ASSIGNMENT: Write a 2-3 page (approximately 500-800 words) narrative essay about a single event using the techniques and elements of narrative writingt. In addition, you must
answer the "Think About Your Writing" questions, described below, beneath your essay.
A. Directions
Step 1: Choose a Topic
Choose a topic that enables you to tell a short, interesting personal narrative essay. Your narrative can be funny, suspenseful, meaningful, or exciting, but it must focus on one event.
EXAMPLE
If you decide to write about traveling to Washington DC, you should not write about the entire trip. Choose one event (e.g., an afternoon you spent visiting the National Portrait Gallery, or shopping in Georgetown, or taking a tour of the White House) and tell a detailed story that focuses on that single event.
The following are some ideas that can help you to select a topic for your story:
Firsts: Think of a "first" in your life and describe that moment in detail.
Proud moment: Choose a moment when you felt proud about an accomplishment.
Adversity: Describe a time when you had to think or act quickly to overcome a challenge.
Travel: Recall a memorable experience you had while visiting an interesting place.
Topic Choice Guidance: We encourage you to choose any one event from your life
that you feel comfortable sharing in an academic context with a classroom audience in mind.
Step 2. Write a Narrative Essay
Write a narrative essay that meets the following criteria:
Presents a focused, meaningful narrative: The composition is consistently focused, and details are relevant and specific.
Tells the story using a logical, smooth sequence of events: The sequence of events and details is logical and easy to follow throughout the composition.
Develops a clear beginning, middle, and end: The composition has a clear and well-developed beginning, middle, and end. The opening paragraph(s) thoroughly introduce the setting, characters, and situation. The middle paragraphs thoroughly describe the progression of events. The closing paragraph(s) provide a thorough resolution to the narrative.
Uses narrative language and techniques competently: Uses narrative language and techniques (e.g., concrete and sensory details, figurative language, vivid description, dialogue, pacing, and plot development) effectively throughout the composition.
Demonstrates command of standard English grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and usage: There are few, if any, negligible errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, formatting, and usage.
Step 3. Think About Your Writing
Below your completed narrative, include answers to all of the following reflection questions:
Which narrative techniques did you use to bring your narrative to life? (2-3 sentences) Did you use vivid description, sensory details, and/or dialogue to engage readers? Provide two examples from your essay in which you “show” readers rather than “tell” them. EXAMPLE: A sentence such as "I glanced at the clock, grabbed my briefcase, and sprinted for the elevator" uses more descriptive language than simply saying, "I was running late for the meeting."
How did your purpose and audience shape the way in which you wrote your narrative? (3-4 sentences) Your hypothetical audience extends beyond the people who will evaluate your narrative. Which individuals or groups were you addressing when you wrote your narrative, and how did consideration of your audience and your purpose influence the way in which you wrote it?
Provide a concrete example from your narrative that shows how you have written specifically for this audience and purpose. (3-5 sentences) Consider including a quotation from your essay and explaining how it was written to appeal to your audience and to accomplish your purpose. Alternatively, you might describe a theme, tone, or narrative technique that you used and explain how it was intended to appeal to your audience and achieve your purpose.
The Thrill of Skydiving: A Moment of Freedom
Skydiving is an exhilarating activity that pushes the boundaries of fear and delivers a rush of adrenaline like no other. It was on a hot summer day, during my first skydiving experience, that I truly understood the meaning of freedom. The anticipation, the breathtaking view from above, and the feeling of weightlessness as I descended through the sky all combined to create a moment that I will never forget.
As I stood at the edge of the open airplane door, my heart pounded in my chest with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The wind whipped against my face, and the roar of the engine filled my ears. I took a deep breath, reminding myself to trust in the professional instructor who was securely attached to my back. With a final glance at the safety instructions, I took a leap of faith into the vast expanse of blue above.
The initial freefall was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. The ground seemed to rapidly retreat as I plummeted through the air at an incredible speed. The rush of wind made it difficult to breathe, but it also added to the thrill. My senses were heightened as I felt the forces of nature in full effect.
To bring this experience to life for readers, I employed vivid description and sensory details throughout my narrative. For instance, I described the wind whipping against my face and the roar of the engine filling my ears. These details help readers feel as if they are right there with me, experiencing the same intense sensations.
As I reached terminal velocity, the sensation of falling transformed into one of floating. It was as if gravity had momentarily released its grip on me, allowing me to defy its laws. The world around me became a blur as I looked down at the patchwork of fields and forests below. The earth seemed so small and insignificant from this height, and it gave me a profound sense of perspective.
In this part of my narrative, I used figurative language to enhance the reader's understanding and emotional connection to the experience. I described the sensation of floating and defying gravity, using metaphors to create a vivid image in readers' minds. By doing so, I aimed to engage readers and transport them into the thrilling moment alongside me.
As I approached the ground, my instructor pulled the parachute cord, and we suddenly slowed down. The abrupt change in speed caused my stomach to lurch, but it also provided a moment of serenity. The world below came into focus once again, and I could see people on the ground looking up at us in awe.
The final part of my narrative aimed to provide a resolution to the event by describing the safe landing and the reactions of those who witnessed our descent. By including this detail, I wanted to convey a sense of accomplishment and triumph, as well as highlight the impact that this experience had on those around me.
When writing my narrative, I kept in mind both my purpose and audience. My purpose was to convey the exhilarating and transformative nature of skydiving, while my audience was a classroom audience with an academic context in mind. Therefore, I aimed to strike a balance between engaging storytelling and maintaining a level of professionalism in my writing.
To appeal to my audience and achieve my purpose, I used a mix of descriptive language, figurative language, and a logical sequence of events. For example, I described the physical sensations in detail to engage readers' senses, while also incorporating metaphors to add depth and emotion to the narrative. Additionally, I ensured that the narrative flowed smoothly and followed a clear beginning, middle, and end structure.
In conclusion,
my first skydiving experience was a moment of freedom that will forever be etched in my memory. Through vivid description, sensory details, and figurative language, I aimed to bring this exhilarating event to life for readers. By carefully considering my purpose and audience, I crafted a narrative that engages readers while maintaining an appropriate academic tone. Skydiving taught me that sometimes you have to take a leap of faith to truly experience the thrill of freedom.
Think About Your Writing
In my narrative essay about skydiving, I used various narrative techniques to bring the story to life. For example, I incorporated vivid description by describing the wind whipping against my face and the roar of the engine filling my ears. These sensory details help engage readers and make them feel as if they are experiencing the same intense sensations.
My purpose in writing this narrative was to convey the exhilarating and transformative nature of skydiving. My audience consisted of a classroom audience in an academic context. To appeal to this audience and achieve my purpose, I balanced engaging storytelling with maintaining a level of professionalism in my writing.
An example from my narrative that shows how I wrote specifically for this audience and purpose is when I described the physical sensations in detail. By engaging readers' senses through sensory details such as feeling the wind against their face or hearing the roar of the engine, I aimed to create a more immersive experience for them. This appeals to the audience's desire for excitement while also conveying the transformative nature of skydiving.