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Grades level iconsGrades 11–12
Session time icon60+ Minutes
Genre information iconNarrative
Video resource type iconVideos

If I Were a Poet: Ironic Narratives

by 826 National, featuring Alistar Bedell, Grade 11, CA
In this lesson, you will practice analyzing different types of a narrative technique called irony. Then, you will write your own scene that uses irony to develop an imaginary experience or character.
About the Author

 ALISTAR BEDELL is someone who is always looking for the art inside of things. They almost always have an earbud in for music just to give life a bit more beauty. They’ve written and performed songs and always enjoy sharing their own personal writing with others. They truly believe that if the world had a little more creative expression in it, then the world could be so much better and life could be easier and we as people could connect better.

Congratulations to 826 Digital Writers’ Showcase Finalist, Alistar Bedell! Watch their video and see the lesson below to learn how to write your own ironic poem or narrative. Read more about Alistar and the other Writers’ Showcase finalists at www.826national.org/826-digital-writers-showcase-2023-finalists

Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3.B Common Core Standards Icon
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
What You Will Do

STEP 1 First, watch the video and follow along with the Mentor Text on page 1 of the Ironic Narratives — Handout. Then, answer these prompts in your writing journal: “In your own words, define irony. What is ironic about this poem?” STEP 2 Irony is a narrative technique that contrasts reality with what the audience expects will happen. There are 3 basic types of irony: dramatic, situational, and verbal irony. Follow the directions on page 2 of the handout to learn more about these types. STEP 3 Next, you will prepare to write your imaginary scene. A scene is...

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