Standard: 11-12.W.3e – Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.
Grade level: Grade 11-12
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on helping students craft conclusions for their narratives that not only summarize the events but also reflect on their significance. This skill is essential for developing more sophisticated writing that demonstrates critical thinking and self-awareness. Students should have a solid understanding of narrative structure, including the ability to develop a plot and characters. They should also be able to write coherent paragraphs and have some experience with essay writing.
Mastering this standard will prepare students for more advanced writing tasks, such as college essays and professional reports, where reflective and insightful conclusions are highly valued.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that a conclusion is merely a summary of the narrative. This is incorrect because a good conclusion should provide reflection and insight, going beyond just recounting events.
Intervention 1
To address this, teachers can use mentor texts that model reflective conclusions and engage students in discussions about what makes these conclusions effective.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that a conclusion should introduce new events or characters. This is incorrect because a conclusion should provide closure by tying together the narrative threads, not by introducing new elements.
Intervention 2
Teachers can address this by emphasizing the importance of closure in a narrative and providing examples of effective conclusions that do not introduce new information.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should understand basic narrative structure, including the elements of plot and character development. They should also have experience with writing coherent paragraphs and basic essay structures.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to craft more sophisticated and nuanced narratives that demonstrate a deeper level of reflection and insight. They will also be better prepared for advanced writing tasks in college and professional settings.
Instructional Activities
- Analyzing the conclusions of various narratives and discussing their effectiveness
- Writing practice conclusions for different narrative prompts
- Peer reviewing and providing feedback on each other’s narrative conclusions
- Creating a reflective journal that focuses on writing thoughtful conclusions
