Personal Narratives

Perspective is...

• the type of narrator (i.e. first person)

• your attitude toward something

• giving human qualities to non-human objects

• comparing one unlike thing to another

Brittany shuffled to her seat and slammed her backpack on the desk. She rolled her eyes at the teacher and then put her head down. These details show us what about Brittany's perspective?

• She has a zeal for school.

• She thinks school is tantalizing.

• She dislikes being at school.

• She adores coming to school.

What is a personal narrative?

• Any story

• A story with no conflict

• A story about a moment in your life.

• A story about a moment in someone else's life.

How can I add sensory details to my writing?

• By adding as many words as possible because more words always means better writing.

• By lengthening every sentence.

• By summarizing everything that happened.

• By describing how something looked/tasted/smelled/felt/sounded like.

Why do authors use sensory details in their narrative writing?

• to make the story more interesting

• to help the reader picture the setting

• to help the reader feel engaged in the story

• all of the above

Which is a good example of focused writing with sensory details?

• I hate pickles--they're so gross. Another food that makes me want to vomit is broccoli. In addition, peas make me gag.

• The pizza's pools of grease stared back at me. Overcooked cheese clung to the burnt crust. I took a bite and proceeded to throw up.

• When I woke up, I ate breakfast. Then I brushed my teeth. By the way, I'm going on vacation in December. I can't wait to go home and watch TV.

• I hated eating spaghetti for dinner last night. It was disgusting. I also think it was vile and gross. Did I mention how nasty it was?

"One more lap to go!" I barely heard the words of Ms. Strauss over the sound of my desperate breathing and my legs screaming "Stop!" "Stop!" "Stop!"

THIS SAMPLE PASSAGE IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF USING...

Select all that apply.

• action

• dialogue

• sensory details

• Simile

Which of the following is an example of conflict? Select all that apply.

• Being told you won't succeed

• An argument with a friend

• Trying to survive a terrible storm

• Immediately getting the job that you wanted