Springboard 1.11Choosing a Topic for a Timed Writing

ReviewHow do authors use narrative

elements to create a story?What is tone (make sure this

definition is in your binder under “vocabulary”)

What is timed writing?Respond to a

writing prompt in a specific amount of time

45 minutes should be plenty of time to prewrite and produce a draft

Sample promptWrite a personal narrative about a significant event in your life in which you faced a major challenge and were able to overcome it. Describe the Challenge, explain how you overcame it, and reflect on the impact it has had on you as a result.

What is the prompt asking you to do?1. Circle the verb2. Underline the nouns3. Write the verbs next to the nouns

YOU complete the steps in the sample prompt!

(pg. 29)

Sample prompt exampleWrite a personal narrative about a significant event in your life in which you faced a major challenge and were able to overcome it. Describe the challenge, explain how you overcame it, and reflect on the impact it has had on you as a result.

Write the verbs next to the nouns1. Write personal narrative2. Write about an event you

faced3. Describe challenge4. Explain5. Reflect

Another way to look at this

Reflect on the impact it has had on youI’m so glad I decided to live with my mom. I am so much happier, and I think it has even made me and my dad closer because we our spending quality time together.

Explain how you overcame the challengeI decided to live with my mom because of our relationship, but also because of my school and friends. After discussing this with family

and friends, I realized this is where I would be the happiest.

Describe the challenge/eventTo live with my mom or dad

Tips for preparing for timed writing 1. Address all aspects of

the prompt (we did this when underlining and circling nouns and verbs).

2. Plan your essay3. Pace yourself

BrainstormWhat are some strategies we can use for a prewrite?

Listing Web cluster 1. 2. 3.

Pace yourself!How long is each phase?

5-10 prewrite25-35 draft5-10 revise/edit

Writing Prompt1. On page 30, use the “writing prompt”

for your prewrite2. On a separate sheet of paper, draft

your essay

*remember…we completed several activities about choice. See if you can use one of those to help get your brain going!

Homework Complete personal narrative draft

No draft, no grade