Literary Genres Workshop

Objectives:1. Determine purpose for reading;2. Analyze characteristics of different

genres

Genres- MajorKinds of

Literature orCommunication.

Fiction Poetry Drama Nonfiction Media

short story novel novellaF

folk tale

FictionMade-up stories about

characters and events

Weaves together plot (action), characters (persons/animals), setting (the where and when), and theme (the message – the BIG PICTURE).

Let’s read an excerpt from The Cay, a novel by Theodore Taylor

After we read, we’ll discuss:o Ploto Charactero Conflicto Settingo Themeo Point of view

Poetry – It’s all around us! Let’s talk about how often poetry is part of our lives.

Lines Stanzas Rhythm Rhyme ThemePoetry might make

readers look at something ordinary in a new way.

Let’s read “Thumbprint,” by Eve Merriam.

How can we tell that this is a poem? How does the poet make us look

more closely at an ordinary thing like a thumbprint?

What qualities or characteristics make us unique?

Drama

The story is meant to be performed. All the elements of fiction are developed through:

Dialogue Scenes/acts Stage directions

Let’s read the excerpt from A Young Lady of Property, by Horton Foote.

How can you tell who is speaking? How are stage directions helpful? How do Mrs. Leighton and Wilma treat

each other? What is Wilma’s ambition? Let’s guess what the big picture

message might be.

Nonfiction and Informational Text

Through literary nonfiction (autobiographies and speeches, for instance) we learn about historic events, inspiring people, and ground breaking topics.

Informational text (instruction manuals, magazine articles, etc.) is an important source for learning about the world.

Literary nonfiction Autobiography/

Biography – True story of a person’s life

Essay – Short piece of writing about a single, focused subject

Speech – Oral presentation of speaker’s beliefs or ideas

Let’s read the excerpt from Bad Boy, by Walter Dean Myers.

How can we tell that this is an autobiography rather than a biography?

What challenges did Myers face because of his speech problem?

What is the big idea message here? Do you think all obstacles can be

overcome with enough effort?

News/Feature Articles Informational writing in newspapers and

magazines. News articles report on recent events. Feature articles provide in-depth coverage of interesting people, topics, and trends.

They are primarily intended to inform or entertain.

They often use examples, statistics, quotations from sources, and graphic aids to present information.

Let’s read “Stress,” an article in a magazine or periodical called Health Watch.

How are the boxed details presented differently than in the autobiography we read?

Which type of writing would you prefer?

When might you need to read something like this article?

Consumer documents

Printed materials that usually accompany products and services.

They are intended to inform consumers about how to use a product or service.

They often include illustrations, diagrams, and step-by-step directions.

Types of Media

Look at page ten of your textbook to see the characteristics of the following types of media:

Feature Films News Media TV Shows Advertising Web Sites

Become an actively engaged reader!

Ask yourself questions as you read! Notice effects of literary elements

(analyze)! Make connections to your life! Connect the material to other

subjects!

MRS. RASP’S ENGAGEMENT GUIDE

Together let’s read page 12 in your textbook.

To get us started on this engagement journey, let’s look at Mrs. Rasp’s “Engagement Guide.”

Context Clues

Mrs. Rasp is such a flibbertigibbet; she is goofy, crazy, and silly.

Meaning? Synonyms? Antonyms? Sentence: