Memoir+Assignment

Walker/English II = Memoir Essay =

-a record of events written by a person having close knowledge of them -an account of one’s personal life and experiences
 * __ Memoir (n.): __**

Through reading //The Glass Castle//, we learn a lot about Jeannette Walls’ emotional life and world view. For this assignment, you will write a memoir in which you reveal something significant about your own experiences.
 * __ Directions: __**

Your memoir can be about any personal experience. Examples include a memory from childhood, a summer experience, a job, a friendship, a relationship with a family member, a difficult experience, a conflict, a personal realization or an experience on a team or in a club. I only ask that you write about some experience that has been important to you. You need imagery to make your essay vivid, but **//you//** **//also must reveal some greater understanding of self or the world around you that you developed through this experience.//**

Your essay must be 2 to 4 pages (12 point font, double spaced, 1 inch margins). It should be in the 1st person and be truthful.


 * __ Writing Process: __**
 * Homework due on Thursday (9/14): **
 * 1) Brainstorm a list of experiences/thoughts/memories that are important to you. (a minimum of 8 on your list)
 * 2) Circle what stands out to you.


 * Thursday’s class (9/15) **
 * 1) Pick one experience on which to focus. Write as many details as you can, without worrying about spelling or grammar. Do this again for two other topics.

(1 page)
 * Homework due on Friday (9/16): **
 * 1) Pick a topic.
 * 2) Brainstorm a list of details, images and quotes that go with your topic.


 * Homework due on Tuesday (9/20): **
 * 1) Write one paragraph for your memoir.


 * Tuesday’s class (9/20) and Wednesday’s class (9/21) **
 * 1) Meet in the computer lab (233S) to write your memoir.
 * 2) Once you have a free-write that you like, think about how you can expand this piece. Make a list of specific details, quotes and images that you associate with this experience. Be sure to give your essay a thoughtful and engaging structure.
 * 3) Now, begin to write your story, adding in your free-writes and your specific details.


 * Friday (9/23) **
 * 1) Hand in rough draft
 * 2) Editing Day
 * 3) Revise for correct spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and style.


 * Wednesday (9/28) or Friday (9/30) **
 * 1) Hand in final draft.

// *I am free during 3rd, 4th and after school by appointment to give extra help with your writing. Please schedule an appointment with me for extra help. //