Personal Narrative Essay
· At least 2 pages not more than 4 pages—MLA format
· Typed
· 12 point font
· Double spaced
· 1 inch margins
Now that you have considered the different elements of the well-told story, you will turn your craft to tell your own tale. For this assignment you will narrate an event from your past. You can choose anything, but I suggest that you choose something simple, so you can use specific details to connect with your audience.
I will be looking for:
· A sense of plot structure (the story arc). While this is a true story, having a plot structure, including exposition, setting, characters, conflict, climax, resolution, will help you craft a story people will want to read.
· Characters. Make sure you include characters that are developed enough. Giving some background information can help your readers sympathize with or have indifference or even hostility toward the characters depending on their role in the story.
· Purpose. Have a purpose. What do you want readers to think/feel about you and/or your story? What do you think the story means? Are you exploring some idea (like aging in the story “Eleven”)? Having and demonstrating a purpose in your story will make your story have more meaning for you and for readers.
· Readability. Remember your audience. Make your story interesting.
Some other things to think about. Details! Details! Details! Also dialogue is much more powerful than explanation. If you don’t remember the exact words characters used, you can improvise, but be specific. If you offer the sense of the conversation, you are being true to the person with whom you were speaking.
Grammar Focus: In addition to writing your story, please focus on using active voice—strong subjects (who do the action) and verbs (avoid to be verbs).
Peer review draft due: ______. Please have a printed copy of your paper for review in class. You may not use a late pass for this assignment since the review is the purpose. If you miss class, please talk to me as soon as possible. We can make arrangements for the points.
Final draft due: ______. Please have a printed copy of your paper to me by the end of day on the due date. It needs to be MLA formatted as explained above. I will share a rubric with you on the peer review day.