Personal Narrative

A form of writing in which the writer relates an event, incident, or experience in his or her own life. The events of a personal narrative are most often presented in chronological order, the order in which they actually occurred in time. The personal narrative incorporates vivid descriptive details as well as the thoughts, feelings, and reactions of the writer.

Characteristics of the Personal Narrative: Focuses on one experience Shows the purpose clearly in that the importance of the event is clear to the reader Expresses the writer's thoughts and feelings throughout

Is written in first person “I” For Example: Yesterday, I won the game. We went to Florida last year.

Often has dialogue in order for the reader to feel like they are there Must have why it is important and/or how it affected the writer

Has many relevant sensory details (things for the reader to see, hear, feel, taste, and smell) The use of Sensory Details in writing is also called Imagery

Take a few moments to write a paragraph incorporating as many sensory details as possible Topic = A day at the beach

Event : A day at the beach Visual details: Children playing in the sand People lying on the beach and swimming in the water Sparkling sand with white-speckled shells Water meeting the blue sky at the horizon Lifeguard stand and hot dog stand

Sounds: Chatter and laughter of children Parents and children talking The lifeguard’s warning whistle The lapping of the surf against the sand The splashing of swimmers

Smells: Ocean air Slight fishy smell Whiff of roasting hot dogs Scent of suntan lotion

Tastes: Salt Water Hot Dogs S’mores

Feelings / Textures: Heat of sun on back Sweat Cool Water Towel on skin Sand between toes

A Day at the Beach (Without Sensory Details) I remember going to the beach when I was eight years old. My family and I spent the day lying on the beach, playing in the sand, and swimming. When it got dark, we built a fire and cooked hot dogs and s’mores. It was fun.

A Day at the Beach (With Sensory Details) Although I have not been to the beach since I was a child, I can still remember it as if it was yesterday. I recall lying on the grainy sand, feeling the scorching rays of the summer sun soaking into my skin, warming me all over. Beads of sticky sweat sluggishly slid down my face, and as I glanced over my shoulder, the cool, refreshing waves beckoned me to dive in the water. I took a deep breath of the fresh ocean air and ran into the sea, feeling the wet sand between my toes and the water enveloping me. The sound of the sea gulls and the waves crashing against the sand are still embedded in my memory, and I can recall leaving the water and feeling the warmth of my soft, plush beach towel around my body. As darkness crept upon the beach, my family built a bonfire and began roasting hot dogs. The crackling sounds of the flames, the warmth of the fire on my skin, and the comforting aroma of a warm meal are still fresh in my mind. Afterwards, we roasted marshmallows and the sticky, sweet mush of white fluffiness stuck to the inside of my mouth as I swallowed them whole. Everyone else was eating s’mores, but not me. I reclined against a log, feeling the soft, cool breeze from the ocean air against my face and slowly ate my marshmallows off of a stick, taking in the moment and memorizing every detail about this special day.

Parts of a Personal Narrative All personal narratives should have the following: A beginning that grabs the reader’s interest; sometimes gives background information and a hint about the meaning or importance of the event. A middle that tells about important events, describes people and places, and tells the writer’s thoughts and feelings. An ending in which the writer explains the outcome and shows the meaning of the experience (what they learned from it).

Types of Conflict: Internal Conflict = Man vs. Self External Conflicts = Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. Society Man vs. Technology / Machine

What else will we discuss about personal narratives ? Possible lessons for personal narratives Good leads / hooks ( How to start) Difference between personal narratives and memoirs How to punctuate dialogue