Mastering Critical Reading and Narrative Techniques: A Guide to Engaging Writing

1. Learning to read critically September 3, 2013

2. Narrative • An account of an event • Can be fictional or non-fiction • Also known as a “story”

3. Subjective narration • highlights the role of the writer • written in first-person (story is narrated by one character, speaking for him/herself)

4. Focus • determines the details the writer includes in the narrative and the kind of evidence he/she relies on • In your own writing, try to concentrate on a singular event and give LOTS of details. • Make the reader feel like he or she is with you, experiencing the event.

5. Thesis/Central Idea • The main point of the text. • A thesis statement is usually one sentence and encapsulates the argument of the text. A central idea might be broader than one sentence but serves the same purpose. • A thesis statement typically is a road map for the reader. • It makes a claim that others might dispute.

6. Implied Thesis • This means that your argument is implied (not directly stated). • This can be difficult to do well. We’ll look at an example.

7. Metaphor & Simile • Metaphor- compares two unlike objects without using the words “like” or “as.” • Example: My mind is a waterfall. • Simile- compares two unlike objects using the words “like” or “as.” • Example: My mind is like a fried egg.

8. Dialogue • The conversation between characters in a narrative • Notes: • Periods go INSIDE quotation marks • Use a comma before introductory phrases such as: • He says, “I want to go to the football game.” • The exception will come later when you’re quoting other sources. In this case, the period goes later. • Example: John Smith argues in The New York Times, “The narrator should not have been a male” (22).

9. Writing Style • the manner in which the author writes to her audience • This can include word choice, sentence structure, organization

10. Purpose • Any narrative should have a significance—a purpose beyond just telling the story. • Why might others care about this story? • How could it affect others?

11. Activity: Think-Pair-Share • Grab your notebook or a piece of paper. • Review/skim “Superman and Me” for a few minutes. • Then, write down notes to answer the following question:

12. #1 • What is the thesis or central idea of Superman and Me? In other words, what argument(s) is Alexie trying to make?

13. #1 • After you’ve done this silently, get with a partner to talk over your answer. • Then, we’ll discuss as a class.

14. #2 • Working with your partner, find a metaphor in Alexie’s narrative and write the sentence.

15. #2 • How do paragraphs work, according to Alexie?

16. Think-pair-shair • Write down your thoughts about the following question:

17. #4 • What is the purpose or significance of Alexie’s story? What kind of argument is he making about education? • (Then, talk it over with a partner. Then, we’ll discuss as a class.)

18. Activity • Grab your notebook or a piece of paper. • Number the paper 1-4, giving yourself at least 4 lines between numbers. • Write answers to the following questions about “Learning to Write,” which we just read. • Do NOT worry about grammar or punctuation. Just get your ideas out there. We will then discuss them as a class.

19. #1 • How would you describe Baker’s style in paragraph 1? What do you notice that stands out to you?

20. #2 • How would you describe Baker’s sentence structure throughout the text? What does he do to make his writing interesting on a sentence level?

21. #3 • What is the implicit thesis of this text?

22. #4 • What role does dialogue play in this text? Does it make the text more interesting? More engaging? Less? Why?