Now that you have recorded some meaningful events and experiences in your life, it is time to narrow your focus and choose a topic. Remember your goal is to not only tell about a moment in your life, but it is to help the reader gain an idea of what life was like during this time. By telling about your experiences you are helping the reader gain an understanding of what life was like during the time and place where the event occurred. As you read through your brainstorming list, try to visualize the moment and ask yourself, “What does this event say about life at this time?” Be sure to choose a topic that you can not only remember and describe, but a moment that you can place in a larger context.
For example, let’s say a student has chosen to write about his experiences during Hurricane Harvey and the moment his family was evacuated. As he completes the prewriting activity, he will include details about his experiences as well as facts and details that show the larger context of the moment. Look at the following completed organizer to see how this student completed the steps for his experience.
Follow the steps described on the slides below to complete the prewriting process. (Record your responses on the worksheet you accessed on the previous page.)
Step 1: Select a moment in time.Look over your brainstorming list. Which moment will you write about? Why did you choose this topic? What do you want the reader to know and what is your purpose for writing about this moment? List your topic and the purpose on your planning sheet.
Step 2: Identify when and where.Where and when did this moment occur? Complete the setting section of your planning sheet. Be sure to describe the location and when it happened. Think about what was going on in your town, the United States, and the world at that time.
Step 3: Explain what happened.Think back to that day (moment) and describe what happened. Most historical narratives follow a chronological sequence. Decide at what point you will begin telling your story and where it will end. Then, list the series of events you want it to cover. Complete the what happened section on your planning sheet. Be detailed in the steps of the event but remember you can answer using bullet points.
Step 4: Create context.What can the reader learn about life at this time? How does your experience connect the overall history at the time? Research the historical context of the moment about which you are writing. Add historically accurate facts and details to the planning page.
Step 5: Identify a lesson learned.What do you want your reader to learn from this moment? What lesson did you learn and how does that relate to the larger history of the moment? Write your lesson learned on your planning sheet.
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