Essay 2 - Tell a Story *****FINAL ESSAY SUBMIT HERE **See more length descriptions

Essay 2 - Tell a Story

Requirements

Format:  Story or Essay

Length:  3-5 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 point font

(Hint:  To keep from going over length, this should be a story you could tell in about two minutes or less!)  Do not go over five pages, typed, double-spaced 12 point type; if you do, you have not narrowed the parameters of your story enough.

Scoring Focus: 

• Ideas and details – specific, vivid, includes at least some elements of narration
• Organization – has beginning, middle, end, although not necessarily in that order, transitions guide reader as needed, 3-5 pages not more
• Conventions – spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar are under control, well proofread
• Overall Satisfaction Factor – story made a point or was entertaining, didn’t leave me hanging but also left me thinking, “I’d read more of that.”

Point Value:  100

Please submit as file upload if at all possible.

DUE DATES AND POINT VALUES FOR ESSAY 2 

   Prewrite/Brainstorm 10 points

     IN CLASS PEER EDIT SESSION IS WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

     Discussion board provided for back-up and extra feedback.

Rough Draft and Peer Edit - 30 points

   IN CLASS PEER EDIT SESSION IS WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15

   Discussion board provided for back-up and extra feedback.

Final Essay submitted for this Assignment DUE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22

ASSIGNMENT: 

So, tell me a story.  Okay, actually, write me a story.  This could be autobiographical, but it doesn't have to be.  It could be the absolute truth, an enhanced version of the truth, or complete fiction.  I strongly suggest reviewing the Sample Student Essays in Chapter 11.

Definitely include elements of narration and use some of the tools discussed in Chapter 11:

• great description and sensory details
• conflict
• plot movement and sequencing
• named characters
• dialogue
• interesting point of view
• show not just tell

For topics, keep it fairly small and contained.  You do NOT have to choose one of the below suggestions; they are offered for guidance.

• Tell a story about a relative, just the funniest one or just the most revealing one
• Tell a story about one truly significant day
• Tell a story about a single event or a single encounter with a person
• Tell a story about one particular place or one vacation
• In an interview, you are often asked, “Tell me a bit about yourself.” Well, you will be telling a story specifically appropriate to that audience.  This could be a kind of practice run.
• If you want to challenge yourself and be really creative, tell a story about a futuristic robot love- triangle murder mystery with dragons—but you’ll have to do this in just 3-5 pages.

Telling a story is not exactly the same as writing an essay; there's certainly more freedom in format.  You don't have to state your topic + controlling idea = thesis in the introduction, but your story should have a point.  You can think of this as a lesson or moral or insight the reader will leave with after reading the story.  You need some kind of beginning-middle-end, but you could play with the order by using flashbacks or flash-forwards; just be sure to guide your reader with transitions.  You can be creative, serious, funny; let yourself go a bit.  Having said all this about freedom, if you want to stick to a more traditional essay format, you can still create an entertaining story within that structure.  Remember, you tell stories every day:  the story of how your day went, the story about the accident you witnessed, the story retelling the argument you overheard in the break room. If you really get stuck, actually tell a story to someone and have that person take notes, or record yourself telling a story.