Standard: 9-10.W.3a – Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events.
Grade level: Grade 9-10
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on developing students’ ability to write narratives that engage and orient the reader by clearly setting out a problem, situation, or observation. It emphasizes the importance of establishing points of view, introducing narrators and characters, and ensuring a smooth progression of events. Mastering this standard is crucial for students as it lays the foundation for more advanced narrative and analytical writing skills. Students should have a basic understanding of narrative elements such as plot, character, and setting. They should also be familiar with different narrative points of view and have some experience with descriptive writing.
Once students master this standard, they will be able to analyze and critique narrative structures in literature, write more complex and engaging narratives, and apply these skills to other forms of writing such as persuasive and analytical essays.
Common Misconception 1
Some students may think that narratives must be written from a single point of view. This is incorrect because using multiple points of view can add depth and complexity to a story, providing different perspectives and enhancing the reader’s engagement.
Intervention 1
Teachers can assign writing exercises that require students to write from multiple points of view. Class discussions can focus on how these different perspectives contribute to the overall narrative.
Common Misconception 2
Another common misconception is that introducing a problem or situation is not essential for engaging the reader. This is incorrect because a well-defined problem or situation creates tension and interest, which are key to maintaining reader engagement.
Intervention 2
Teachers can use examples of engaging narratives that start with a clear problem or situation. Analyzing these examples can help students understand the importance of this narrative element.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of narrative structure, including the concepts of beginning, middle, and end. They should also be familiar with different points of view (first person, third person) and have some experience with character development and descriptive writing.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to analyze and critique narrative structures in literature, improve their ability to write more complex and engaging narratives, and apply these skills to other forms of writing such as persuasive and analytical essays.
Instructional Activities
- Write a short story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Create a personal narrative essay.
- Compose a fictional piece for a school magazine.
- Draft a blog post that tells a story.
- Write a script for a short film or play.
