Personal Narrative Essay
In The Giver, the novel we are about to read, residents of Jonas’s community don’t have
to worry about memories, good or bad. Memories, though, help to make us who we are.
We cherish pleasant memories and share them over and over. Bad memories help us
learn lessons and often keep us from repeating mistakes.
For this writing assignment, I want you to select a memory, good or bad, and share it.
As I read your paper, I should get a sense of why this memory is important to you. I
should get a clear vision of the memory as you tell the story behind it.
I am not giving you a specified number of paragraphs to include, however…your paper
must have a clear introduction/beginning, a body, and a conclusion/ending. Also, I do
not want a book! This should be a “snapshot” memory.
Your paper should:
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Be clearly written.
Have paragraphs.
Contain strong word choice. “Purple” it up! 
Include transitions within and between paragraphs.
Include at least one use of figurative language (highlighted in pink)
Include at least one hyphenated modifier (highlighted in yellow)
Be grammatically correct.
Be in blue/black pen or typed (double spaced) for the FINAL COPY.
Be carefully proofread and edited. Use another set of eyes (or two, or three…)
Use your no-no list!
WORTH: 100 points
DUE DATE of rough draft:___________________
DUE DATE of final copy:____________________