“Personal Vignette” Writing Prompt
The Task: You will create a collection of three personal vignettes. The topics for those
vignettes will stem from the journals that we have written or personal topics of interest.
In considering what to write, think about the topics Esperanza uses for her vignettes:

A significant story or event in her life (ex: “A Rice Sandwich)

Introducing an important character(s) (ex: “Alicia Who Sees Mice”)

Revealing something about herself (ex: “My Name”)

Discussing her hope for the future (ex: “Bums in the Attic”)

Describing an important object (ex: “Four Skinny Trees”)
What Each Vignette Should Do:

Tell an interesting story about you, using one of the methods above

Use descriptive language and showing strategies that we have learned in class

Connect to one central theme established on your title page (This theme could
be a place, idea, feeling, hope, etc. Think about Esperanza’s theme of escape,
and how all vignettes connected to that idea.)
Grading Criteria:

3 vignettes that are at ½ page each (typed, double spaced, 12 point font, 1”
Margins)

Vignettes have an established common theme or purpose

There is a title page, complete with creative, appropriate illustration and
title. (Your title should portray your theme.)

Use of descriptive techniques (showing not telling, tone, metaphors, imagery,
use of detail, characters, etc.)
Value: 50 points

15 points per vignette

5 points for title page
Due Date: Friday, December 4th
Vignette Brainstorm
Begin by thinking of two possible themes to use. (You will ultimately pick one that works
best.) Consider your values, beliefs, predominant traits, or what makes you unique
when trying to determine a theme.
Then, consider something you could write about for each type of vignette that might
relate to your theme.
Significant story from your
past:
Important character in
your life:
Something about
yourself:
Your hope for the future:
An important object in
your life:
Theme 1:
Theme 2:
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