Personal Narratives
Which of these is not a characteristic of a Personal Narrative?
1. a true story
2. contains multiple perspectives
3. told in the first person
4. by someone involved in the events described
2. contains multiple perspectives
What is showing?
Writing with descriptive detail to give the reader a clear picture of what is happening
What is a strong verb?
Verbs that describe action in a specific and descriptive way
What is a simile?
A simile is a comparison of two different things using the words like or as.
What are sensory details?
Sensory details are descriptive elements that engage the reader's five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
Could this be a personal narrative? Why or why not?
I went for a walk with my sister. It was a cool and calm day, but as we were walking we saw a unicorn cross the road in front of us.
No, not a true story
Why do authors use showing instead of telling?
To help readers picture what is happening better
What is a strong adjective?
A strong adjective is a describing word that gives readers a clear picture in their mind
What is a metaphor?
A metaphor is a comparison that does not use the words like or as.
Use at least one sensory detail to describe smelling fresh flowers.
For example: I smelled the fragrant flowers
Could this be a personal narrative? Why or why not?
Emily took a trip to Italy. While she was there, she practiced speaking Italian and saw many cool landmarks. She wants to go back again soon.
No, not in first person
Write one showing detail for this telling sentence:
I was excited.
Possible answer: My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.
Why do authors use strong verbs and adjectives?
To create a stronger mental image for their readers, to make their writing more interesting
What is Personification?
Giving human characteristics to nonhuman things.
Use at least one sensory detail to describe seeing a cute dog.
For example: I saw his fluffy, brown fur.
Could this be a personal narrative? Why or why not?
It was a cold Monday in January. I rolled over to look at the clock and my jaw dropped. It was 9 a.m. and school started two hours ago! I ran out of my room to get ready and ran into my mom. "It's a snow day!" she told me cheerfully.
Yes: first person, true story
Write one showing detail for this telling sentence:
I was nervous for the test.
Possible answer: My hands were shaking as I sat down at my desk.
Enhance this sentence by adding a stronger verb and at least one adjective.
The girl ate lunch.
For example: The young girl gobbled up her delicious lunch.
Write a metaphor and a simile comparing our class to an animal.
For example: Our class was as quiet as a mouse during reading time.
Our class was a quiet mouse during reading time.
Use at least one sensory detail to describe hearing a storm.
For example: I heard the rattling thunder through the whole house.
What details would you include in a personal narrative about your morning today?
Write down three.
For example:
1. I woke up at 5:30 am
2. I made a cup of tea
3. I read one chapter of my book on the couch
Write one showing detail for this telling sentence:
I did not want to be late for practice.
For example: I sighed loudly while I waited for my brother to get into the car.
Enhance this sentence by adding a stronger verb and at least one adjective.
I looked for my homework.
For example: I searched for my very late homework.
Is this a simile or a metaphor?
George's fur is as soft as silk.
How could you turn it into the opposite?
Simile, George's fur is silk.
Use at least one sensory detail to describe feeling snow
For example: I felt the wet, cold, snowflakes hit my face as they fell.