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MLA Template 2024.docx (16.293 KB)
For your first essay, you will write a narrative about an area of life in which you have developed “competence or knowledge.” This is NOT a “how-to” essay. Instead, it is a chronological series of at least 4 events or memories that trace your relationship with this skill/knowledge over time. Follow the outline and steps below to organize your essay.
Narrative Essay Outline
Introduction Paragraph
Background Details
Thesis Statement
1st Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence for 1st Event
Details
2nd Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence for 2nd Event
Details
3rd Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence for 3rd Event
Details
4th Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence for 4th Event
Details
Conclusion Paragraph
Reiterated Thesis
Closing Thoughts
Step 1—Preparation: First read the helpful material in “The Writing Process—Part 1” and “Narrative” (see above).
Step 2—Choose Topic: Choose a topic that MATTERS emotionally to you. Possible topics include reading and writing; job or technical skills; sports and hobbies; and life skills.
Step 3—Prewriting Questions: Use these prewriting questions to help you gather details about your topic.
When were you first introduced to the topic (skill or knowledge)? Were you motivated by a person, an experience, or your own curiosity?
How did you feel about this topic at first? Difficult? Boring? Rewarding? Confusing?
How did your feelings change or grow over time? Why?
What key moments, memories, or scenes do you remember? What sensory details do you associate with each one? What emotions or conversations to you recall?
How would you describe your relationship with this topic now? What has this topic (or writing about it) taught you about yourself? What can others learn from your experience(s), even it they don’t possess this skill or knowledge?
Step 4—Thesis Statement: Your prewriting details will help you create a thesis statement. Thesis statements consist of a topic and your assertion about that topic. For this class, thesis statements should appear at the end of the introduction, right before the body paragraphs. Here are some examples of “working” thesis statements you can use as a guide for drafting. But don’t forget…As you revise the body paragraphs, you should replace the “working” thesis statement with an updated one that accurately reflects those revisions.
My first year at Meadows Nursing Home helped me grow from a timid rookie to a confident professional.
The way my sister dealt with a family emergency taught me to be prepared for the unexpected.
Managing my anxiety continues to be a struggle, but I am proud of my progress.
Although coach helped me become good soccer player, it was his teaching style that turned me into a respectable young adult.
Step 5—Body Paragraphs: Body paragraphs support—or prove—your thesis statement. Each one includes a topic sentence and details. The topic sentence is like a “mini” thesis statement that appears at the beginning of the paragraph and summarizes its main idea. (HINT: If you have a strong thesis statement, you can often “borrow” key words/ideas from it to create the topic sentences.) Major details support the topic sentence and give the paragraph its structure; minor details support each major detail and add interest.
Step 6—Rough Draft: When you are ready to begin drafting, open and save the attached MLA Template. Organize your essay according to the outline and be sure to include your introduction and conclusion. Submit your rough draft by the due date. Your essay should be a minimum of 1000 words.
Step 7—Prepare for revising: Get a head start on revising by reading the helpful material in “The Writing Process—Part 2” and “The Writing Process—Part 3” (see June 17-June 23 folder).
Step 8—Check My Grades for feedback: To view my feedback, go to My Grades and click on the name of the assignment. You should see a copy of your assignment with my highlights and comments. (If you do not see your assignment, go back to My Grades and make sure you click on the assignment name—for example, Narrative Assignment Two—not the blue bubble.) To the right, you will see the number of points you earned.
If you earn full credit: You have the heavy work behind you. Now you can focus mostly on individual paragraphs and sentences.
If you earn less than full credit: You have some major corrections to make, but that’s what rough drafts are for—to catch major errors before you move on to the final draft.
Step 9—Final Drafts: Final Drafts should show improvements based on my feedback AND what you have learned from the reading assignments. Final Draft grades are based on the points you earn for each of the ten categories listed here:
Grading Categories
Points earned
2 = Good
1 = Average
0 = Poor/Not Included
Work Is Complete
General MLA Format
Organization
Effective Introduction
Focused Clear Thesis
Paragraphs
Conclusion
Transitions
Sentences
Grammar and Mechanics
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