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.
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