write a story from your own experiences that somehow connects to the reading. However, do not tell the reader what the connection is, simply tell your story.

Try to put as many details as possible into your story in order to make your experience come alive for your reader. Use dialogue and description rather than explanation.

When you have finished writing your personal essay, skip a few lines and write me a letter telling me about your reading and writing process.

How did you read the pieces?

How did you write your narrative essay? What did you think about as you were doing the reading and the writing?