Personal Narrative Essay Paper
Personal Narrative “Thus I Believe” Essay Assignment
Task:
Write a 3-4 page(500-600 words) personal narrative essay about a personal value or belief that you feel passionately about and explain why. You can read and listen to various essays on the This I Believe website to get an idea of how other writers have approached this assignment. Your essay should incorporate the use of sensory details and the power of metaphor and/or simile to bring it to life. Your essay should also have a main idea – when readers finish your piece, they will know the answer to the question, “So what?” Provide an introduction that hooks your reader and a conclusion that wraps up your ideas and leaves the reader something to think about. Some tips to keep in mind:
- Draw your reader in with a catchy title that offers a hint of what is to come.
- Provide strong topic sentences and smooth transitions at the beginnings and endings of each paragraph.
- Organize your essay in the best way to tell your story. Most often personal narratives are written in chronological order, but you may want to use flashbacks and/or foreshadowing to add interest.
- Remember, “Show, don’t tell.” Use sensory details to add interest.
- Before you turn in your final copy, be sure to proofread carefully in order to catch any spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation errors.
Please include all prewriting, rough drafts, and peer review comments in a 2-pocket folder when you turn it in. Place all of your process products in one of the pockets, and place the polished final paper in the other pocket. If you are not satisfied with your grade, you will have the opportunity to revise your essay taking my comments into consideration. Please resubmit your revision along with the original graded copy within one week after I return it to you. You may improve your grade by up to one full letter grade.
Manuscript format for polished essay:
- Typed, double-spaced, 12 point font
- Number pages
- In the upper left-hand corner of page 1, type:
- Your Name
- Tutor Name
- English 111/ENF 3
- The Date
Note: Although this is a personal narrative essay, please do not choose a topic that is so personal that it will make you feel uncomfortable to share it with me or the class.