Studying and Imitating Style

Inquiry Question: How can I improve the style and syntax of my own writing?

1. Opener: Discuss the pieces you read from last night: Which did you like more? Why? What effective narrative techniques did you see in each one? What were the authors’ purposes?

2. Review R.A. rubric: 1-9 scale

3. Review student sample essay for "Holcomb, Kansas" and "The Pie."

• Holcomb, Kansas Essays (High, Mid)
• Note the verbs, the "connective tissue"
• Santa Ana Winds essay (High)
• Sentence structure--parallel and using quotes
• "The Pie" (High, High)
• Both of these essays develop the students' sense of style. Look for voice, style, "showing off" a little in their writing...

4. Review Parts of Speech: No Red Ink

• Class code: Simple Canvas 70

5. Imitation Writing (see classroom)

HW: Read and annotate "The Wig" and "The Flowers" and be ready to discuss next class.