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Tell your story: Narrative Essay:
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.
Requirements:
- 600 word narrative essay
- Microsoft Word document formatted in APA (see below)
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
Attachments:
Revision-Chec….docx