Personal Narrative – see requirements below

I’m studying and need help with a English question to help me learn.

Value: 20% of your semester’s grade

Length: At least two pages, no more than three; typed and double-spaced

Due: Completed working draft due by 11:00 PM Wednesday, Sept. 16

Final draft due by 11:00 PM Thursday, Sept. 24

Late papers will not be accepted.

Topics: You may select either of the following topics:

Topic 1 – A Literacy Narrative

Remember that “literacy” refers to more than just academic reading and writing. Literacy also refers to a specific skill set or knowledge that makes a person competent in a specific area. A literacy narrative tells the story of your acquisition of this skill set/knowledge.

Identify a specific literacy that you possess, and explain the process you underwent to acquire that literacy. What obstacles or difficulties did you face? Why was it important to become competent in this area? How has this literacy helped shape the person you are today?

Topic 2 – A Narrative About Race

Write a narrative in which you share an experience involving racial awareness. Like our reading by Steele, this narrative may describe how you first became aware of racial diversity and discrimination, or like Brent Staples, you may want to deal with more recent events. What did this experience teach you, and how has it helped shape your views and actions as a young adult?

Requirements: 1. Your work must be typed according to your MLA Format Guide.

2. Use your plot diagram to help organize your narrative.

3. Your essay should include specific details and vivid language to appeal to

the reader’s senses, as appropriate. Show the reader your experience, rather

that simply telling about the experience. Remember that although your essay

is a narrative, it is enhanced by adding descriptive elements.

4. In this essay, you should:

• Demonstrate effective use of narration and description
• Incorporate personal experience/perspective, not research
• Use voice that is audience-appropriate
• Develop and sustain a controlling idea
• Use effective organization
• Use effective self-editing strategies, especially to avoid errors in sentence structure

Show evidence of an effective writing process (prewriting,