Student Names
Revised 10/2008
Structured with main
character, problem,
events related to the
problem, and
resolution
Topic is a small
episode about a
person, place or thing
of significance to the
writer
Topic is the turning
point in the life of the
writer – first times,
last times, or
important times
Can include two or
three small moments
The author is the
narrator and the
narrative is written
through their eyes
Strong feelings are
Personal Narrative
conveyed through
showing rather than
telling
Has an external and
Third Grade Genre Elements Grid- First Quarter
internal story
Events include
precise details
Characters
sometimes travel
through both
imagined future
events and
remembered past
events
Contains a strong
lead that has dialogue
a small action, or
establishes the
setting
Ending links back to
the big meaning of
the story
Student Names
Revised 10/2008
Structured as an exposition –
thesis statement, supporting
details with clear topic sentence
Has a clear idea that is
developed or an argument that is
defended or advanced across the
text
Contains a thesis that is
supported by stories, quotations,
lists, observations, etc.
Contains repetition, parallelism,
and transition words that make
the argument more cohesive and
compelling
Ideas are organized to fit the
Essay
reason or purpose (e.g.:
chronological order, most
important evidence first, etc.)
Shows (describes how
something goes) and tells
(explains what is important)
Contains active verbs and
Third Grade Genre Elements Grid – Second & Third Quarter
precise details
Uses lists of ideas to support the
thesis
Introductions and conclusions
help the reader grasp the
importance of the thesis
Student Names
Revised 10/2008
Stories are structured around a
character with specific traits and
wants who ends up struggling
until there is some resolution
Stories revolve around everyday
life events
Have well-developed characters
with believable plots
Characters have external and
internal features
Characters’ self-image,
attitudes, feeling, struggles and
Fiction
actions are well developed
Scenes represent turning points
for the main character
The plot is unfolded from a
Third Grade Genre Elements Grid – Third & Fourth Quarter
consistent point of view through
showing, not summarizing
Contains a lead that draws the
reader into the story
Setting grounds the action and
characters
Endings are well-connected to
rest of story