Writing Workshop Narrative Writing: Personal Narrative

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Writing WorkshopNarrative Writing Personal
Narrative
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Personal Narrative
Assignment Write a narrative telling about an
experience youve had. (You may choose the
audienceyour classmates, teachers, family, or
friends.)
In a personal narrative you tell about an
experience youve had that taught you something.
You share your thoughts and feelings about the
experience. Youre an expert on the subject
because the subject is you!
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Personal Narrative
Feature Menu
Choosing a Subject Explaining the Importance of
the Experience Getting Started Assignment
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Personal NarrativeChoosing a Subject
Life is full of memorable experiences to write
about. Do you have any souvenirs that remind you
of a special event in your life?
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Personal NarrativeChoosing a Subject
To find a memorable event to write about, make
cluster maps for feelings such as joy,
disappointment, anger, pride, excitement, and
loneliness.
My dad lost his job.
I didnt make the dance team.
Disappointment
I placed third in the science fair.
My braces have to stay on longer.
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Personal NarrativeChoosing a Subject
Another way to spark memories is through word
association. Freewrite about subjects like these.
danger
One night our house caught on fire. No one was
hurt because wed practiced emergency exits.
I found twenty dollars in the drug store parking
lot! I thought about keeping it but decided to
turn it in. It belonged to a mom buying medicine
for her baby.
luck
On my twelfth birthday my dad surprised me with
tickets to a Steelers game! The two of us went to
Heinz Field, and the Steelers won!
surprises
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Personal NarrativeChoosing A Subject
As you look over your notes, consider these three
questions
1. Am I willing to share this experience with
others?
I was disappointed about not making the dance
team, but I understand why I didnt. I feel OK
about sharing the experience with others.
2. Do I remember a lot about this incident?
Its so clear in my mind! I remember what I was
thinking, what I wore, how I felt, and what other
people said.
3. Does this incident mean something important to
me?
Bouncing back and being willing to try out again
next year showed me how strong I can be.
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Personal NarrativeExplaining the Importance of
the Experience
What makes your experience special to you? Did it
make you a better person?
Stronger?
Kinder?
Wiser?
Happier?
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Personal NarrativeExplaining the Importance of
the Experience
Maybe through your experience you discovered
something about someone other than yourself.
I learned that Allie was my friend only when it
was convenient for her.
a friend
Weve had the wrong idea about Mr. Katz. He
doesnt like a lot of noise, but he isnt mean or
frightening.
a neighbor
In a sentence or two, explain the special meaning
your experience had for you. You will probably
use this explanation near the end of your
personal narrative.
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Personal NarrativeDrafting Getting Started
Everything you need to know for writing your
personal narrative is in your head. The
characters, setting, plot, conflict and details
are part of an event with which youre already
familiar.
So, open the tap. Start writing, and your ideas
will pour out.
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Writing WorkshopNarrative Writing Personal
Narrative
The End