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6 Trait Power Write® Brainstorming Activities Table of Contents

1-2-3 Summary.............................................................................................................................2

5 W’s and How..............................................................................................................................3

Book Review.................................................................................................................................4

Cause/Effect – Chain of Events ....................................................................................................5

Cause/Effect – Simple ..................................................................................................................6

Compare/Contrast – Block............................................................................................................7

Compare/Contrast – Point-by-Point ..............................................................................................8

Describe an Event ........................................................................................................................9

Describe a Person ........................................................................................................................10

Describe a Place...........................................................................................................................11

Describe a Thing...........................................................................................................................12

Diamante ......................................................................................................................................13

Freewrite.......................................................................................................................................14

Friendly Letter...............................................................................................................................15

Haiku ............................................................................................................................................16

How-to ..........................................................................................................................................17

KWHL ...........................................................................................................................................18

Letter of Complaint .......................................................................................................................19

Letter of Inquiry.............................................................................................................................20

Letter of Recommendation............................................................................................................21-22

Limerick ........................................................................................................................................23

Outline ..........................................................................................................................................24

Persuasive – Convince Me! ..........................................................................................................25

Persuasive – Examples, Reasons, Facts......................................................................................26

Persuasive – I Say, They Say.......................................................................................................27

Problem/Solution ..........................................................................................................................28

Research – Gathering Information ................................................................................................29

Research – Interview ....................................................................................................................30-31

Research – Questions and Notes .................................................................................................32

Research – Source Organizer.......................................................................................................33

Research – SQRR........................................................................................................................34

Sensory Details.............................................................................................................................35

Story Map............................................................................................................................36

When printing pages in this document, type the page number(s) and/or page ranges separated by commas in the Print Range – Pages option area.

Name:________________ Brainstorming Activity Date: ______________

Copyright © 2009 Step Up 4 Learning Systems, Inc. Reproduction limited to 6 Trait Power Write™ licensed users. All rights reserved. 2

1-2-3 Summary Organizer

A summary includes only the main ideas of the original information. Study the three step strategy in the example below before beginning the activity.

Step 1: Read the information once to understand the general idea.

Mount Rushmore Rushmore got a great deal of free publicity in 1934 when the Hearst newspapers sponsored a contest for a six-hundred-word history to be carved on Mount Rushmore. An inscription had been part of Gutzon Borglum’s design for a long time. At one point he had asked [President] Coolidge to write the inscription, but he and Coolidge disagreed over the wording, so nothing came of that. Eight hundred thousand entries were submitted in the Hearst contest, and many cash prizes were given. No entries were ever used because eventually Gutzon abandoned the inscription idea in favor of a great Hall of Records to be cut in the stone of the canyon behind the faces. Gutzon felt that records carved or placed in a room in the mountain would last much longer than any identifying inscription on the surface of the mountain.

Step 2: Read the information a second time. List and define unfamiliar words.

inscription - words carved into a hard surface

Step 3: Read the information a third time. As you read, identify and list the main ideas.

� 1934 � contest for inscription to be carved on Mount Rushmore � 800 hundred thousand responded � inscription idea abandoned � Hall of Records created instead

Summary:

In 1934, the Hearst newspapers sponsored a contest for an inscription to be carved on Mount Rushmore. Eight hundred thousand people responded. Although many won cash prizes, their inscriptions were abandoned when Borglum decided instead to create a Hall of Records, a room carved into the stone, which he felt would last longer than an outdoor inscription.

After you finish the brainstorming activity below, use the summarized details to help you write your first draft.

1. Read the information once to understand the general idea.

2. Read the information a second time. List and define unfamiliar words below.

3. Read the information a third time. List the main ideas in the order they occur. � � �

� � �

� � �

� � �



5 W’s and How

One way to explore a topic is to ask questions beginning with the words who, what, when, where, why, and how.

Examples: Who discovered acid rain? What are the effects of this type of pollution? What causes acid rain? What is the definition of acid rain pollution?

