Guidelines
Structure: Remember to use good essay formatting: Introduction paragraph, thesis statement, topic sentences for each paragraph, examples, conclusion, and Works Cited page as needed. Double space your paper. Indent first lines of each new paragraph ½ inch by pressing “tab.”
Length: 3 pages
Style: MLA
Font: 10-12 professional font, such as 12 Times New Roman.
No Works Cited page required for this project unless you reference something outside of your personal experience, such as in the introduction and conclusion.
Provide an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention, provides background analysis, and gives a strong thesis.
Develop body paragraphs that each analyze one aspect or step in your story. There should be at least two main points.
Provide a conclusion that answers the “so what” question.
Provide a title for your paper centered above the introduction paragraph that is both interesting and indicative of the topic of your story.
Use an MLA heading on the top left-hand corner of the first page of your paper:
Student Name
Mrs. Duke (Instructor)
English Composition II
Day Month Year
On the upper right-hand corner of each page, include a page number that provides your last name directly before that number.
Tips: Use vivid imagery—“show, don’t tell!”
Use dialogue to share conversations.
Think of the bigger picture and explain the moral or lesson behind the story.
Assignment Overview
Due: Sunday 11:59 p.m. CST
Pick a topic that covers a short amount of time, like a day or week, or that has three or four specific “scenes” you want to cover. Example: “the day I broke my arm” OR “three hospital visits.” I would encourage you to think of a story in which you learned or realized something!
Pick one that you remember clearly! You may even want to discuss the event with somebody who was there with you.
Avoid picking topics that trigger you—that is best left for a more personal setting, such as personal reflection, healing, and therapy. This is not because your story is not important! It just may not be time to share that story yet.
Example topics include the following: my journey to college, how I learned responsibility at my first job, the day I truly realized I was an adult, how I overcame my fear of flying, my car accident, and many more!
