Culture+Paper

= **PERSONAL NARRATIVE #1: Considering Culture** = Print me!

1.5-2 pages double spaced. Each of your summer reading books is a memoir that depicts important events in the protagonist's early life. Through vivid concrete detail, dialogue, and sensory images she brings each episode to life. Though we do not actually experience these events, the protagonist's words make us feel as if we are there with her. The concept of culture plays an important role in each memoir. I would like each of you to hone the art of narration, using culture as a “jumping-off point”.

In this narrative, detail a personal experience that illustrates an aspect of culture or cultural misunderstanding. Tell your story from the first person point of view, providing concrete details and dialogue, if appropriate, to convey a vivid recollection of the event or experience. Through the inclusion of your thoughts and feelings, this personal narrative will demonstrate for the reader the impact the episode has had on your life.

Keep in mind: The event does not have to be monumental or earth-shattering. It must be important to you, illustrate an aspect of culture or cultural misunderstanding, and be important enough to share. Perhaps you learned a lesson from what happened; perhaps you found a new friend; or perhaps you changed the course of your life. Nearly any memory powerful enough for you to recall is a potential personal narrative.


 * Try to write in scene. That is, put your reader in a specific place at a specific time.
 * It is your goal to express some ‘big idea’ (or theme) without stating it too directly.
 * Show the reader what happened through sensory detail and description.
 * Approach the story/essay using the 1st person (“I”) to emphasize that it is direct, personal, experience.



= **Assessment Criteria: Considering Culture** = A Tip Top Essay contains the following:


 * Ideas and Content **
 * Focus on topic is clear and definitive
 * Effective and appropriate details create a vivid picture


 * Organization **
 * Memorable hook and conclusion are clearly linked and establish a focus
 * Sequencing of details is effective/logical
 * Transitions effectively tie the story together.


 * Voice **
 * Writer’s personality is expressed
 * Connection to audience and purpose is effectively crafted.
 * Writing evokes an emotional response


 * Word Choice **
 * Precise, vivid, natural language creates a clear/complete picture in reader's mind
 * powerful verbs, precise nouns, appropriate adjectives and phrases enhance meaning
 * original phrasing and memorable language prompt reflective thoughts and insights


 * Sentence Fluency **
 * Sentences contain words that are relevant and enhance meaning.
 * Flow between sentences is seamless.
 * Writer employs effective sentence variation


 * Conventions/Keables **
 * A strong grasp of writing conventions is apparent, grammar and spelling is accurate and correct
 * Paragraphing enhances the organization of the paper.
 * Presentation The form/ presentation of the text enhances the ability for the reader to understand and connect with the message. Pleasing to eye.

Date: Your name: Author’s name: Title of Narrative:
 * Peer Critique **

Is the writing clear and focused? If so, how? If not, why not? What is this piece about? How is it connected to the idea of culture or cultural misunderstanding? Does it hold the reader’s attention? Why?
 * Ideas and Content: **

How is this piece organized? Is there a clear beginning and end? Are they effective? Why/why not? Are you left with a message or theme to ponder? How was it communicated to you?
 * Organization: **

**Voice:** Do you feel connected with the writer, sensing the person behind the words?

**Word Choice:** Do the words in the narrative get the message across in a precise interesting and natural way? Why or why not? Any suggestions?

**Conventions:** Are standard writing conventions employed? Grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, paragraphing? Have you made the necessary changes in the text?

**What is your overall reaction to the narrative? Why?**