Considering+Culture

=**PERSONAL NARRATIVE #1: Considering Culture** = Length: 500-750 words, 12-point Times New Roman font and manuscript form Points: 50

//When I Was Puerto Rican// is a memoir written by Esmeralda Santiago that depicts important events in her early life. Through vivid concrete detail, dialogue, and sensory images she brings each episode to life. Though we did not actually experience these events, Santiago’s words make us feel as if we were there with her. The concept of culture plays an important role in her 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; perhaps you changed the course of your life; perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. 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:**// -Focus on topic is clear and definitive -Effective and appropriate details create a vivid picture
 * Ideas and Content**

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

-Writer’s personality is expressed -connection to audience and purpose is effectively crafted. -writing evokes an emotional response
 * Voice**

-**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
 * Word Choice

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

-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.
 * Conventions/Keables**