Brainstorm as many questions as you can for each question word. When you write your first draft, focus on writing details that answer the questions.

Who…?

What…?

When…?

Where…?

Why…?

How…?



Book Review

In a book review, you will state a brief summary of the book, give an opinion about the quality of the book, and include details that support what you thought of the book. Do not try to tell the entire story. Always support your opinion with specific examples, reasons, and facts.

After you complete your brainstorming ideas below, use them to help develop your first draft.

Include the following in the introduction:

Title and author's name: ____________________________________________________

A brief summary of the book:

Your opinion of the book:

Include the following in the body:

Specific details that support your opinion:

Include the following in the conclusion:

Something you and/or the characters learned or gained from this book:

Final convincing statement that restates your opinion of the book:



Cause/Effect – Chain of Events

A cause-and-effect paragraph explains why actions or situations (causes) produce certain results (effects). A chain of events organizational pattern describes a series of causes and effects that are all connected in sequential order. The final event will be your conclusion – the result of the chain. Brainstorm causes and effects. After you finish the activity below, use your brainstorming ideas to guide you when you begin writing your first draft. 1. Cause (the initial action, event, or situation):

2. Effect (the result):

3. Which causes:

4. Which results in:

5. Which causes:

6. Which results in:



Cause/Effect – Simple A cause-and-effect paragraph explains why actions or situations (causes) produce certain results (effects). A simple cause-and-effect paragraph explains a single cause and a single effect. 1. State the cause (the action, event, or situation).

2. List specific evidence showing that the cause resulted in the effect. When you are finished listing, number your details in the order you would like to use them in your writing.

3. State the effect (results).



Compare/Contrast – Block A compare-and-contrast paragraph describes and explains how two subjects are the same and how they are different. The block organizational pattern explains all of the characteristics of Subject A and then explains all of the characteristics of Subject B. After you finish the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help you write your first draft. 1. Brainstorm possible controlling idea sentences (topic sentences or thesis statements) that

identify the two subjects that will be compared.

2. Brainstorm characteristics of Subject A and Subject B.

Subject A Subject B

3. Brainstorm possible conclusions that reconnect the two subjects.



Compare/Contrast – Point-by-Point

A compare-and-contrast paragraph examines the similarities and differences between two subjects. The point-by-point organizational pattern compares similarities in both Subject A and Subject B. Then it compares all the characteristics of Subject A that are different from the characteristics of Subject B. One way to handle the organization of this essay is to compare the similarities of both subjects at once. Then compare the differences one by one, alternating between subjects. 1. Brainstorm possible controlling idea sentences that will identify the two subjects.

2. Brainstorm possible characteristics to compare.

3. List similarities.

Subject A Subject B

4. List differences.

Subject A Subject B

5. Brainstorm possible conclusions that will end your paragraph in an interesting way.



Describe an Event

Because events have a beginning, a middle, and an end, the most logical organization for describing an event is in the order the events occur. This is called chronological order. Write a brief description of the main events in the boxes below. You do not have to complete all of the boxes. After you complete the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help develop your first draft.

Even

t 1

Even

t 2

Even

t 3

Even

t 4

Even

t 5

Event 2

Event 3 Event 4

Event 5 Event 6

Event 1



Describe a Person

As a writer of description, you can decide the direction in which you want to lead your reader's eye. There are four commonly used directions when describing things in spatial order:

� near to far (or reverse) � top to bottom (or reverse) � side to side � inside to outside (or reverse)

One way to create a powerful description of a person is to describe a person's character and personality while describing what the person looks like. Use the following strategies to describe a person:

� use dialogue or quotes to reveal personality and character through what the person says � describe a memory involving the person while describing physical traits, personality traits,

actions, and anecdotes � work personality and physical traits into actions and anecdotes

Brainstorm details that will help describe this person. After completing the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help develop your first draft. Personality traits:

Physical traits:

