Writing a Narrative Essay
English 100
Ms. Floyd
Fall 2005The Assignment: Write a narrative essay, an essay in which you tell a story that has a point. I suggest that you write about an event that you remember vividly, a topic that has universal appeal.
The Process: Concentrate on getting the facts down on paper first. Include details to re-create the experience for the reader. Brainstorm, cluster, question, free write. Let your mind go.
Organize in a logical manner. Write an informal outline.
In class: Following your outline, draft the narrative.
Then, think about the point of the story. Mentally, take the subject and turn it around like a cube. Look at it. Think about the role that race, gender, economics and so on may have played in this experience.
Find a controlling idea for the essay and revise.
After revising, edit, print, and proofread your essay before presenting it to your audience for feedback.
This assignment has two objectives: 1) to introduce you to narrative as a strategy in expository writing and 2) to establish the writer-editor relationship.
In your first drafts, focus on getting the meaning "right." Be sure that the essay says exactly what you want it to say. The drafts that you give to your audience for feedback should adhere to the conventions of Standard American English.
The essay should be approximately three pages (double-spaced) and typed or word-processed (12-point, Courier New font). See LBH, pp. 736-738, for format. Assemble in the following manner: prewriting on bottom, rough drafts, final draft (secured with a paper clip), writer's memo (at least one-half page of single-spaced text) on top. Turn in papers in a folder with a pocket.
Writing about your writing helps you to improve your writing; therefore, the writer's memo is an essential part of this assignment. In your writer's memo, discuss the theme of the essay (the point). Discuss the strengths of the essay, the weaknesses. Discuss problems that you had and how you solved those problems (if you solved them). Also, identify specific parts of the essay that you would like me to pay special attention to. Think of the writer's memo as an opportunity for you to talk with me about your writing.
The essay will be evaluated on thesis development, organization, grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, mechanics, and presentation. Your essay's introduction and conclusion should be well developed and energetic (see LBH, pp. 103-108) for ideas on developing introductions and conclusions).
Be proud of your work. Proofread carefully and present your work to your audience in a professional manner.