ESSAY 2: NARRATIVE

Your final narrative will be submitted to a magazine.

-it needs to be 500-600 words; NO MORE THAN 800.
-in English

Draft 2: Monday, March 31
Draft 3: Monday, April 7
FINAL: Friday, April 11th

____________________
This is a schedule for the rest of the semester! (it may change)

April 14(film),16(film),18 (discuss), 21 (no class)

April 23,25,28,30 : PRESENTATIONS

May 2,5: more presentations; other things

A Brief Guide to Writing Narrative Essays

Narrative writing tells a story. In essays, the narrative writing could also be considered reflection or an exploration of the author's values told as a story. The author may remember his or her past, or a memorable person or event from that past, or even observe the present.

When you're writing a narrative essay, loosen up. After all, you're basically just telling a story to someone, something you probably do every day in casual conversation. Use first person and talk it through first. You might even want to either tape record your story as if you were telling it to someone for the first time or actually tell it to a friend.

Once you get the basic story down, then you can begin turning it into an essay. The important aspect to remember is that you should have a story. In a successful narrative essay, the author usually makes a point.

Features

1. The story should have an introduction that clearly indicates what kind of narrative essay it is (an event or recurring activity, a personal experience, or an observation), and it should have a conclusion that makes a point.

2. The essay should include anecdotes. The author should describe the person, the scene, or the event in some detail. It's okay to include dialogue as long as you know how to punctuate it correctly and as long as you avoid using too much.

3. The occasion or person described must be suggestive in that your description and thoughts lead the reader to reflect on the human experience. For instance, I read an excellent student essay that told the story of a young woman forced to shoot several wolves that were attacking her cattle. She told her story and included the inner struggle she faced as she made the choice of saving the cattle or saving the wolves. She shot the wolves, but learned that whatever her choice had been, she would not have been comfortable with it. One of life's lessons is that sometimes there is no right choice, and that was the point of the essay.

4. The point of view in narrative essays is usually first person. The use of "I" invites your readers into an intimate discussion.

5. The writing in your essay should be lively and show some style. Try to describe ideas and events in new and different ways. Avoid using clichés. Again, get the basic story down, get it organized, and in your final editing process, work on word choice.

taken from: http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/Narration.html

more links:

http://www.writeexpress.com/narrative-essay.html

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/composition/narrative.htm

http://custom-writing.org/blog/writing-tips/free-essay-writing-tips/123.html

Assignment #3

Class date: Friday, Jan. 18

I have 2 short things I would like you to read:

1.)From the reading packet in SAC, read the passage from the novel The Catcher in the Rye. In it, the main character (“Holden”) discusses how angry it makes him when he sees graffiti on the wall at his younger sisters (“Phoebe”) school.

2.)Go to this website http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/realestate/03post.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin and read the news article about a graffiti mural that included painting by Basquiat found recently in a New York building.

For Your Writing Book: Create 1 page of your own graffiti. If you had a blank wall, what would you put on it?

Have a nice weekend, see you in class next week!! I'm going to check your Writing Books, so have all 3 writings in there!

Assignment #2

Class date: Wednesday, January 16

Wonderful job everyone on the Assignment #1! Very thoughtful responses!!!

For Assignment #2:

1.) watch this video of Basquiat on YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yceebS7LXiw

(you can also type in “Basquiat painting live” and it will come up)

2.) Think and write on the blog about these things (approx. 75 words):

- In the video, we see Basquiat vandalizing property and a car with is graffiti, something many of you said was not acceptable, yet he still is remembered as a great artist. Why was Basquiat so popular? What do you think was “special” about his work?

- What is your interpretation of:

"The Whole Livery Line

Bow Like This With

The Big Money All

Crushed Into These Feet"

- What are the messages/themes in Basquiat’s paintings? Banksy’s?

3.) For your Writing Book: “freewrite”: write about anything you want; 50 words mas o menos)

Feliz Feriado (on Lunes)! Have a good weekend!

Assignment #1: Graffiti as Written Expression?

Class Date: Friday January 11th

We are going to be looking at 2 famous graffiti artists: Basquiat and Banksy.
Google them both and find out about their lives and work:
Here are some websites to get you started:
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/basquiat/street-to-studio/

http://www.banksy.co.uk/


Post on WebCT before 11:30AM on January 11th, answer these question:


- Do you think graffiti is a good way of expression?
- Which painting (if any) of either Banksy or Basquiat did you like the most? Why?
(you can also respond to each others comments)

For your Writing Book: What do I WANT to learn about in my life? (anything you want to learn about: cars, cultures, languages, photography, etc etc