Name:___________________________________
“What Makes a Brother or Sister?” Essay Starter
Do the following activities to get you started on your essay. Keep in mind the difference between
figurative and literal meanings. Look up “brother” in the dictionary to get started.
Dictionary Definition of “Brother:”
Freewrite describing your brother/sister (or another family member if you have no
siblings):
Dictionary Definition of “Figurative:” not literal, but representing an idea or concept, like a
figure of speech. Appealing to the imagination, figurative language provides new ways of looking
at the world. It always makes use of a comparison between different things. Figurative language
compares two things that are different (like in a metaphor) so that their similarities, when
pointed out, are interesting, unique and/or surprising.
Free Write about Figurative Meaning of a Brother/Sister:
Tangerine Connection:
“You take care of yourself, brother. I’ll see you in the groves.”
“Yeah. Bye.” I hung up. But I heard that word “brother” echoing long afterward. I looked up at the
ceiling, and I heard Erik pacing back and forth, back and forth, in the cage that he had made for
himself.
What makes a brother/ sister in a friend? In what ways can a person be a brother or
sister to someone without being a relative?
Now, write down your top three reasons (actions or personality traits) why a friend
can seem like family.
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Name:___________________________________
Outline for Writing Prompt
Writing Prompt: The novel Tangerine by Edward Bloor focuses on the topic of brotherhood.
Think carefully about how friendship creates a connection very similar to family and then
write a five paragraph essay explaining what three traits a friend must have to be like family.
Thesis Statement:
Introduction:
I.
A.
B.
C.
II.
A.
B.
C.
III.
A.
B.
C.
Conclusion:
Name:___________________________________
Brainstorming Bracket
Topic: A friend can be like family
Ideas: Traits/actions make them like family
1.________________________________
Details: support for your ideas
a. ________________________________________________________
b. ________________________________________________________
c. ________________________________________________________
2.________________________________
a. ________________________________________________________
b. ________________________________________________________
c. ________________________________________________________
3.________________________________
a. ________________________________________________________
b. ________________________________________________________
c. ________________________________________________________
Now, create a thesis sentence using your topic and three main ideas:
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