Writing a Personal Narrative

By Ms. Schmidt

Fiction Non-fiction Biography Autobiography

Narration is writing that tells a story.

It is autobiographical– its about YOU! It talks about something MEANINGFUL

that you have experienced in your life. You must take the time to reflect

about a meaningful experience that has happened to you personally.

What is a personal Narrative?

An INTORDCUTION has to get the

readers attention. A consistent point of view is

needed. Write in the first person. Use the words such as “I” , “we” ,

“me or “us”.

What does it take to write an “A” paper?

Arrange events in order so your story makes sense.

The most common order would be chronological order.

Your essay should have a logical order

Choose important details and

words carefully.

Try to avoid adding unnecessary details or vague descriptions.

Good details and word choices are essential

Your emotions and

thoughts are what the story personal and interesting.

The reader wants to know your point of view.

Include your thoughts and feelings in your essay

Get to the point! Explain why this event made a

difference in your life. Why was this meaningful? Inspire your reader

Share the meaning!

Brainstorm:

Think about a turning point in your life– something wonderful or tragic that happened to you.

Did you learn a lesson the hard way?

Did you change for the better? Did the experience make you

stronger?

Where do I start?

Reflect:

What did you learn? Why was the experience meaningful? Why was this important?

If you can answer these questions fully, you probably have enough material to begin writing

Where do I start

Ask yourself these questions: Can I share this with others? Make

sure you are willing to share this experience.

Will other people be able to relate to my experience and what I learned?

Where do I start?

What is the point?

Start with the end first– what do you want your audience to learn from this?

Examples We can conquer our fears… Somethings are learned the hard way

…. I'm a better person because of what

happened…

What is the point?

What does your reader need to know to better

understand the story Where did this happen? How old were you ? What brought this on? Who else was involved? Make a list and give details throughout your

essay.

Background information

Create an introduction

that hooks the reader. Tell the events of the story. Add important details. Conclusion should explain

why this experience was significant.

Rough Draft

Reading your rough draft aloud

helps you find your own mistakes.

Better yet, have someone else read it back to you.

Read the rough draft out loud.

Correct any spelling and grammar

mistakes. Get rid of “dead words” and

choose good verbs and adjectives to add details and interest.

Find and correct all of the little mistakes.

Clean it up.

Produce the final copy Typed with MLA heading Double spaced 12 point Times New Roman font

Publish the essay

Get full credit for your work by

turning it in on time !

Turn it in on time

You have now completed a narrative writing

sample

YOU DID IT!