Actions that reveal personality:

Anecdotes or brief stories that show the person's character and personality:



Describe a Place

Every good descriptive paragraph has an overall impression that it leaves with the reader. This impression may be scary, peaceful, funny, sad, or any other feeling or mood. When specific details are used to show rather than tell, the writing comes to life. Brainstorm details about the place. Include as many sensory details as possible about what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. After completing the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help develop your first draft. Describe what is in front:

Describe what is behind:

Describe what is to the left:

Describe what is to the right:

Describe what is below:

Describe what is above:



Describe a Thing

When writing a description, you cannot include every detail about the subject. Instead, decide on the overall feeling you want your reader to experience. Focus your description on things that will help create that feeling in your reader. Write your topic and brainstorm subtopics and related descriptions. Add as many details as possible to each section. After you finish brainstorming, think about the best order for the subtopics. Number the subtopics in the order that would make the most sense when describing the topic. Then think about the descriptive details, and number the details in the best order for describing the subtopics. After you complete the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help develop your first draft. My topic:___________________________________________________________________

Detail

# Subtopic #_____ Detail


# Subtopic #_____

Detail



# Subtopic #_____



Diamante A diamante is a poem that is made up of seven lines and follows a "diamond" pattern of words.

Writing 1 noun Informative, persuasive 2 descriptive words Thinking, revealing, enlightening 3 action verbs ending with -ing Opening the mind’s doorways 1 four-word phrase Entertaining, touching, connecting 3 action verbs ending with -ing Descriptive, delightful 2 descriptive words Voice 1 synonym for the first noun

My topic: ___________________________________________________________________

1. Brainstorm nouns that could be used for the first and last lines of your diamante. When finished, circle two of the words and number them in the order you would like to use them in your diamante.

2. Brainstorm adjectives that describe the topic. You will need four descriptive words that will

be used for lines two and six. These words do not end with -ing. When finished, circle four of the words and number them in the order you would like to use them in your diamante.

3. Brainstorm verbs that end in -ing and relate to the topic. You will need a total of six verbs

that will be used for lines three and five. When finished, circle six of the words and number them in the order you would like to use them in your diamante.

4. Brainstorm four-word phrases the describe your topic. This will be used for the fourth line of

your diamante. When finished, circle the line you would like to use for your fourth line.



Freewrite

Freewriting is a powerful strategy for discovering and developing ideas. Think about your topic and try to write without stopping for five to ten minutes. Do not worry about writing information you might not need or about making mistakes. The important thing is to discover what you think. After you complete your brainstorming, use your ideas to help develop your first draft.



Friendly Letter

A friendly letter is an informal letter that you write to a friend or relative. It could also be a pretend letter that you are writing to a character in a book. Use the topics below to help you brainstorm ideas to share in your letter. Write the keywords below the topics. You do not have to write something in every section. When you have finished brainstorming ideas, think about your organization. Number your topics in the order you think will work best for your letter. After you complete the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help develop your first draft.

Family #___ Friends #___ School #___

Community #___ World #___ Sports #___

Hobbies #___ Events #___ Pets #___

Books, Jokes, Songs #___ Movies, TV Shows #___ Other #___



Haiku

A haiku poem is a form of Japanese poetry that usually describes something in nature. It has three lines and traditionally follows a pattern of five, seven, and five syllables for the three lines.

white clouds billowing [five syllables]

waves reach, roll, and crash ashore [seven syllables]

unseen winds abound [five syllables]

My topic:___________________________________________________________________ 1. Brainstorm possible five-syllable first lines. It helps to write a short phrase and then count

the syllables. Change, add, or delete words until you have the number of syllables needed. Circle the line you would like to use for your first line.

2. Brainstorm possible seven-syllable lines that would continue your first line. Circle the line you would like to use for your second line.

3. Brainstorm possible five-syllable lines that would continue your second line. Circle the line you would like to use for your third line.



How-to

A how-to essay gives step-by-step instructions for doing or making something.

