Cut Irrelevant Details From a Narrative

Use the revising sheet to teach focus, then the voice sheet before any first person writing. The Thanksgiving sheet works as a short revision task.

Cut five irrelevant sentences from a story about getting lost on Cedar Ridge and explain two cuts. The directions on the page read: Cross out the 5 sentences that have nothing to do with getting lost and finding the way back. Choose 2 of them, write their numbers in the blanks, and explain why on the lines. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 7th 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.

It is the personality readers hear in the telling, built from word choice, sentence style and attitude. Craft a Narrator's Voice compares Priya, age 13, with her grandfather.

Ask whether each sentence helps the main events. Cut Irrelevant Details From a Narrative has students cross out five sentences that have nothing to do with getting lost and explain two of them.

Add a detail for each sense and replace plain words with precise ones. Thanksgiving Table Scene With Sensory Details starts from Mateo's draft and asks for a six sentence rewrite.