Tell Your Story

Tell Your Story: Narrative Essay In week one, you chose an idea for your narrative essay. In week two, you wrote an introductory paragraph. In week three, you wrote a body paragraph.  Now it is time to finish the draft of your essay, revise it, and submit it for a final grade.  Below are a few things to consider when writing and revising your narrative: Purpose: A narrative essay has a purpose, so you need to have intent and a reason for telling a particular story. Did the time in your life change you in some way? Did you learn a valuable lesson?  What is the reason for telling this story? Main idea/Thesis: Whatever your purpose for writing the essay, you will let the reader know in your opening paragraph as you introduce the story. Stating the main idea, also known as a thesis, lets the readers know what to expect as they read. Your thesis may look like this: “The day I applied to college, my outlook on life changed.” Another example might look like this: “Choosing to have a child opened my eyes to other goals.” As you write your essay, keep your thesis in mind, and this will help keep you on track as you write. Story Elements: A narrative essay will have the same elements as a short story or novel.  You will have a plot, the series of events that form the story, and a climax, a moment near the end of the story where the conflict in your story is most tense.  Narrative essays should also have characters and a resolution to the conflicts. Descriptive Language: You can use descriptive language in your narrative essay. In week three, you practiced describing an object and a setting.  Descriptive language helps your reader connect to your story and have a lasting impact.  Narrative Essay Instructions: The following criteria reflect the areas needed for a successful narrative essay. The essay should have a clear purpose and a main idea/thesis statement within the first paragraph. The narrative should share a larger lesson with the audience than simply retelling an event.  A strong narrative centers on a conflict building from introduction to body to a thought-provoking resolution.  It should use descriptive language to bring the reader into the experience.  Please see Norton pages 121-30 and Little Seagull pages 58-61 for more details about the qualities of an effective narrative essay. Requirements: 600 word narrative essay Microsoft Word document formatted in APA (see below) Submit to Submission Area Before you submit your paper, review this revision checklist: Paragraph or Essay Structure: Appropriate title indicates the essay’s topic. Paper addresses all the requirements. (see rubrics) Paper is logically organized and flows well Introduction includes relevant background information and  the main idea/thesis. Body paragraphs discuss main purpose and move the story forward Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and moves the essay forward Effective conclusion does more than simply repeat the introduction  Sentence Structure: All sentences present complete thoughts, containing a subject and a verb.. Correct all comma splices, run-ons, and fragments. Sentences have variety. Language and Tone: Language is appropriate for audience (no slang) Point of view is consistent Word use is appropriate Grammar & Mechanics: Sentences correctly punctuated. Words are properly capitalized (including  “I”) No words inadvertently omitted. Subject and verb of each sentence agree. Spelling errors corrected including words spell check does not catch (their/there/they’re; its/it’s) Format: Paper is double-spaced 12pt Times-New Roman font 1” margins