Choose a topic that enables you to tell a short, interesting personal narrative essay. Your narrative can be funny, suspenseful, meaningful, or exciting, but it must focus on one event.
EXAMPLE
If you decide to write about traveling to Washington DC, you should not write about the entire trip. Choose one event (e.g., an afternoon you spent visiting the National Portrait Gallery, or shopping in Georgetown, or taking a tour of the White House) and tell a detailed story that focuses on that single event.
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Write a narrative essay that meets the following criteria:
Presents a focused, meaningful narrative: The composition is consistently focused, and details are relevant and specific.
Tells the story using a logical, smooth sequence of events: The sequence of events and details is logical and easy to follow throughout the composition.
Develops a clear beginning, middle, and end: The composition has a clear and well-developed beginning, middle, and end. The opening paragraph(s) thoroughly introduce the setting, characters, and situation. The middle paragraphs thoroughly describe the progression of events. The closing paragraph(s) provide a thorough resolution to the narrative.
Uses narrative language and techniques competently: Uses narrative language and techniques (e.g., concrete and sensory details, figurative language, vivid description, dialogue, pacing, and plot development) effectively throughout the composition.
Demonstrates command of standard English grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and usage: There are few, if any, negligible errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, formatting, and usage.
