Shape a Narrator's Voice Through Diction

Read the two narrations aloud before students chart them. The answer keys give sample word choices and model rewrites.

Compare a nervous server and a calm chef telling one power outage, then retell it as an 8-year-old. A narrator's voice comes from diction (word choice), sentence length and the narrator's attitude toward what happens. The directions on the page read: Read how two narrators tell the same event. In the chart, write 3 word choices and 1 sentence pattern from each passage that show the narrator's voice. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade narrative writing, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Voice comes from diction, which is word choice, plus sentence length and the narrator's attitude toward events. Shape a Narrator's Voice Through Diction shows one event told by two very different narrators.

Telling names a feeling or fact, such as The kitchen was crowded. Showing gives sensory details that let the reader see it. Slow Motion Moments in a Thanksgiving Kitchen rewrites four telling sentences.

Stretch one short moment over several sentences with sight, sound, smell and touch details. A comparison with like or as can help, as the oven door scene on the Thanksgiving sheet asks.