iNarrative (Paper 1)

PREWRITING: Short Writing Assignment #1

Coming to Terms Evaluation + Heads Up Statement for your iNarrative

Write a 150 word “coming to terms” evaluation of a New York Times’ “Lives” submission.

  1. Categorize the NYT “Life” you have chosen according to Steve Job’s five “I’s”—“Internet. Individual. Instruct. Inform. Inspire.” Which does it seem most to embody?

2. Quickly work through the Coming to Terms process to produce your summary:

  • Define the project of the writer in your own terms (this should be about 1-2 stellar sentences)
  • Note keywords or passages in the text. (1-3 sentences).
  • Assess the uses and limits of this approach (“approach” being the “Life” format).

3) End your evaluation by explaining why you picked this “Life.” Describe (as succinctly as possible), two to three details you found compelling, and relate their connection or disconnection to your potential “I” project.

Second paragraph / Part 2 of your SWA 1: Heads-up Statement for iNarrative (150-250 words)

  • Explain the experience, event, or relationship that reflects how you have changed your mind (be brief). Why are you choosing this event? Is it vivid, specific, and engaging?
  • Have you chosen one specific theme, central idea, or focus point for your narrative?
  • How would you describe the style, voice, audience and distance you will model in this paper?

FORMATTING RULES: Double-spaced, 1-in margins, 12 point serif font (one consistent font throughout), follow MLA style for citations and page formatting, page numbers. 400-500 words total. Include a word count.

MAJOR ASSIGNMENT : the “I” narrative:

Write an “I” narrative that relates, through implicit argument, how you once held an opinion, and how, through experience, events, or relationships in your life, your mind was changed. Choose as a focal point for your narrative some tangible item you have found in your iPhone archive (photograph, text exchange, email, note, etc).

Requirements: At least 800 words, double-spaced. Other than the above basic requirements, the shape and methodology of your paper are up to you. In class prewriting and conferences with the teacher, reflect on the particular style, voice, and distance you aim for your paper.

Writing skills workshopped: tone, voice, concision /brevity, knowledge of audience, theme, narrative, dialogue

FORMATTING RULES: Double-spaced, 1-in margins, 12 point serif font (one consistent font throughout), follow MLA style for citations and page formatting, page numbers. Include word count.