Write an essay in which you relate an important change in your life. This may be a change in residence, such as immigrating to the United States or moving from one city to another; in a relationship (such as marriage or divorce); in employment; in physical appearance; in health; or in membership in a group (either joining or leaving).

Major Essay 2: Narration

Requirements

  • 3 to 4 pages
  • MLA Format
  • Participation in Workshop
  • Clear and Logical Writing

 

What is a Narrative Essay?

A narrative essay tells a meaningful and moving story to make a point. A narrative essay assignment asks writers to write about an important event or time period in their life. The goal is to narrate this event or situation in a way that the reader can fully experience and understand.

 

 

Assignment

Write an essay in which you relate an important change in your life. This may be a change in residence, such as immigrating to the United States or moving from one city to another; in a relationship (such as marriage or divorce); in employment; in physical appearance; in health; or in membership in a group (either joining or leaving).

 

Develop each part of the story fully:

  1. Explain the circumstances that led to the change.
  2. Tell about how you felt during the change.
  3. Analyze what that change has meant in your life.

 

 

Tips for making a narrative essay more effective:

 

  • You will probably need to write several drafts to ensure that each part is detailed enough and complete so that the whole essay interests the reader.

 

  • Your introduction and conclusion should help the reader understand the meaning of the experience.

 

  • Show, don’t tell: Avoid simply telling readers what something looks like–tell readers how it tastes, smells, sounds, or feels!

 

  • Use strong verbs to describe vividly the setting, characters, and the plot of your story.

 

 

 

Tips and Further Information

 

  • If you get stuck, review the class lectures on the Blackboard in the Lectures file of the Course Materials.

 

  • Also, read the sample student’s essay, “A Weighty Experience,” on pages 82 to 84 in your textbook, Steps for Writers.

 

  • Writing a quality essay is no overnight matter; be prepared to spend an extensive amount of time in the writing process.

 

 

  • The SCAA welcomes all writers in all stages of the writing process. Plan a visit.

 

 

Format requirements

Only essays following these formatting requirements will be accepted:

 

  • typed; double-spaced
  • 12-point, standard-type font (e.g., Times New Roman)
  • all four margins set at 1”
  • MLA formatting
  • header with last name and page number on all pages
  • single-sided printing (for final drafts)
  • 3-4 complete pages