Standard: 9-10.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 9-10
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the importance of crafting a conclusion that not only wraps up the narrative but also offers reflection and insight based on the experiences and events described. It is crucial in helping students develop their ability to think critically and express their thoughts coherently. Students should have a solid grasp of narrative structure and reflective writing. They should be able to identify the key components of a narrative and have practice in writing about personal experiences.
Mastering this standard will enable students to write more sophisticated and reflective narratives. They will be able to provide thoughtful conclusions that enhance their writing and prepare them for more advanced writing tasks.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that the conclusion should merely restate the main points of the narrative. This approach fails to add depth or insight to the narrative, missing the opportunity for reflection and personal growth.
Intervention 1
One effective intervention is to use guided reflection prompts that encourage students to think about the significance of their experiences. This can help them move beyond simple summary and into deeper analysis.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that the conclusion should introduce new information or plot twists. This can confuse the reader and disrupt the narrative flow, rather than providing a satisfying and reflective ending.
Intervention 2
To address this, provide students with examples of effective conclusions that tie together the narrative threads and offer closure. Discuss how these conclusions reflect on the narrative without introducing new elements.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should understand basic narrative structure, including the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. They should also be familiar with reflective writing and have experience in expressing personal thoughts and observations in written form.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to write more complex narratives with nuanced conclusions. They will also develop skills in critical thinking and self-reflection, which are essential for advanced writing tasks in higher grades.
Instructional Activities
- Have students write a personal narrative and focus on crafting a reflective conclusion.
- Use mentor texts to analyze how authors conclude their narratives and reflect on the events.
- Conduct peer review sessions where students provide feedback on each other’s conclusions.
- Create a writing workshop that focuses specifically on developing reflective conclusions.
