Learning to read critically

September 3, 2013

NarrativeO An account of an event

O Can be fictional or non-fiction

O Also known as a “story”

Subjective narrationO highlights the role of the writerO written in first-person (story is

narrated by one character, speaking for him/herself)

FocusO determines the details the writer

includes in the narrative and the kind of evidence he/she relies on

O In your own writing, try to concentrate on a singular event and give LOTS of details.

O Make the reader feel like he or she is with you, experiencing the event.

Thesis/Central IdeaO The main point of the text.O 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.

O A thesis statement typically is a road map for the reader.

O It makes a claim that others might dispute.

Implied ThesisO This means that your argument is

implied (not directly stated).O This can be difficult to do well. We’ll

look at an example.

Metaphor & SimileO Metaphor - compares two unlike

objects without using the words “like” or “as.” O Example: My mind is a waterfall.

O Simile - compares two unlike objects using the words “like” or “as.” O Example: My mind is like a fried egg.

DialogueO The conversation between characters in a

narrativeO Notes:

O Periods go INSIDE quotation marksO Use a comma before introductory phrases such

as:O He says, “I want to go to the football game.”

O The exception will come later when you’re quoting other sources. In this case, the period goes later.

O Example: John Smith argues in The New York Times, “The narrator should not have been a male” (22).

Writing StyleO the manner in which the author

writes to her audienceO This can include word choice,

sentence structure, organization

PurposeO Any narrative should have a

significance—a purpose beyond just telling the story. O Why might others care about this

story? O How could it affect others?

Activity: Think-Pair-Share

O Grab your notebook or a piece of paper.

O Review/skim “Superman and Me” for a few minutes.

O Then, write down notes to answer the following question:

#1O What is the thesis or central idea of

Superman and Me? In other words, what argument(s) is Alexie trying to make?

#1O After you’ve done this silently, get

with a partner to talk over your answer.

O Then, we’ll discuss as a class.

#2O Working with your partner, find a

metaphor in Alexie’s narrative and write the sentence.

#2O How do paragraphs work, according

to Alexie?

Think-pair-shairO Write down your thoughts about the

following question:

#4O What is the purpose or significance

of Alexie’s story? What kind of argument is he making about education?

O (Then, talk it over with a partner. Then, we’ll discuss as a class.)

ActivityO Grab your notebook or a piece of

paper.O Number the paper 1-4, giving

yourself at least 4 lines between numbers.

O Write answers to the following questions about “Learning to Write,” which we just read.O Do NOT worry about grammar or

punctuation. Just get your ideas out there. We will then discuss them as a class.

#1O How would you describe Baker’s

style in paragraph 1? What do you notice that stands out to you?

#2O How would you describe Baker’s

sentence structure throughout the text? What does he do to make his writing interesting on a sentence level?

#3O What is the implicit thesis of this

text?

#4O What role does dialogue play in this

text? Does it make the text more interesting? More engaging? Less? Why?