Unit 1

Writing Workshop reteach

Prewriting: Biographical Narrative Writing Prompts

Choose someone you know for your biographical narrative. You may use one of the following prompts to help you decide who your subject will be.

School

Is there a person who has greatly influenced your academic performance? Maybe you were influenced by the academic achievements of an older student. Or maybe you were more influenced by the competitiveness of a sibling. For an audience of peers, write a biographical narrative that effectively captures why that person is important.

Personal History

Write a biographical narrative about an important moment for a family member with whom you are close or who holds a special significance in your family. In your narrative cover the details that make the relative significant not only to you but also to the rest of your family. Share your narrative with family members.

Art

Is there someone whose artistic skills you admire? In a biographical narrative, describe the moment you first observed the person’s artistic abilities and the
effect it had on you and on your artistic outlook. Be sure to focus on the person’s qualities that appealed to you. Share the narrative with your classmates.

Physical Education

Write a biographical narrative about a person whose athletic feats hold significance in your life as an athlete. Write about an event that illustrates the person’s meaning to you. Perhaps you were inspired by a competitor’s performance in a particularly tough race, or a coach’s speech before a big game. Share your narrative with your teammates.


Unit 1

Writing Workshop GUIDED PRACTICE

Prewriting: Subject/Significance/Details

Use the charts on these two pages to help you choose a subject and organize details for your biographical narrative. Choose an appropriate organizational plan.

Possible Subjects
Person / Significance / Anecdotes
School -
Personal -
Art -
Physcal Ed/Sports
Which subject/anecdote brings to mind the best memories for you? Why?
Main Impression
The main impression you will create of this subject:

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38 Practice and Application