Choose a topic that enables you to tell a short, interesting personal story. Your story can be funny, suspenseful,
meaningful, or exciting, but it must focus on one event. For example, if you decide to write about traveling to
Denmark, you should not write about the entire trip. Choose one event — for example, an afternoon you spent
bicycling on an island, or your first taste of smoked herring, or visiting the childhood home of Hans Christian
Anderson — and tell a detailed story that focuses on that event.
In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly written specifically for this course.
Any recycled work will be sent back with a 0, and you will be given one attempt to redo the touchstone.
Following are some ideas that can help you to select a topic for your story:
Firsts — Think of a "first" in your life and describe that moment in detail.
Proud Moment — Choose a moment when you felt proud about an accomplishment.
Adversity — Describe a time when you had to think or act quickly to overcome a challenge.
Traveling — Recall a memorable experience you had while traveling.
B. Think About Your Writing
- Which narrative techniques did you use to bring your story to life? (2-3 sentences) Sophia says: Did you use
vivid description, sensory details, and/or dialogue to engage readers? Provide two examples from your essay
in which you “show” readers rather than “tell” them. EXAMPLE: A sentence such as "I glanced at the clock,
grabbed my briefcase, and sprinted for the elevator" uses more descriptive language than simply saying "I was
running late for the meeting." - How did your purpose and audience shape the way in which you wrote your narrative? (3-4 sentences)
Sophia says: Your hypothetical audience extends beyond the people who will evaluate your narrative. Which
individuals or groups were you addressing when you wrote your narrative, and how did consideration of your
audience and your purpose influence the way in which you wrote it?