Personal Narrative Essay [Assignment/Rubric]

Overview of Basic Components

The personal narrative essay

• Tells a complete, personal, and factual story that has a purpose, an idea, or a meaning. This story should have a beginning and an ending, and the story should reflect a personal perspective or viewpoint. Do not make this essay a tirade, diatribe, or rant. Instead, consider this essay an opportunity for self-reflection. Remember that hindsight is 20/20!
• Features clear organization. This essay should include all of the components of a story: introduction, setting, characters, and a plot (rising action, climax, falling action, and a resolution or conclusion). The more organized your writing is, the easier it is for a reader to understand what is in your head.
• Paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Use careful, descriptive diction. Consider how dialogue can add authenticity and flavor.
• Be true to your writer’s voice. Having a writer’s voice is important, but for this essay, having your writing voice is extremely important. Avoid using words that you normally wouldn’t use or writing in a way that isn’t “natural” to you. First-person voice is expected, although be careful to not overuse it. Your writing should be better than your speaking voice since you have time to go back and revise your words; however, your writing should “sound” like you. The reader should hear your voice in his/her/their head.

Step One: Choosing a Topic/Prewriting

Brainstorm. Imagine you are meeting someone for the first time. This person has asked you to share a story from your life. What story would you pick? Why this story? For your essay to have meaning, focus, and purpose, your story needs to possess all three of these components.  The story can be silly, but think about why that silly story resonates with you. Does this silly story allow the stranger a glimpse into who you are as a person?

• Pro Tip: Jot down the first five words that come to mind when you think about this assignment. Think about how this story has impacted you/your life/your perspective. Be mindful of your audience; this is not a diary entry.

Step Two: Rough Draft

Narrow down your topic choices and begin developing your thesis statement. Your thesis establishes the purpose of your essay. Answer the questions: Why and how has this story affected you? Why should the reader care?

Work on the structure of your essay. At the heart of your essay, you are sharing a story that has shaped your life in some way. Think about the best way to convey your story. How should you start? What details should you include?

Voice and tone are important for keeping your audience in mind. Using slang, informal, or inappropriate language might be offensive or off-putting to the audience. Only use this type of language when the word or phrase is appropriate.

Just write! Get your thoughts “down on paper.” Seeing your words on the computer screen is easier than in your head. A rough draft is named “rough” for a reason.

Step Three: Editing/Revising

Ask someone to read your essay aloud.* Share your essay with someone who doesn’t know anything about what you wrote. As they read, listen for the following words: it, seems, very, a lot, things, stuff. Remove or replace these words from your essay (except for within direct quotes).

*You can also read it aloud yourself!

Step Four: Peer Editing

Exchange essays with a peer. Then, answer the following peer editing questions and prompts.

1. Does the essay have a title? If so, is the title interesting? Does the title need work? Suggestions?
2. Read the introduction. Highlight or underline the thesis. In your own words, what do you think the writer is trying to prove in this essay? What is the purpose of this essay?
3. Does the introduction make you want to read the rest of the paper? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
4. What are the strengths and/or weaknesses of the introduction? Thesis?
5. Read the first sentence of the first body paragraph. In your own words, based on the topic sentence, what is the first body paragraph about?
6. Now, read the rest of the first body paragraph. What details or evidence does the writer provide that supports the thesis? Does the writer connect the evidence to the thesis? Explain your answer. What is your opinion of the first body paragraph? Identify the strengths and/or weaknesses.
7. Now, repeat #6 for the second body paragraph.
8. Repeat #6 for the third body paragraph. If there is no third, write “N/A.”
9. Read the conclusion paragraph. What is your opinion of the conclusion paragraph? What are its strengths and/or weaknesses? Does the writer “wrap up” the essay? Explain your answer.
10. What is the structure of the essay? How did the writer organize the essay?
11. Identify the following plot elements: What is the conflict? What is the climax of the story? What is the turning point or the most significant point of the story? What is the resolution? How did the story end? What did the writer learn? How was the writer impacted?
12. Comment on all of the following: quality of details, dialogue, and organization.
13. Overall, what is your opinion of the essay? What grade would you give this essay? Explain your answer.

Remember, take your peer’s comments with a “grain of salt.”  However, be open to those suggestions and comments.

Step Five: Revising/Final Draft

Before turning in your final draft, take a break from your essay. Give yourself time to look at your essay with “fresh eyes.” Then, look at your essay by its parts.

• Start with the introduction. Is your thesis clear? The harder your reader has to work to figure out the purpose of your essay, the lower your grade. The goal of a well-written essay is one in which the writer has painted a clear picture. The reader should be able to hear your voice in his/her/their head.
• Next, look over your body paragraphs. Do you have a topic sentence for each body paragraph? Does the topic sentence convey what each paragraph is about? Do you provide evidence that proves your thesis? How are your body paragraphs organized? Do you have transitions? Are you jumping from one point to another? Do you connect each piece of evidence to your thesis through commentary sentences? Is your evidence vivid in detail? Can the reader visualize through your words what you are writing about? Do you have a conclusion sentence at the end of each body paragraph that “wraps up” the body paragraph and transitions to the next?
• Now, read over your conclusion paragraph. Does your conclusion paragraph “wrap up” your whole essay? Did you restate and rewrite your thesis, topic sentences, and main points? Do you have a “lesson learned” statement?

Writing Suggestions: Improving Your Essay

• Write in active voice. Try to use active verbs.
• Avoid beginning a sentence with the following words: that, there, which, conjunctions.
• Use variety in your sentence structure. Avoid writing in simple sentences all of the time.
• Avoid using the same word or phrase in the same sentence or the next sentence.
• Replace the following words: it, seems, very, a lot, things, stuff.

Formatting Requirements

• MLA format
• 12 size font
• Times New Roman
• Double-spaced
• One-inch margins
• 2-3 typed pages

Downloadable Resources (Assignment, Rubric, Outline, Peer Editing)

Click here to download a Word Doc version of this assignment:

Personal Narrative Essay assignment

Click here to download a Word Doc version of the rubric:

Personal Narrative Essay rubric

Click here to download a Word Doc version of the outline:

Personal Narrative Essay outline

Click here to download a Word Doc version of the peer editing questions:

Personal Narrative Essay peer editing questions