The Basics: This unit asks students to write a 1.5–2.5 page piece about a real person in their life.
See it on Teachers Pay Teachers — $4.99
The Depth: The challenge is getting past surface description and into what the person reveals about themselves through action, detail, and the way they occupy space.
Show-don't-tell is the central skill, but this unit treats it as a lens for understanding real people, not just a fiction technique. What's included:
Teacher overview with unit concepts and CCSS alignment (RL/RI/W/SL 11-12) Key concepts table: characterization, show vs.
tell, selective detail, ethical dimension Show-Don't-Tell warm-up (fictional character real person transfer, 2-part) Main assignment sheet with requirements table Revision self-check (8-item checklist) 100-point rubric (traits revealed 30, concrete detail 20, CNF techniques 20, writing quality 20, revision evidence 10) Vocal delivery guide for recorded or presented versions The "ethical dimension" section prompts students to think about what they owe the person they're writing about — a conversation worth having. This is Unit 3 of the Creative Nonfiction style course:
The Art of the Personal: Narrative, Memoir, and Essays creative nonfiction, profile writing, character sketch, show don't tell, 12th grade, ELA, narrative nonfiction, writing workshop, characterization, real-life writing
Designed for grades 9th – 12th.
Starmaker English and Journalism Tools 
Leave a comment