The central idea is the point of a personal essay. The central idea is similar to the thesis or controlling idea in an expository or persuasive essay. The central idea communicates to the reader the experience and its significance (meaning, insight, or lessons learned).
Have Handout 32 ready to use during the next video.
When you are ready, click play on the video below.
On Handout 32, complete the third graphic organizer: Developing the Central Idea of a Personal Narrative.
Remember, visualizing helps to clarify the significance of an event or experience. Imagine yourself once again in that experience and focus on your feelings, thoughts, and impressions.
When you are finished, locate Handout 33: Prewriting Model Lesson from the handout packet.
This handout presents the key ideas from the model lesson shown in the videos in a different format to help you model the prewriting strategies in your classroom. Take a moment to review the handout. In the classroom, remember to introduce and teach each strategy and step of the writing process separately and over time (several lessons or class sessions).