Task I

Hello students!

You have already seen how the IRaCoR structure works. Just a recap, the IRaCoR structure helps you to formulate your ideas in a more coherent way. It is always important to plan your essay before writing. This way, you will be able to write smoothly without running out of ideas. Can you recall what to include in each part?

Introduction: Setting and Characters
Rising Action: The main character has a goal/ aim
Conflict: There are obstacles in the way of the character trying to achieve this goal
Resolution: How these obstacles were overcomed.

Activity One: Look at resource and fill in the template (10-15 mins)

In this task, you will look at the given resources listed below and think about how each resource depicts the IRaCoR structure.
*IMPORTANT: You will be assigned one resource to analyse.

Using the template given, jot down your ideas according to what you have observed. In essence, you have to tell me how the story goes and how the parts fit into the IRaCoR structure. E.g. At which point of the story does the introduction end and where does the rising action start? Note that in certain stories, it is not very clear how the IRaCoR structure applies. You are to provide your comments at the bottom of your template if this occurs. Any other comments are welcomed. Note that you are only required to write in point form, but nonetheless in standard English. You have about 10 minutes to complete this task.

Resources:

Category One: Essays
Narrative guides for students
1)-
2)-

Category Two: Shorts (Shorts are mini movies)
1)-
2)-

Activity Two: Application and peer evaluation (20 mins)

For this next activity, you are to demonstrate how much you have learnt from this session. You will be given a topic and you are required to come up with a narrative essay outline in point form-according to the IRaCoR structure- and post it on the blog. You have 10 minutes.

Next, you will look at the entry of your assigned classmate and comment on how well he/she has applied the structure and give constructive feedback on ways to make it more interesting. You can refer to this guideline to help you in evaluating your classmate's work. You have 10 minutes.

Task II

Now that you have completed your first task, I am sure you are clearer of the ways in which the IRaCoR structure can be applied. Most narrative stories have this structure, even in movies!

Your second task has four parts. It is to be done as a homework over the next two weeks. You can leave any queries at the shout-out box and I will answer to them as soon as possible. You can also consult me in class if you have any problems.

Part one: Essay writing-you are required to pick a topic of your interest below and write a narrative essay, keeping in mind the IRaCoR structure.

Topics

1) An unforgettable event in your childhood.
2) Losing a close friend.
3) Write about a time when your actions upset someone and what you did to salvage the relationship.
4) Write about a time when you overcame a difficulty and grew as a person from the whole experience.
5) Write about an occasion when your carelessness led to an unexpected outcome.

Part two: Posting-After you have drafted out your essay, post it here online according to the topic that you have chosen. Just click on the links to the topic in the sidebar on the right. The deadline for posting your essay is Date: ___________ Time: ___________

Part three: Peer-evaluation-After you have done so, look at your friend's essay. You have been allocated a friend's work to evaluate on. Comment on how well the person made use of the IRaCoR structure in his/her narrative story. You are not required to comment on language use. Use the following guidelines to help you. You MUST answer all the parts in the guideline. The deadline for evaluating your friend's essay is Date: ___________ Time: ____________

Guideline

When responding to your peer's draft, ask yourself these questions:

1) Does it follow the IRaCoR structure? You can use your template to explain.
2) What is the greatest strength of this essay?
3) What is its greatest weakness?
4) Is the writing organised and clear? Are there any areas which can be improved?
5) Do you think the essay manage to hold your interest? Elaborate.

Part four: Reflection-After evaluating your friend's essay, look at the comments given to you at your own narrative page. My comments would also be there. For the final activity, post your comments about your learning experience. Reflect on what you have learnt about and how useful is this kind of activity. You are encouraged to look at the essays of your other classmates. All other comments are welcomed. The deadline for reflection is Date: ___________ Time: _______________
NOTE: DO NOT BE IMPOLITE. RUDE COMMENTS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND WILL BE VIEWED SERIOUSLY.

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