1.  Assignment Details:

• Follow all of the formatting requirements .
• Follow the directions for each step of the rubric.
• Be sure to “try” and match what you write with the directions for each stage of the rubric.

(Opening Paragraph)

The Hook

Every writing piece needs a good and pithy “hook” to gain and grab the readers attention.

• Without even mentioning the title, write a brief, single sentence that tries to capture the attention of your audience by stating the major theme of your personal reading response.
• The way you craft this sentence sets the direction, tone and mood of the reflection that follows.

Get Specific

• In the second sentence, introduce the piece of literature, the genre of the piece, and the author, as well as the major effect the writing piece had on you personally.
• Remember that book titles are italicized.
• Short story, song, and poem titles are put in quotes.

What is the Author Trying To Do?

Every writer writes for a reason, and when doing so  he or she tries to get the reader to feel or think in a certain way.

• Write two or three more sentences that tells your reader what “you” feel the author is trying to do in the writing piece.
• For added emphasis and support, you could also include a researched quote from another source to back up your thoughts.

Summary & Text Reference

Briefly, using three to five sentences, summarize the story, poem, or song. It is important to give a brief summary of the writing piece because it helps your reader put the writing piece in context.  This does not mean, however, to give away all of the details and spoil it for your reader.

• Who: who is or are the major characters?
• Where: where is the action happening?
• When: when is the action taking place?
• What: what is the main conflict that is happening?
• Why: why is this conflict happening?

Metacognition

Remember that in a personal response, you can’t be wrong―as long as you are truthful. In this section of your paragraph write honestly from your head and heart about your experience reading and understanding the text. Below are some ideas for how to approach this paragraph, but please expand the list to suit your response.

Here are some ideas, but don’t answer these like a list of questions! Weave them into a narrative paragraph that flows “conversationally.” You can’t be wrong here, but you can write in a way that is dull and boring to your readers.

• How did the writing piece affect you? Was it exciting, boring, interesting, dull…why?
• What emotions did it make you feel?
• Did you relate to the content or the characters in some way, shape or form?
• Did it challenge you to think and feel in a different way?
• Did it change any part of your own world view?
• Did it bring up memories of other books or authors you have read?

Elevator Review Conclusion

The conclusion is as important as the hook, so do your best to make the end of your paragraph as interesting and refreshing as your opening sentence.

• Imagine that someone in an elevator asked you about what you are reading, and you only have ten seconds to respond.
• You can touch on what you have already written, but don’t use the same words again.
• Really, it should not take more than ten seconds to read this last paragraph!

Do What Writers Do

Paste each step of the rubric in the space below. Proofread, edit and revise as needed. Publish as required by your instructor.

• The rubric is a guide, not a rigid structure. If it sounds too academic it will lose the power of a narrative essay.
• Revise your sentences and paragraphs to create a narrative voice that mimics your real voice.
• Pay close attention to formatting, punctuation, grammar and mechanics.
• Add more paragraphs if you feel it will be more effective for your readers.
• Have fun with your words, and your readers will have more fun reading!