After you finish the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help develop your first draft.

1. Brainstorm controlling idea sentences (topic sentence or thesis statement) that will prepare readers for what they will be learning how to do.

2. List keywords for the steps in the process. You do not have to complete all of the blank lines.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

3. Brainstorm possible conclusions that will end your explanation in an interesting way.



KWHL

Use the KWHL activity to help discover what you know, what you want to know, how you can find the answers to your questions, and finally, what you have learned after researching your topic. Use the information you brainstormed in the KWHL to focus your research. After you finish researching, return to this activity and answer the last question, "What have I learned?" What do I KNOW?

What do I WANT to know?

HOW can I learn about it?

What have I LEARNED?



Letter of Complaint

A letter of complaint is necessary when a service or product is unsatisfactory. Reputable companies are eager to help you if there is a problem with their service or product. A polite letter explaining the problem and offering a reasonable solution will usually bring the desired results. Write a letter of complaint as soon as you are aware of the problem. Brainstorm important information to include in your letter for best results. After you complete the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help develop your first draft. Include the following information in the introduction:

Date of purchase or service:

The product or service:

Account number and/or serial numbers:

Include the following information in the body of the letter:

The problem or issue:

How would you like the problem to be resolved?

Include the following information in the conclusion paragraph:

When would you like to hear back from them?

If this is not the first time you have contacted the company, state what action you will take if there is no response.



Letter of Inquiry

A letter of inquiry is a kind of business letter that requests information or requires some kind of response from the receiver. Brainstorm details to include in your letter. After you complete your brainstorming ideas below, use them as you develop your first draft.

Include the following information in the introduction: Identify yourself and state any important background information that will help the person understand why you are requesting information. (name of school, grade, brief description of the project, how you heard about the company or organization)

Include the following information in the body of the letter: Briefly explain why you are seeking information.

Explain how you will use the information.

List the questions you need answered. This could be a numbered or bulleted list of items.

Include the following information in the conclusion paragraph:

� Offer to pay for any expenses incurred if the request is not an advertised product or service. If the request is for information about a product, suggest sending you brochures or catalogs to help you make your decision to purchase.

� Thank them for any help they can provide. Do not thank them using the words, "thank

you in advance." If you do get a response, you should follow up with a thank-you letter. � Write a statement that will encourage your reader to contact you. Identify the best dates,

times, and ways to respond to you.



Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation is your testimony of experiences you have had with the person you are recommending. Before beginning your letter of recommendation, you might consider asking for a copy of the person’s resume or a list of accomplishments to help you give a more accurate picture of the person. Brainstorm details to include in your letter. After you finish the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help develop your first draft. Include the following information in the introductory paragraph: How do you know this person?

How long have you known this person?

Briefly describe the type of organization where you interacted with this person.

Briefly list responsibilities this person had.

Briefly list significant projects this person completed.

Write one sentence that summarizes your opinion of the recommended individual.

Include the following information in the body of the letter:

Provide a more detailed evaluation of how well this person performed.

Word Choice Tip

Choose specific words such as: articulate intelligent efficient cooperative creative

expressive assertive dependable observant innovative sophisticated effective mature significant imaginative

Avoid general, average words such as: acceptable okay nice good fairly reasonable decent satisfactory



Letter of Recommendation (continued)

Describe performance on specific tasks.

List important accomplishments.

Describe this person's strengths and weaknesses.

Consider the following characteristics: ability to communicate willingness to accept responsibility imagination intelligence ability to be a "self-starter" creativity self-confidence leadership skills flexibility self-knowledge energy level ability to work with a team

ability to handle conflict goal achievement competitiveness vocational skills commitment Describe what it was like to interact with this person.

Include the following information in the conclusion paragraph: Overall, I would say this person is. . .

