story telling

Essay #1: Narrative: Telling a Story

Length:

400 words

Format:

MLA or APA style, double

–

spaced, 12

–

pt font

Assignment Overview:

In this first major essay, you will write a personal narrative that explores a moment of joy or

resilience in your life. You might choose a moment that was joyful despite hardship, a time when

you or someone close to you showed great strength, or an experience that taught you how joy

and resistance are deeply connected.

This essay is about telling your story with depth, voice, and meaning. Your job is not only to

describe what happened, but to reflect on what that moment reveals about who you are and what

y

ou believe about joy, resistance, survival, or self

–

worth.

Your Narrative Should:

Tell a specific, detailed story from your life

.

Focus on a meaningful moment of joy, strength, healing, or growth

Reflect on why the moment matters

what you learned or how you changed

Use vivid language, sensory detail, and dialogue where appropriate

Some Possible Prompts:

Describe a time when you felt joyful in an environment that didnt expect or support it.

What made that joy possible?

Write about a personal or family tradition that helps you feel strong or connecte

d. What

does that say about your community or your identity?

Share a story about overcoming something difficult

whether big or small

and how

that experience shaped your understanding of resilience.

Reflect on a space (a kitchen, a basketball court, a bedroom, a park) that brings you peace

or power. What happens there?

Assessment Criteria:

Your essay will be evaluated on how well it:

Tells a compelling and focused story

Uses descriptive language and sensory detail

Reflects meaningfully on the moments significance

Organizes ideas clearly and develops them thoughtfully

Shows evidence of revision, proofreading, and care