Bean Trees Personal Narrative
Choose one of the following prompts and write a personal narrative. Include a thesis statement in the introduction and a reflection in the
conclusion. Specifications: Typed, Double-spaced, MLA Style, two pages
a. In The Bean Trees, Taylor comes to realize that like the wisteria vine, we all thrive with the help of others.
What is your opinion of the idea that people rely on others, that we all need others to live a fulfilling life?
b. In The Bean Trees, Estevan says we "believe that if something terrible happens to someone, they must have deserved it".
What is your opinion of the idea that we are not very compassionate about the plight of others?
c. In The Bean Trees, all of the major characters are involved with quests or goals. The author, Barbara Kingsolver, seems to be suggesting that
some kind of journey, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual, is necessary for any chance of happiness or satisfaction.
What is your opinion of the idea that we are strongly motivated by the need to prove ourselves or find ourselves?
Narrative Essay Rubric
Introduction
and
Conclusion
(15)
Organization
(15)
A
Well-developed
introduction engages the
reader and creates interest.
Contains detailed
background information.
Thesis clearly states a
significant and compelling
position or belief.
Conclusion effectively
wraps up and goes beyond
restating the thesis.
Logical progression of details
with a clear and effective
order that enhances the essay
and provides a vivid
description of the topic with
appropriate and effective
B
Introduction creates
interest. Sufficient
background information is
provided. Thesis clearly
states the position or
belief.
Conclusion effectively
summarizes topics.
C
Introduction
adequately explains the
background, but may
lack detail. Thesis
states the position or
belief.
Conclusion is
recognizable and ties
up almost all loose
ends.
D
Background details are
a random collection of
information, unclear, or
not related to the topic.
Thesis is vague or
unclear.
Conclusion does not
summarize main points.
Logical progression of
details with a clear and
effective order. Transitions
are present, but they do not
enhance the overall
effectiveness of the
Organization is clear.
Some transitions are
present, while others are
either inappropriate or
missing.
The flow of the essay
from detail to detail is
difficult to understand or
implies that important
information has been left
out.
F
No apparent
background or
thesis. No
conclusion
apparent.
No discernible
organization.
Transitions are not
present.
transitions.
The main idea or a thesis
statement is clearly defined.
There may be more than one
key point. Appropriate
relevant information and
details are shared from a
variety of sources including
personal experiences,
observations, and prior
knowledge. Supporting
details are accurate, relevant,
and helpful in clarifying the
main idea(s). Provides an
insightful lesson and
resolution.
paragraph.
The main idea can be
identified. The writer shares
relevant information, facts
and experiences. There is a
clear distinction between
general observations and
specifics. Supporting
details are relevant and
explain the main idea.
Provides an adequate lesson
and resolution.
Style: Flow,
tone, word
choice
(15 points)
Writing is smooth, skillful,
and coherent. Sentences are
strong and expressive with
varied structure. Consistent
and appropriate tone and
word choice is used
throughout the paragraph.
Sense language is used to
"show, not tell" the reader
what is being described.
Mechanics
(15 points)
No consistent errors in
punctuation, spelling,
grammar, or capitalization.
MAIN
POINTS
Body
Paragraphs
(20 points)
The main idea can be
identified. The writer
shares some information,
facts and experiences,
but may show problems
going from general
observations to specifics.
Stronger support and
greater attention to
details would strengthen
this paper. Lesson and
resolution are implied,
but not strong.
More than one of the
following problems may
be evident: The main idea
is not identifiable. The
writer shares some
information, but it is
limited or unclear. Details
are missing or repetitious.
Inadequate resolution.
There is no main
idea or Supporting
details do not
support the main
idea. There is no
lesson or
resolution. Details
are irrelevant to the
assignment.
Writing is clear and
sentences have varied
structure. There is consistent
tone and word choice is
appropriate with fairly good
use of sense language to
create imagery.
Writing is clear, but
sentences may lack
variety. The tone is
inconsistent and word
choice, while adequate,
could be better. While
sense language is used, it
is not very effective in
creating imagery
Writing appears rushed or
underdeveloped.
A few minor consistent
errors in punctuation,
spelling, grammar, or
capitalization, but they do
not detract from the overall
meaning and effectiveness
of the paragraph.
A few regular errors in
punctuation, grammar,
spelling, and
capitalization that. While
distracting, the meaning
and intent of the
paragraph can still be
discerned.
The overall presentation
of the essay displays a
lack of proofreading and
attention to detail. While
the essay MIGHT be
readable, it is
uncomfortable and
unprofessional.
Writing is
confusing and hard
to follow. Contains
fragments and/or
run-on sentences.
The tone and
purpose is
inconsistent and
difficult to
determine.
The word choice is
inadequate.
Distracting and
major errors in
grammar,
punctuation,
spelling, and
capitalization.