Finally, state whether you would recommend this person (without reservation, strongly, with some reservation, not at all)



Outline

An outline is an important part of prewriting. Scan your information and develop a working outline to help guide your writing. You may need to update your outline as you learn more about your topic. When creating an outline, use Roman numerals for the main ideas (I. II. III. IV. etc.) Subtopics are listed first as uppercase letters, then numbers, then lowercase letters. Note:

If you have a Roman numeral I topic, you must have a Roman numeral II topic. If you have an A subtopic, you must have a B subtopic. If you have a 1 detail, you must have a 2 detail.

Add topics, subtopics, and details to the outline below. You may not need to use all of the items. After you complete your brainstorming ideas below, use them as you develop your first draft.

I. _________________________________________________________________

A. ____________________________________________________________

1. _______________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________

B. ____________________________________________________________

1. _______________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________

II. _________________________________________________________________

A. ____________________________________________________________

1. _______________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________

B. ____________________________________________________________

1. _______________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________

III. _________________________________________________________________

A. ____________________________________________________________

1. _______________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________

B. ____________________________________________________________

1. _______________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________



Persuasive – Convince Me!

A persuasive essay states an opinion on a subject and uses facts, reasoning, and examples to convince readers. After you finish the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help develop your first draft.

Introduction: State your position on your topic. If you are writing a single paragraph, this will be your topic sentence. If you will have multiple paragraphs, this will be your thesis statement.

List 3 different reasons. Number the reasons from least to most important. Reason ______________________________________________________________#_____

Reason ______________________________________________________________#_____

Reason ______________________________________________________________#_____

Body: Brainstorm possible topic sentences for the reason you ranked least important:

Prove it! Write two supporting examples or facts that prove your reason:

Brainstorm possible topic sentences for your next important reason:


Brainstorm possible topic sentences for your most important reason:


Conclusion: Brainstorm possible conclusions that strongly restate your opinion.



Persuasive – Examples, Reasons, Facts

A persuasive essay states an opinion or position on a subject and uses examples, reasons, and facts to convince readers. After you finish the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help develop your first draft.

Possible position statements (topic sentence or thesis statement):

Supporting examples:

Supporting reasons:

Supporting facts:

Possible concluding sentences:



Persuasive – I Say, They Say

Brainstorm possible statements that clearly state your position or opinion. The statement you choose will be your thesis statement.

“I say” – One reason, example, or fact: “They say” – Others may argue:

Your supporting source: Their supporting source:

Your response to what they say:

“I say” – Another reason, example, or fact: “They say” – Others may argue:



“I say” – Another reason, example, or fact: “They say” – Others may argue:



Brainstorm powerful closing statements that strongly restate your opinion.



Problem/Solution

A problem-and-solution essay presents a problem and offers a way to solve it.

Brainstorm possible controlling sentences, steps to the solution, and concluding sentences. After you finish the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help develop your first draft. 1. Brainstorm possible controlling idea sentences that identify the problem.

2. Brainstorm possible steps to the solution. Consider the best solutions and number them in the order you would like to present them in your writing. You do not have to use every box or solution.

Steps to a Solution #

3. Brainstorm possible concluding sentences that send the message, "This problem has been solved!"



Research – Finding Sources

Check your assignment requirements to see which research activities are required. Write an X next to the activity if you complete it.

Use a general reference work such as an encyclopedia, either in print or online, to read an overview of your subject.

Use a computer-based card catalog or other database in the library or media to find books on your subject.

Use a variety of primary sources (firsthand accounts), and secondary sources (information about primary sources) to explore your topic, especially if your subject is about a historical figure or event.

Consult the Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature, either in print or online, to find magazine articles on your subject.

Use a search engine to do a keyword search on the Internet. Bookmark any Websites that could be useful.

Brainstorm and research possible experts to interview about your topic.

Make a list of all sources available on your subject. Include the author, title, copyright year, publisher, location, and call number or Internet address, if there is one, for each source.

Assign each source on your list a number that will easily identify it when you take your notes.



