Identifying Anecdotes

Which of these is an anecdote?

• A story about a boy who found his lost wallet by retracing his steps.

• A table showing the population of different countries.

• A timeline of important historical events.

• A set of instructions for building a birdhouse.

____ is a brief, entertaining account of an incident or event.

• A narrative

• An anecdote

• A monologue

• Low comedy

What someone talks about when he/she shares an anecdote?

• opinions

• personal experiences

• plans and dreams in life

• biography of other people

“My mother tells about her epic experience at the department store while buying a dress to wear for the party” is an example of ____________ anecdote.

• a. cautionary

• b. motivational

• c. inspirational

• d. reminiscence

Where are anecdotes MOST commonly found?

• television

• in photo albums

• an editorial in a newspaper

• broadcast and digital media

A short story told to illustrate a point (great for ethos or pathos, not so much for logos):

• Euphemism

• Anecdote

• Slippery Slope

A very short story that is significant to the topic at hand; usually adding personal knowledge or experience to the topic.

• Anecdote

• Extraneous

• Incoherent

• dexterous

Which example below shows an anecdote?

• A group of students are talking about their pets. One tells a funny story about their cat escaping.

• A mother sings a song.

• A group of boys play video games together and talk about the rules.

• A teacher describes how to do something to a student.

Anecdote = Piece of a Larger Story

• This statement is true.

• This statement is false.

Which one is NOT a purpose of an anecdote?

• To bring cheer

• To caution/warn

• To advertise

• To reminisce