A Personal Narrative Option 2 Option 3 In his memoir, It Worked for Me, Colin Powell relates experiences and feelings that lead to an important decision in his life. Like a memoir, a personal narrative also reflects experiences and feelings. However, it is much shorter than a memoir and usually deals with a single subject or event. Now you will write a personal narrative about an important decision in your life. Option 2 If you struggle with thinking about a time where you had to make an important decision in your life, then consider writing about a time someone else made an important decision in his or her life. This would take the format of a biography. A biography is an account of someone’s life written by someone else. You will need to interview the person to gain information. Option 3 *Research a famous person who had to make a life changing decision. Visit www.biography.com to begin. Must get approval first by teacher for this option. A successful personal narrative… Provides a captivating introduction that clearly establishes the situation Organizes events in a sequence that unfolds naturally and logically Uses descriptive details that offer insight on significant experiences and feelings. Uses words and phrases that create vivid images Provides a conclusion that explains the significance of the experiences. Rubric: 200 points 1. Brainstorm activity 10pts 2. Prewrite 10 pts 3. Rough draft 80 pts 4. Final draft 100 pts w/ 2 academic vocabulary words: achieve, individual, instance, outcome, principle

page 303-205 for extra support and guidance Brainstorm page 303-205 for extra support and guidance 1. Consider how the decision or experience is important to you. 2. Identify the feelings you have about the experience. 3. Determine whether you have a story to tell. 4. Picture your experience in your mind. Provide specific sensory details that will make the experience come alive for your readers. 5. Consider your purpose and audience –who will read your personal narrative? What you do want your audience to understand about your experience? Setting: _______________________________ Details: what are some things you see, hear, feel, smell, taste? Events: Feelings: How do you feel?

Biography Interview Questions Name Birthdate What was the important decision that impacted your future: Describe the setting of event List of events that took place Details (what do you remember seeing, touching, smelling, tasting, hearing?) How did you feel? How did this event end? How has this decision impacted your life? What do you want others to understand about your decision?