Research – Interview Process

An interview with an expert on your topic can be a very valuable resource. Follow the guidelines below for preparing for the interview, interviewing the person, and following up after the interview. Check off the items as they are completed. Before the Interview _____ 1. Contact the person to be interviewed and explain who you are and what your

purpose is in seeking an interview.

_____ 2. Schedule a time for an in-person or phone interview.

_____ 3. Find out how much time the expert will have to talk. This will help you determine the number of questions you can ask.

_____ 4. Obtain permission if you would like to record the interview. If allowed, make sure you have a recorder available. Test your equipment in advance to make sure it is working properly.

_____5. Prepare for the interview by learning as much as you can about both the expert’s background and the topic you want to discuss.

_____6. If the interview will be in-person, decide what you will wear to the interview. Think about the image you want to convey.

_____7. Plan to arrive ten minutes early if the interview is in person. _____8. Brainstorm possible questions below. Avoid questions that only require a yes or no

answer. _____9. Think about the best order for the questions. Group related questions and list them

either in chronological order or in the order of importance. Number your questions in the order you want to ask them.

_____10. Type a final copy of the questions. Leave plenty of room for notes. Print the list and

take it with you to the interview.

Brainstorm interview questions:



Research – Interview Process (continued)

Brainstorm interview questions (continued):

The Interview

Check list for an in-person interview:

_____ Make sure the person you are interviewing understands why you are interviewing them.

_____ Follow your list of questions. Listen carefully by taking notes, keeping good eye contact, and nodding your head when appropriate.

_____ Watch the time and keep the agreed upon time.

_____ Thank the person before you leave.

Check list for a phone interview:

_____ Make sure the person you are interviewing understands why you are interviewing them.

_____ Express understanding by responding okay, yes, or I understand when appropriate.

_____ Follow your list of questions. Listen carefully and take notes.

_____ Watch the time and keep the agreed upon time.

_____ Thank the person before ending the call.

After the Interview

_____ Review your notes immediately after the interview. If you did not record the interview, fill in any information you did not have time to write during the interview.

_____ When you finish this writing project, send a copy of your paper, along with a thank you note to the person you interviewed.



Research – Source Organizer

Complete only the items that apply to the source(s) you are documenting.

Source number: _____

Author(s): _______________________________________________________________

Title of article: ___________________________________________________________

Title of book, journal, magazine, newspaper, or source: _________________________

Place of publication: ______________________________________________________

Publisher: _______________________________________________________________

Date of publication - Year or day, month, year: ________________________________

Pages referenced: ________________________________________________________

Date you accessed the information (online sources): ___________________________

Web address: ____________________________________________________________

Interview – Person, type and date of interview: ________________________________

Other information, comments: ______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Source number: _____

Author(s): _______________________________________________________________

Title of article: ___________________________________________________________

Title of book, journal, magazine, newspaper, or source: _________________________

Place of publication: ______________________________________________________

Publisher: _______________________________________________________________

Date of publication - Year or day, month, year: ________________________________

Pages referenced: ________________________________________________________

Date you accessed the information (online sources): ___________________________

Web address: ____________________________________________________________

Interview – Person, type and date of interview: ________________________________

Other information, comments: ______________________________________________



Research – SQRR

Use the Scan, Question, Record, and Read steps below to begin your research process. Finding good sources, identifying key questions to answer in your research, and becoming an expert on your topic will result in a well-written report. Step 1: Scan Information Search for the best possible sources of information for your topic. Use the Research – Finding Sources activity to identify where to look for information. When you find a resource, scan it to make sure it is a good source for what you need.

� Scan headings and information. Will the source provide the information needed? � Consider the date of publication. Is there a more recent source? � Is the source too difficult to understand? � Is this a reliable source? Could the source be biased?

Step 2: Question As you are scanning possible sources, brainstorm questions you would like to answer when researching your topic. You can select questions from this list to use in the Research – Questions and Notes activity.

