A great story has FIVE MAJOR parts:
A gripping lead that grabs the reader's attention, a brilliantly bold beginning, a mighty middle, an extraordinary ending, and a magnificently memorable conclusion.
These are well organized before we begin drafting and we connect these five parts with terrific transitions which LINK ideas together throughout the piece. Figurative language, show-not-tells, description, and emotions help compositions come to life for our readers.
In our class, after we draft a composition, we revise (using our 12 steps) and edit (CUPS, end to beginning). We utilize the SIX TRAITS.
Leads:
BA-DA-BING BEGINNING:
A Ba-da-bing beginning includes an action, use of senses, and a thought shot. Here's an example you can use starting out:
"As I (walked)_________,I (saw) __________,and I (thought) __________."
Examples:
As the propeller roared to life, I saw Tom on the flight deck giving me a thumbs up and I thought to myself, "This might be the last time I ever see him."
Here are some great Ba-da-bings that utilize the plan but use different beginning words, or different senses.
Bounding downstairs, I smelled a sweet and familiar smell and I thought, "Oh wow! Mom is baking my birthday cake!"
Jumping off the diving board, I felt the cool breeze moving across my wet skin and it occurred to me that summer vacation was about to end.
Peering around the corner, I saw nothing but darkness and a thought hit me. I should've brought my flashlight for this.
As I weaved the basketball between my legs, I heard Coach shouting words of encouragement and I realized I might have a shot at making the team.
Sitting in her living room thinking about all the fabulous times we'd shared in Terabithia, I felt Dad's strong arm reach around my slumped shoulders and give me a gentle squeeze. This wasn't happening. Why hadn't I just invited Leslie to the museum with me?
ANOTHER GREAT LEAD: FAS(t) = F ~Feeling A ~ Action S ~ Setting (t) ~ Truism
Endings:
EXTENDED ENDING:
a great way to summarize a story that includes the following:
A Memory A Feeling A Hope/Wish A Decision/Defining Action
I'll never forget the way my mom looks at me when she says she loves me. She always makes me feel so special. I hope I make her feel special, too. I'm going to tell her I love her every day just to make sure she knows I love her, too.
It sure was memorable to see that ball spiraling through the air as I caught the winning touchdown! I felt ten feet tall the day football captured my heart. I hope every boy catches that winning spirit in his life. You can be sure that one day you will see me in the NFL!
Extended Endings CAN blend with a Ba-da-bing!! Mrs. Biggers calls it the Ba-da-bEND!
(Action, Senses, Thoughtshot, Memory, Feeling, Hope, Wish, Decision) Truisms can be added as well for extra power!
EXAMPLE:
Riding home from the hospital, I felt a tear trickle down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away with the back of my hand. My thoughts drifted back to the moment Grandma said goodbye to me for the last time. I wondered if she understood how deeply I loved her. They say that life goes on, and I knew that it would, but it would be different. I would wear the pendant she had pressed into my hand in her last moments every single day from now on. It would remind me of her love, encouragement, and support. In that small way, she would be with me forever. She was physically gone and yet her love was absolutely still alive.