Q3 – Narrative Nonfiction Project
Grade 7 ELA 2016-2017
Due Date – Thursday, March 9 at the start of class
The purpose of this project is for students to showcase their overall understanding of
Narrative Nonfiction by creating an original written piece that fits into the genre. Students
must fuse their creative and informational writing skills to produce a successful product.
General Descriptions & Requirements
Students will complete an original Narrative Nonfiction piece that showcases their understanding of
the genre – therefore, the purpose should be to produce something that is both informative and
entertaining for the reader. The student should choose a topic that interests them in order to maintain
interest in the writing. The piece must fit into one of the following subgenres, or types, of Narrative
Nonfiction:
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Memoir
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Autobiography
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Travel Writing
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Historical Narrative
No matter which subgenre is chosen, the following general requirements MUST be met:
1. Must be typed using Microsoft Word, or Google Docs
2. Font must be Times New Roman, size 12
3. Double spacing
4. 1-inch margins
5. Proper heading – name, class, date
6. Accompanying bibliography – if ANY form of research has been done
7. Minimum of 3 pages
8. In the form of a STORY – should follow a typical story plot (remember it’s a narrative)
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Memoir
The student will detail an important event in the world, or their personal life, and retell it using primarily
their own personal memories. While outside sources may be used to add detail, the primary method
of storytelling should be from memories.
While this subgenre relies upon the memories of the author, it is still professional writing. Therefore,
students should be careful to avoid crafting a ‘diary’ which is more informal.
Examples of memoirs include stories that give the reader a perspective into an individual’s personal
experience living through an era in history, or a significant event. Specifically, someone who lived
through World War II could write about what it was like to live during that period of history – using their
memories from that time.
Autobiography
While similar to the memoir in terms of perspective, an autobiography typically spans the entire life of
an individual, and not just an important event or era. Students who choose this option will write about
their own lives and may also discuss lessons they have learned. Essentially, this is a story of the
student’s life.
Travel Writing
With this option, the student will write a story about a travel experience they have had at some point
in their life. It can be written in the form of a series of travel logs/blogs, or as an essay. Either way, the
piece should be factually accurate and reflect the actual experience they had while traveling.
The student should focus in on one ‘trip’ instead of bouncing between different ones. Honing in on a
specific destination will help the student build a stronger, more detailed story.
Historical Narrative
With this option, the student will choose an event or time period in history that interests them,
research it extensively, and then write a story that takes place at that time centered around a reallife or fictional character. While the character’s identity can be fictional, their experiences and
attitudes should be historically accurate.
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TIMELINE
Monday 2/20 – Proposal Due in class (handwritten ½ page explanation of project topic) – HW grade
Thursday 3/9 – Final Project due at the start of class
*Remember – this is a project grade and teacher’s expect the student’s best work*
*In-class time to work on the project may be given at the teacher’s discretion*
NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED
NOTE ON PLAGIARISM
We trust that students will turn in work that is entirely original and their own. ABS does not accept any
assignment that is thought to be plagiarized. Any student in violation of this policy will receive an
automatic 0. We encourage students to always cite their sources to avoid any accidental violation.
TEACHER EMAIL - for any questions
Mr. Duncan - [email protected]
Mr. Greg – [email protected]
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