For your first essay, you will write a narrative in first person, past tense about a moment from your past that you feel holds enough significance for reflection

For your first essay, you will write a narrative in first person, past tense about a moment from
your past that you feel holds enough significance for reflection. You can interpret this in many
ways: from a tragedy that has shaped the person you are today to a subtle interaction you had
with a stranger that has stayed with you to a hilarious moment with a group of friends that lead to
a realization. Maybe this could be about a place you visited that holds some personal value? Or
perhaps a relationship that broke your heart that you may now see as a life lesson? Think about
activities, prompts, and assignments we have had so far in the course and if there could be a
jumping off point somewhere. Keep in mind all aspects discussed over the first section of the
course, such as characterization, details, tense, plot, etc. Everyone has a story that they can pull
out and expand on, and I am asking you to be creative, concise, sincere, and thoughtful in your
first essay.
Please format your essay using standard MLA formatting. Please double and triple check your
margins, spacing, page numbers, font, etc. for correctness. This paper should be no less than 700
words. (NOTE: If this paper is submitted with more than 200 words under the word count, it will
not be graded.) There are no sources for this paper, so no reference page is needed.
You will be handing this in through Canvas by the day and time given for the course on the
syllabus and schedule. You will find the directions for this assignment and the submission portal
to turn in this paper under the Modules tab on Canvas.
Ideas and Content:
_____ focuses on a specific experience or time in the writer’s life
_____ presents an appealing picture of the action and the people
_____ characterizes themselves and others
_____ uses dialogue effectively and strategically
_____ written in first person, past tense
_____ by the end, there is a reflective quality to the piece that answers the question: “why does this matter?”
Organization:
_____ has a clear beginning, a middle, and an end (plot)
_____ gives events in an order that is easy to follow (linear or nonlinear)
_____ transitions flow from each paragraph and/or section
Word Choice:
_____ contains specific nouns and creative verbs
_____ uses sensory details
_____ verb tenses are consistent
_____ concrete words used often for descriptions
_____ uses simile and metaphor throughout
Conventions:
_____ applies basic rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics
_____ presents paper according to format listed in directions