mentor texts

One way that writers can begin to brainstorm, outline and draft their work is by looking at mentor texts.  By studying and looking closely at narratives written by expert authors, we can begin to identify what a good narrative should contain.   Below are the mentor texts that we studied in class.

good narratives...

HAVE STRUCTURE.
They...

• “Set the scene” in the beginning by introducing the characters and describing the setting.
• Present a conflict, problem, or moment of tension.
• Describe the result of the conflict, problem, or tension.

ARE FOCUSED.
They...

• Are zoomed in to a very specific event or moment.
• “Stretch out” the important parts and omit/speed up non-essential parts.
• Allow the audience to feel and experience what the writer felt by SHOWING and not telling.