Personal Narrative

the planning process

Today’s objective: I will begin to write my Personal Narrative essay by brainstorming the details of my topic

and drafting my introduction. (2.a)

Idea 1 Why is this event significant in my life?

This was my first experience with a serious illness.

What did I learn from this event?I learned to be helpful and compassionate.

Kim’s Surgery

I Do

Idea 1 Why is this event significant in my life?

As you talk with your partner, explain why this event is important to you.

What did I learn from this event?As you talk with your partner, explain what you learned.

Turn and talk with a

partner about your first idea. They can help you

draft your responses.

We Do

Idea 1 Why is this event significant in my life?

Whip Around…What did I learn from

this event?Whip Around…

Whip Around

To Share Out

We Do

Idea 2 Why is this event significant in my life?

What did I learn from this event?

You Do

Try on own –

I will help people

in a small group

Choose your best ideaMost interesting to writeMost interesting to read

I choose

“Idea 1”

about Kim’s surgery.

How will I write my introduction

for my Personal Narrative?

Identify the expositionWho is involved? What is happening?When did this occur? Where did this occur? Why did this occur?

Identify the expositionWho is involved? Kim, me, my sisterWhat is happening? I had to call an

ambulance, and Kim went into emergency heart and spine surgery

When did this occur? Summer 1999Where did this occur? 12 Oaks Mall, Novi and

Detroit, MichiganWhy did this occur? Kim fainted while at the

mall, she was rushed to the hospital

I Do

Identify the expositionWho is involved? What is happening? When did this occur? Where did this occur? Why did this occur?

We Do

Talk itThrough withYour partner.

Identify the expositionWho is involved? What is happening? When did this occur? Where did this occur? Why did this occur?

You Do

Check your work. Make a commitment.Harkness can help.

Purpose of a “hook”:The Beginning of a Personal Narrative

Interests the readerReveals the subject and/or

establishes a captive audience

HookIdentifies the topic or subject of the

narrative.

Ex 1: When I was twelve years old, my cousin Kim fainted at the mall.Ex. 2: While waiting for my ice cream, I witnessed something horrible.

Brainstorming DetailsYou will need to brainstorm different details

that will help bring the reader into the story.What were you like BEFORE the event took

place?What did you think?What did you feel?What did you believe?

*Remember! Before Event After

Brainstorming details of topic

Always went to the mallSaw my cousin three times a year, so this was a special occasion

Had never witnessed a medial emergency

Relied on adultsHad to be a role model for my sisterRaised to think that caring for others is important

Drafting introduction When I was younger, I always went to the mall

with my sister. One day, my cousin whom I rarely saw, came to the mall with us. We were all really excited to spend time together.

Drafting introductionWhen I was younger, I always went to the mall

with my sister. One day, my cousin whom I

rarely saw, came to the mall with us. We were

all really excited to spend time together. I

knew Kim had surgery recently, but I only ever

saw her once she left the hospital.

Drafting introduction When I was younger, I always went to the mall

with my sister. One day, my cousin whom I rarely saw, came to the mall with us. We were all really

excited to spend time together. I knew Kim had

surgery recently, but I only ever saw her once she left the hospital. I never thought I’d see her

become ill and be forced to make a decision to save her life while looking out for my sister.

Drafting introduction When I was younger, I always went to the mall with my

sister. One day, my cousin whom I rarely saw, came to the

mall with us. We were all really excited to spend time

together. I knew Kim had surgery recently, but I only ever

saw her once she left the hospital. I never thought I’d see

her become ill and be forced to make a decision to save

her life while looking out for my sister.

Continue with your background info until you have

included ALL the necessary or related information.

Thesis Statement

This reveals the essential lesson of your experience

Harkness’s Thesis

Ex. 1: This experience taught me a valuable lesson about how I need to care for others.

Harkness’s Thesis

Ex. 2: This experience taught me that I need make decisions that will help others.