Essay 7

Open the John Muir Essays document in your Google drive folder and create a new heading.

Simulated Letter Home

Purpose – Exposition & Narration

• To tell a story of one of your (John Muir’s) experiences in Alaska
• To describe and explain parts of your (John Muir’s) Alaskan trip

Audience – Someone not in Alaska: Muir’s wife Louie, Muir’s mother Ana, Muir’s friend Jeanne, etc.

Format – friendly letter

Place the date in the upper right-hand corner. Begin by greeting your chosen audience warmly. Use dear, dearest, my dear friend, etc.

Inquire after the health or recent activity of your audience. Show that you care about him/her by taking an interest in the events in his/her life. Provide some background information about where you are, who you are with, how you arrived there, what you are doing, etc.

Tell the story of something that has recently happened to you in Alaska. Be as detailed and specific as possible. Refer to the book for ideas, but then use your imagination to fill-in what might have happened. Describe things as John would describe them. Imitate his voice and style of writing as best you can.

Explain what you think you will do next on your Alaskan trip. Again, be descriptive and copy John’s style and voice. Make some sort of connection to your audience.

End your letter with affection. Use an appropriate closing and sign your name. Your friend, with love, with affection, etc.

Evaluation –

• Organization – you followed the friendly letter format and have at least 3 body paragraphs that are well developed with a topic sentence and details.
• Story and voice – you shared a story from Muir’s Alaska trip. You wrote from Muir’s point of view, staying true to his voice and character.
• Support – you used appropriate examples to illustrate Muir’s Alaskan experiences. You included many descriptive details: touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste.
• You have at least 500 words.
• See the rubric for more specific evaluation crieteria.