FormsOfWriting

Two Forms of Writing: Narrative & Expository

What is Narrative Writing?

This form of writing tells about a personal or fictional experience. It tells a story based on a real or imagined event. It can include suspense, humor, fantasy, or drama. It follows a story line.

What is Expository Writing?

This form of writing informs, clarifies, explains, or instructs by giving information. It explains why or how. It must be clear and focussed through the presentation of facts, examples, or definitions. It must be objective and not based on emotions.

The Writing Process

I. How does a student begin to write a composition?

1. The student must first read and understand the prompt (topic)
2. Student begins to organize ideas (planning sheet, web, graphic organizer, or outline)
     -Florida Writes FCAT uses a planning Sheet
        a. Student must write down the idea that he/she will write about.
        b. Supporting details, examples, and statistics MUST be included
        c. THis should not take more than 5 minutes.

II. How does the student get the composition together?

1. The student must use their organizer to begin.
2. A well written expository composition MUST include the following parts:
       a. INTRODUCTION: Student must restate the Prompt (reword what t he topic says). Briefly mention what
            composition will be about.
       b. BODY: It must be organized according to the introduction. Ideas must be developed, extended, and elaborated.
       c. CLOSING: Here is where student must restate the prompt bu tin a manner that completes the composition.
            Each new paragraph must be indented and spelling and punctuation is important.
3. A well written narrative composition MUST include the following parts:
       a. BEGINNING: Characters and setting
       b. MIDDLE:          Problem and obstacles (events in the story)
       c. ENDING:            Solution to the problem

III. How are the Florida Writes prompts worded?

1. Format: A prompt does not provide a focus, but it suggest a situation where the student can develop the writing.

2. Sample Prompts:
    -Expository: Eating healthy foods is important.
                          Think about why it is important to eat healthy foods.
                          Explain why you should eat healthy foods.

     -Narrative: Every time you have passed a door, you have found it locked.
                          Today, it was open.
                          Think about what was inside the door.
                          Tell a story about what happened when you walked through the door.

*A teacher cannot read prompt to student!
Students must read the prompt and look for key words such as: Explain (expository), or Tell a story (Narrative),