The Narrative Essay Assignment

Narrative Essay Assignment

Final Draft 100 pts.
Rough Draft 10 pts.
Workshop 10 pts

Due Dates.
Rough Draft: Feb. 10
Final Draft: Feb. 17

Assignment Description:

Writing a narrative appeals to one of humankind’s oldest instincts—to tell a story. Across time and cultures, stories have served to tell us who we are, where we come from and how all this came to be. Our most sacred texts are stories, and we connect with narratives more than any other form (few children cry, “mommy, mommy read me another newspaper article).

You assignment is to write a narrative essay that relates an event, but at the same time describes the significance of this event (above what happened and why) to help the reader understand what was important about this instance in your life. Write about yourself to explain how your meaningful experience led to some important realization or conclusion about your life or about the world, in general (Aim for more complicated conclusions than the obvious, “therefore don’t drink and drive” or “you shouldn’t talk to strangers,” etc unless you can get your reader to rethink that). Think about why the experience was significant: Did it challenge your feelings/beliefs about something? Did some aspect of your life change as a result? Did you discover something about yourself or others? Tell us a story. Note to James Frey fans: non-fiction only please (it can be subjective, but rooted in the truth).

Present the results in a two- to five-page (double-spaced) essay. Use description to show your audience what happened, so that they feel as though they have experienced it with you (consider sensory information: sight, sound, taste, feel, etc.). A note: you are going to be sharing this essay with your workshop group, so please do not choose a topic that you don't want others to see (or one which they would be uncomfortable reading, but also don’t be afraid to take some risks in writing).

Workshop drafts and final versions of essays should be word processed in a 12-point standard font (Times New Roman, Garamond, Arial, etc.); follow the manuscript format described in A Writer’s Reference. Please proofread carefully. If you use a source, you must include citations and a works cited list; please use MLA parenthetical documentation format for citing sources (see A Writer’s Reference).

Schedule:
Jan. 27-29—Analyze texts/ Brainstorm-Invention Tech.
Feb. 3-5—The elements of story / Planning and Writing your story
Feb. 10-12—Workshop of Narrative Essay Draft
Feb. 17 Narrative Essay-Final Draft Due. / Intro to Profiles

Requirements:
2-5 pages
typed
double-spaced