories.

Is this writing about a childhood memory?

yes

Is this writing telling a story?yes

Is this writing in the narrative mode?yes

Another sample:

Childhood is an important time for all of us to learn new things and develop our own unique personalities. My own childhood was rich in such experiences, and I can recall many memories that have shaped who am I today. These memories document milestones, such as learning to ride a bicycle and discovering a love for computer games.

Is this writing about a childhood memory?

not exactly

Is this writing telling a story?no

Is this writing in the narrative mode?NO

• Practice on the handout

• Work numbers 1-5

I will never forget the time I had a parakeet. I named him Teebie and taught him how to talk. He was so smart that I just left his cage door open so he could fly out whenever he liked. He would sometimes wake me by pecking me gently on the lips. He was an amazing bird.

Is this writing a childhood memory?

Is this writing telling a story?

Is this paragraph in the narrative mode?NO!

Playing video games and watching long hours of television are common childhood experiences that have been proven detrimental to young, developing minds.

Is this paragraph in the narrative mode?

NO!

The day started like any other day, with cereal for breakfast and my mother’s constant reminders to pack a lunch, but everything changed once the phone rang.

Is this paragraph in the narrative mode?

yes

Many early memories flood my mind, but I do not believe that my memories of childhood are important.

Is this written in the narrative mode?NO!

As I watched my best friend ride away with my family in the moving van, the realization of how different life would be from now on came crashing into my thoughts.

Is this written in the narrative mode?yes

Remember!

Narrative writing—

--tells a story

--follows a sequence of events (usually chronological order)

--the purpose is to entertain (sometimes it may make a general point or include a lesson)

--will include literary elements: setting, characters, conflict, etc.

Informative writing—

--explains “why” about something

--is more concerned with facts than opinions

--be sure the writing explains/informs and be sure the writing stays on topic

Sample informative prompt—

Your teacher has assigned an informative essay for you to write. Think for a few moments about a holiday meal, a favorite breakfast, a great pizza, or another favorite food. Write an essay explaining how this meal or food is your favorite. Be sure to support your examples with details.

Although I have lived in Mississippi for the past five years, I was born and raised in a suburb just outside of New York City. Growing up with the crisp, thin crust, the freshly made tomato sauce, the thick slices of pepperoni, and the mounds of gooey mozzarella cheese trained my taste buds to appreciate this unique New York flavor. These ingredients, rarely found outside New York City, truly make a great pizza.

Is this written in the informative mode?yes

• Practice on the handout• Work number 6

The smells of the pizza parlor wafted through the air. I entered the small establishment just as the lunch crowd began to form. Studying the menu, I decided to order the pepperoni personal pan pizza with extra cheese, my favorite. The line at the counter crept slowly, but I knew the mouth-watering pizza would be well worth the wait.

Is this written in the informative mode?No

I have two favorite pastimes, eating and playing football. I’m not all that particular about what I eat, as long as I have plenty of it. Burgers, fries, spaghetti, pizza, and lasagna are my favorites, but I don’t mind eating my mom’s tuna casserole or meatloaf with whatever seasonable vegetables she also includes at mealtime. The best part about eating is that it gives me plenty of energy to participate in my other favorite activity, football!

Is this in the informative mode?informative. . . but off topic

Persuasive writing—--the purpose is to convince others to agree

with you

--persuasive writing uses opinions supported by facts to make a strong argument

--be sure to have a clear position

--many times the persuasive essay/paragraph will have a call to action statement

--persuasive writing often uses PL words—

should

Sample persuasive prompt—

Most students do not like the lunches provided by the school. Write a persuasive essay that makes specific suggestions on how the school lunch menu should be changed. Be sure to explain the advantages of these changes.

My favorite time of the day is gathering with my friends around the school cafeteria lunch table. My friends and I tend to bring our own lunches to school because almost no one likes the food served in the cafeteria. On the few occasions when I have forgotten my lunch, I usually choose to get a candy bar, chips, and soda from the vending machine to tide me over until after school.

Is this written in the persuasive mode?no. . .and off topic

Anyone walking into a high school cafeteria at lunchtime will soon discover that few students eat school lunches. This phenomenon is no wonder. For the health-conscious, the food has little nutritional value. For the fast-food junkies, the food is tasteless. For all but a few students, it is altogether unappealing. If schools want students to eat the lunches offered at school, they must be changed to include more color, more flavor, and much fresher ingredients.

Is this written in the persuasive mode?yes

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Complete pg. 442

Pg. 442

1.Your teacher has assigned an informative essay for you to write. Think for a moment about a character you admire in a book you have recently read. Explain why you chose this character and how he or she demonstrates the qualities you admire. Be sure to support your examples with details.

The first step is to analyze the prompt. What is the topic?What do they want you to do?

Use the following tip:

W W W. KNOWLEDGE

who is what type (mode) this about? of writing it this?

what is this about?

Pg. 442

1.Your teacher has assigned an informative essay for you to write. Think for a moment about a character you admire in a book you have recently read. Explain (1) why you chose this character and (2) how he or she demonstrates the qualities you admire. Be sure to support your examples with details.

The first step is to analyze the prompt. What is the topic?What do they want you to do?

The second step—

If you discard an answer, be able to explain WHY YOU GOT RID OF IT.

Check the answer against the prompt—-- is the answer on topic?

-- is the answer in the correct mode?

-- does the answer choice COMPLETELY meet the requirements of the

prompt?

2. Think of a time when something very special but unexpected happened to you. Write a narrative essay about what happened. Be sure to include precise details in your response.

The second step—

If you discard an answer, be able to explain WHY YOU GOT RID OF IT.

Check the answer against the prompt—-- is the answer on topic?

-- is the answer in the correct mode?

-- does the answer choice COMPLETELY meet the requirements of the

prompt?

3. Vandalism is a serious problem in today’s society. Write a persuasive essay that makes specific suggestions on how vandals should be punished. Be sure to provide specific reasons in support of your opinions.

The second step—

If you discard an answer, be able to explain WHY YOU GOT RID OF IT.

Check the answer against the prompt—-- is the answer on topic?

-- is the answer in the correct mode?

-- does the answer choice COMPLETELY meet the requirements of the

prompt?