Narrative Essay
English 101
Ms. Floyd
Spring 2007
Think about the essays in Strategies that you have read and then think about a similar situation that you have experienced or that you have observed and 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. 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. Draft.
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.
You could use the essays in Strategies as models. You could take some risks in both content and form.
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 me for feedback should adhere to the conventions of Standard American English.
The essay should be from three to five pages (double-spaced) and typed or word-processed (Courier New, 12-point font). See LBH, pp. 687-688 [736-738], for MLA document format. Assemble in the following manner: prewriting on bottom, rough drafts, drafts critiqued by classmates, final draft (secured with a paper clip), writer's memo (at least one page of double-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 (at least one page of double-spaced text), 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. Introduction and conclusion should be well developed and energetic (see LBH, pp. 102-108 [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.