Personal_Narrative

Writing the Personal Experience Narrative
The **Personal Experience Narrative**, according to your Writers Inc Book, is “personal writing that covers an event in the writer’s life; it often contains //personal comments// and //observations// as well as //description of the event//.” (Sebranek, Meyer, Kemper 134) Here is a list of a few things to strive for when writing the narrative.

For this **assignment**, I am asking you to tell a story from your life that loosely fits the above description. I am asking you to work through one complete draft of this story **today**, and I will assess your writing using the rubric below.

Please make sure your story has a **beginning** (an invitation to read further), a **middle** (detailed description of events), and an **end** (resolution of conflict and plot) that tells a complete story. If you do not finish today, you can access your draft [|here], but I would urge you to do your best to get it completed by the end of class.

For the draft you turn in to me, please limit it to 500 words, and make it double-spaced in the Times New Roman font. Any deviation from this form will result in a loss of points.

__ **TODAY, May 21, 2010** __

 * Please open your document. Format it in the way I told you (see above). Print up a copy to share with a partner. Also print up this checklist [[file:pen.peer.response.pdf]] for you and your partner to give each other feedback. Then, read each other's work, fill out the checklist, and then return the paper. When you have gotten it back, go back to your narrative and make any necessary changes. When they are made, save and print once again. Attach that draft to the feedback form and your previous draft (with the latest on top), and turn it in to the teacher. If there is any time remaining at the end of the hour, please read __A Lesson Before Dying__ silently. Shut down your machine at the end of the day, and please leave the writing center cleaner than you found it. Thank you, Mr. McNulty**

Finally, when you complete your draft, you may **post it on your wiki**, but please make sure you **do not include your last name or anyone else's**. What's more, if you use other people's first names, you might want to change them in order to protect their identity. Please remember the **Appropriate Use policy** you signed in your agenda, and the one you sent me in a wiki message.

Good luck!

IDEAS AND CONTENT (Development)

 * 5 //This story is clear and focused. It holds the reader's attention. Relevant anecdotes and details enrich the story and its effectiveness//.**
 * A.** Topic is **narrow** & **manageable.** One story is told.
 * B. Relevant, vivid, and sensory details** give reader important information that goes **beyond obvious** or predictable in telling the story.
 * C.** Narrative unfolds in a logical/effective fashion.
 * D.** The ideas are **fresh** and **original** with clear purpose in telling of story**.**
 * E.** The reader’s questions are **anticipated and answered.**
 * F. Insight**—understanding of life & what is significant—is an indicator of high level performance, though not required. (see thoughtshots)


 * 3 //The writer is beginning to tell story, even though development is still basic or general.//**
 * A.** The **topic is fairly broad;** however, you can see where the writer is headed.
 * B. Details** are not complete, of a sensory nature and lack complete effectiveness.
 * C.** Ideas **reasonably clear**, though they may not be detailed, personalized, accurate, or expanded enough to show in-depth understanding or a strong sense of purpose.
 * D.** The reader is **left with questions.** More information is needed to "fill in the blanks."
 * E.** Writer **generally stays on the topic** but does not develop clear theme. Writer has not yet focused topic past the obvious.

= = = = =ORGANIZATION=
 * 1 //As yet, the is not successfully told. To extract meaning from the text, the reader must make inferences based on sketchy or missing details. The writing reflects more than one of these problems://**
 * A.** The writer is **still in search of a topic**; there may be confusion about **main idea**.
 * B.** Information is **limited** or **unclear.** There are few or no sensory details. **Length is not adequate** for development.
 * C.** The narrative is not clear.
 * D.** The text may be **repetitious**, or may read like a collection of **disconnected, random thoughts** with no discernable point**.**
 * 5 //The organization enhances and showcases the story. The order, structure, or presentation of information is compelling and moves the reader through the text.//**
 * A.** An **inviting introduction** draws reader in while giving **character**, **setting and establishing plot**; a **satisfying conclusion** leaves reader with sense of closure & resolution.
 * B. Thoughtful transitions** clearly show how ideas connect.
 * C.** Details seem to fit where they're placed; **sequencing is logical** and **effective**.
 * D. Pacing is well controlled**; writer knows when to slow down & elaborate (snapshots and thoughtshots), and when to pick up the pace and move on.
 * E.** The **title,** is **original** and captures the central theme of the story.
 * G.** Organization **flows so smoothly** that the reader hardly thinks about it; structure suits **purpose** and **audience**.


 * 3 //The organizational structure is strong enough to move the reader through the text without too much confusion.//**
 * A.** The story has a **recognizable introduction, and conclusion**. The introduction may not create a strong sense **character, setting, or plot**, & conclusion may not tie up all loose ends.
 * B. Transitions often work well**; at other times, connections between events/ideas are fuzzy.
 * C. Sequencing** shows **some logic**, but does not consistently support story. Sometimes it is so predictable and rehearsed that the **structure takes attention away from the content.**
 * D. Pacing is fairly well controlled,** though the writer sometimes moves too slowly/quickly.
 * E.** A **title** is present, although may be uninspired or trite.
 * F. Organization sometimes supports story**, but at times, reader feels urge to slip in a transition or move things around.


 * 1 //Writing lacks clear sense of direction. Ideas, details, or events seem strung together in a loose or random fashion; there is no identifiable internal structure. The writing reflects more than one of these problems://**
 * A.** There is **no real opening** to set up **character, setting** and **plot**, **no real conclusion**.
 * B.** Connections between ideas are **confusing** or not even present. Transitions missing.
 * C. Sequencing** needs lots of **work.**
 * D. Pacing feels awkward;** the story is moving at an inappropriate pace.
 * E. No title is present**, or if present, **does not match** well with the content.
 * F.** Problems with organization make it **hard for the reader to get a grip** on story line.

If you have questions, problems, concerns, or breakthroughs, please feel free to write to me at //kmcnulty@phm.k12.in.us// or through the mightybrain.com message service. First drafts (working drafts) are due.