As discussed in class, the Course Reader mysteriously missed out on the inclusion of the First Paper details. So, here they are in writing (to back up our class discussion)...
Your First Essay--Personal Narrative (Understanding Experience)
The genre name sums up what this paper is all about--you will be writing about an event in your life, and its significance. When we talk about significance, we ask: how did this event affect your life? Did it make you realize something you didn't know before? Did it teach you something? Did it help you focus on your goals? The event on which you choose to write should be an experience that answers one of these questions. Each paper will be personal, and all of our events will be individual. However, there are certain things (Basic Features) that all essays should include. They are . . .
A Well Told Story: Your essay should tell the story of the event. It should be written clearly so that a reader can follow, and become involved. It is important here to remember that you are writing for others--although it is personal memory, its purpose is to share that experience with readers. Make sure the story is told in a manner the reader can follow.
A Vivid Presentation of Significant Scenes and People: Readers should not only be able to follow your story, but be able to actually visualize it. Make sure that the scenes and people involved are vivid. Can a reader see this person? Can a reader picture the scene? Be descriptive, and a reader becomes part of the event.
Indication of the Evexperiencingce's Significance: Through your writing, a reader should be able to gather the significance of the event. There are two ways of accomplishing this. Some writers choose to show the significance through the story. Others choose to directly explain the significance. Since each of us is unique, how you approach explaining the significance may be different for each writer. Personally, I find that a combination of the two works well. I recommend trying both, then choosing (or combining them). It is different for every writer. I suggest looking carefully at how the essays we read address this issue.
"Basic Features" adapted from The St. Martin's Guide to Writing
Techincal Requirements:
*2 full pages-4 pages--no more than 5 pages, font size 12, default margins
*no cover page is necessary--please refer to Writer's Reference for format specifics
*the following materials need to be included in your portfolio:
-Final Draft
-Rough Draft
-Workshop Comments
-All pre-work (homework, in-class work that relates directly to essay)
*all materials must be kept together in a manila envelope or stapled.
ROUGH DRAFT due Tuesday, 10/17
FINAL DRAFT/PORTFOLIO due Tuesday, 10/24
Please remember that if you have ANY questions at all, ask me. Stop by during office hours, email me, or set up an appointment.
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