Standards for writing a NARRATIVE ESSAY
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Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using
effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation
and its significance, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and
introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of
experiences or events.
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and
multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one
another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular tone and
outcome (e.g., a sense of mystery, suspense, growth, or resolution).
Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey
a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.
Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the
course of the narrative.
Our Narrative Assignment
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PROMPT: Share your background or a story that is central to your identity. The story should reveal your
philosophy on how to live life. That is, what do you believe?
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FORMAT:
o 350-500 words (include the word count), three paragraphs
o Introduction: Have an attention getter that leads into your story and make sure that your introduction
acknowledges (and potentially answers) the question presented in the prompt.
o One body paragraph: Use vivid details and descriptions to relate your story, being sure to sequence the
events in a way that is both clear and entertaining.
o Conclusion: Analyze your story to explain how this experience/event led you to your belief. Begin your
conclusion with “I believe…” Be sure to explain the impact of the event on your life and your outlook on
life in general.
Getting Started
Brainstorm 5 things that you believe in and briefly explain why.
1. Belief:
Explanation:
2. Belief:
Explanation:
3. Belief:
Explanation:
4. Belief:
Explanation:
5. Belief:
Explanation:
Brainstorm and formulate 5 significant events/experiences from your life that helped shape your personal philosophy
(what you believe). You will ultimately pick one event/experience to write a 350-500 word narrative essay that
answers the question presented in the prompt. Good luck and have fun!
1. Significant event:
My belief about life that stemmed from this event:
2. Significant event:
My belief about life that stemmed from this event:
3. Significant event:
My belief about life that stemmed from this event:
4. Significant event:
My belief about life that stemmed from this event:
5. Significant event:
My belief about life that stemmed from this event:
How this all relates to the personal essay (for college applications):
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Attention-Getter: Fred Hardagon, retired Dean of Admissions at Stanford University, offers this advice
about college admissions essay writing: “When you write your essay, consider simply telling a story […] I
long ago figured out that some of the best essays I’ve ever read are simply stories well told. Considering
the demands of the prompt, conceive an attention-getter that illustrates introspection in relation to the
prompt. Consider creative ways that you could paint this self-examination: anecdote, poem, interview, etc.
Contextualization: Explain the attention-getter in relation to your prompt. You need to show your
comprehension of the prompt, so make the context of your attention-getter clear here. Contextualization
may be brief and should function as a transition into the “insight” of your story.
Insight: A personal narrative should reflect the deeper understanding or emotion impact that developed
through the course of your experience. This insight may be in the form of a lesson learned or an epiphany
about your world, the people in your world, or simply yourself. Revelations are not always positive. Real
revelations are nuanced and most likely cannot be reduced to bumper sticker adages.
Writing into the Contradictions: Avoid the clichés. Contradictions are natural in life, and a good story
should reveal these natural contradictions. For example, a student may write about the lessons he/she
may have learned as an athlete, musician, a science student, etc. However, students often write only about
positive revelations, but these tend to be half-truths. All learning experiences involve struggle, discomfort,
and eventually insight. Writing towards this type of discomfort will be much more interesting for your
audience – the admissions officers.
Calendar
Monday, May 19
Tuesday, May 20
Wednesday, May 21
Thursday, May 22
Friday, May 23
Introduction of narrative
Socratic Seminar
Work with narratives
Honors Assembly/Finalize idea for personal narrative
Social Studies Resource Room
Tuesday, May 27
Wednesday, May 28
Thursday, May 29
Friday, May 30
Social Studies Resource Room (print out rough draft)
Work with draft (hard copy)
Socratic Seminar
Synthesis
Monday, June 2
Tuesday, June 3
Final Draft Due/Synthesis
Synthesis