Step 3: Record When you find a good source, record the source information so you can identify it. Use the Research – Source Organizer to document the source information after you have identified which ones you will use. Step 4: Read Read your sources carefully the first time. Use the Research – Questions and Notes activity to take notes after you have an overall understanding of the topic.



Research – Questions and Notes

Write your controlling idea below. The answers to your research questions should support your controlling idea.

1. Write the source information three sources below. Number the sources.

2. Write three questions.

3. Read your sources.

4. Record answers to the questions under the source that provides the information. Some note boxes could be blank. Print multiple copies of this activity if you have more sources and questions.

Source: # Source: # Source: #

Write your questions in the boxes below.

Research notes: Research notes: Research notes: Question 1:

Question 2:

Question 3:



Sensory Details

If a description contains only vague ideas and general words, readers will soon lose interest. Specific details and words that appeal to the senses are the sparks that activate the reader's imagination. Example:

Vague or general words: Josie felt sad.

Specific details and words: Josie slumped in the big, overstuffed chair, resting her downcast head on her fist and sighing.

Brainstorm words or phrases that will help your audience experience what they are reading. After you finish the brainstorming activity below, use your ideas to help you write your first draft.

Sights Sounds

Smells Tastes

Feel (External) Feel (Internal)



Story Map

Consider the point of view, setting, characters, conflict, plot, and theme for your short story. Begin brainstorming any of the elements of the short story; you do not have to work through them in the order listed here.

After you complete your brainstorming ideas below, use them as you develop your first draft.

Point of View

Think about who will tell the story. Check the point of view you will use for your story. Check the responses below for the point of view you chose.

_____ First Person – a character tells the story using I, me, we

How will your character tell the story? Why is the character telling the story?

_____ writing down the story (diary, journal) _____ to teach a story

_____ telling the story aloud _____ to tell a good tale

_____ thinking the story _____ to share his/her side of events

What character will tell the story?

_____ first-person protagonist – the main character tells the story

_____ first-person witness – a character observes the events and tells the story

_____ first-person reteller – the story is told by someone who has heard the story

_____ Third Person – a narrator tells the story using he, she, they

_____ third-person omniscient – the narrator knows and can tell thoughts, feelings, and actions of characters

_____ third-person objective – the narrator only tells what is seen or hear. The feelings and thoughts of characters are known through what the characters say and do

_____ third-person limited – the narrator can see into the mind of only one character at a time

Setting

Brainstorm ideas for your story’s background, setting, and mood.

Place: Where will the story take place?

Time: What historical period? Time of day? Year?

Weather/Season Conditions: Hot, stormy, etc?

Social Conditions: Daily life? Rich or poor? Dress? etc?

Mood or Atmosphere: What feeling will be created at the beginning of the story?



Story Map (continued)

Characters

Begin creating your characters. Start thinking of ways to weave the characters into your story. The ideas you brainstorm here may change as your story unfolds. Protagonist (the main character)

Name: __________________________________________________________________ Personality traits (neat, lazy, curious, etc.): ______________________________________ Physical traits (looks, weight, height, hair, etc.): __________________________________ Actions that reveal personality: _______________________________________________ Age, intelligence, financial status: _____________________________________________

Antagonist (the person who opposes or competes against the main character)

Name: __________________________________________________________________ Personality traits (neat, lazy, curious, etc.): ______________________________________ Physical traits (looks, weight, height, hair, etc.): __________________________________ Actions that reveal personality: _______________________________________________ Age, intelligence, financial status: _____________________________________________ Other characters

Write a brief description of other characters that might appear in your story.

Main Conflict or Problem

Brainstorm the main conflict or problem that will begin the action of your story.



Story Map (continued)

Plot - Rising Action

Brainstorm the main events that will happen in your story

Event 1:

Event 2:

Event 3:

Climax (high point of story):

Resolution/Denouement (how the conflict is resolved):

Theme

What do you want your readers to gain from your story? This could be a lesson about life or an understanding of human behavior.

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