THE STRUCTURE OF AN ANECDOTE

Deconstructing Anecdotes

Anecdote Title: _________________________________

THE STRUCTURE OF AN ANECDOTEANECDOTE EXAMPLE

Beginning

(Orientation)Here we give background information:

When / Where / Who / What / How?

Clues are given about what is coming next, without giving too much away just enough to arouse interest

Describe the background information:

Where / when / who / what happens in the beginning?

Middle

(The remarkable event)Here we tell what happened:

Using vivid description, exaggeration and humour

Language that makes the reader / listener want to know what happens nextGive examples of vivid description / exaggeration / humour:

End

(the reaction)Here we share our reaction:

eg: shock / horror / disgust / surprise / laughter / nostalgic memories / making a decision to change or be more wary What was the authors reaction to this event?

Anecdote Title: _________________________________

THE STRUCTURE OF AN ANECDOTEANECDOTE EXAMPLE

Beginning

(Orientation)Here we give background information:

When / Where / Who / What / How?

Clues are given about what is coming next, without giving too much away just enough to arouse interest

Describe the background information:

Where / when / who / what happens in the beginning?

Middle

(The remarkable event)Here we tell what happened:

Using vivid description, exaggeration and humour

Language that makes the reader / listener want to know what happens nextGive examples of vivid description / exaggeration / humour:

End

(the reaction)Here we share our reaction:

eg: shock / horror / disgust / surprise / laughter / nostalgic memories / making a decision to change or be more wary What was the authors reaction to this event?

PAGE 1Go to the website Anecdotage http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php which contains Thousands of true funny stories about famous people Read through 2 different anecdotes of your choice and fill in the charts provided.