Writing-- First Week Idea #3 Am I Lying? 

The following is appropriate for beginning of year: 
1- Before class, write three detailed paragraphs describing an unusual 
event from your life. Examples could be embarrassing moments, 
"firsts," etc. Two of the three paragraphs should be fabricated, the 
other true. 
2- Tell the students that you will read three paragraphs to them and 
that they are to determine which event actually happened to you. 
3- Read them the three paragraphs. You might want to discuss them too. 
4- Have a show of hands as to who believes Paragraph #1 is true, or 
Paragraph #2, #3. Then tell them the truth. You might elaborate at 
this time. 
5- Now it's their turn. Have them write three well-developed 
paragraphs, one true, the others fabricated. The key is in the details. 
6- Remind students that their work should be rated "PG" and should be 
school-appropriate. (I forgot one year and got a whammy!) 
7- Allow student volunteers to read their paragraphs aloud while the 
class determines the truth. 
8- For homework, have students extend one paragraph into a short essay.
 It's a great writing diagnostic activity

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Jennifer Manuel 
Lafayette High School 
Lafayette, LA