Category: English

  • “Exploring the Intersection of Illness and Ideology in Christina Rossetti’s Poetry: A Critical Analysis”

    Research topic on Christina Rossetti. 
    Professor advised  an article by Antony Harrison, “Christina Rossetti: Illness and Ideology” 
    Requires 3 of the resources from our “research library”  Will be attached

  • “Building Community at STLCC: A Proposal for Improving Communal Spirit Among Students and Staff”

    In the course of researching a topic, many sources must be considered before settling on those an author deems most relevant to their argument. For this assignment, students must now incorporate their newfound research abilities into their writing by creating a proposal and annotated bibliography.
    An annotated bibliography is simply a record of the author’s research. It must include eight sources the author is considering using in a future paper, and it is formatted much the same as a works cited page, though with the notable difference of the annotations. These annotations should be no more than a single paragraph summarizing the article’s main points and explaining its benefits to the author’s research. All sources contained in the bibliography should be about the same topic. 
    A proposal is essentially the first page of an academic research paper. It is created during preliminary research to help fund the project or otherwise receive the green light to continue. It should be one full page and act as the introduction to a potential academic essay. 
    Genre: 
    Proposal and Annotated Bibliography 
    Audience: 
    A professor that may or may not let your project proceed 
    Purpose: 
    Identify an area of improvement for STLCC Meramec, conduct preliminary research, and propose a solution
    Guidelines: 
    The entire document must follow MLA guidelines (Times New Roman font size 12, proper heading, title, page numbers, etc.). 
    Should be 5-8 pages long. 
    Requires exactly 8 sources.
    Use academic third person point of view throughout the entire paper. Remember to raise the diction and use academic vocabulary. 
    Tips: 
    Don’t forget to use summary and paraphrasing in your annotations. 
    If it helps, think of this as a document you are creating to trade with someone else who is working on the same topic. You should be able to read the annotations and decide whether or not you could use those sources in your own research.
    My proposal is “how to improve communal spirit amongst student and staff at Stlcc” 

  • “Getting to Know Me: An Introduction Speech”

    For this speech assignment, you will introduce yourself in an organized manner using an extemporaneous method of delivery.  Your goal is to help your audience and online classmates get to know you. 
    No souces need . Be creative.
    Things about me for the essay.
    -I graduted highschool last year in May
    -I’m a freshman in college
    -I got 2 little siblings 
    -I like Roblox
    -played soccer elementary school
    -love rollarcoasters
    -I like stars/planeets
    -my major is chem engineering
    -I like running
    That’s all I got u can make other stuff if if needed😪🥰
    Also Ik I put college lvl but its not super serious

  • “The Challenges and Preparation for a Career in Teaching”

    Assignment: Research a career area that you are interested in.
    Based on your research, what are some of the
    potential character challenges a person in this area
    might be faced with? The career I want is a teacher. Some examples could be like money, biases, extra. How would a person prepare
    for these challenges?
    Length: 2,000 words minimum on final version
    Audience: Community of Notre Dame, IN : At least five different sources must be cited in the
    paper. Chicago Style, Notes-Bibliography System
    (NB)
    https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/ch
    icago_manual_17th_edition/cmos_formatting_and_s
    tyle_guide/chicago_manual_of_style_17th_edition.h
    tml
    The paper is not merely to be a fact dump; it must have a point with
    potential relevance to the audience. do not use ai or anything artifical. there are plagrism/ai checkers that are being used. 

  • “The Benefits of Traditional Classroom Learning for Today’s College Students”

    Class, you are tasked with arguing about the best learning environment for today’s college students. For clarity, please do not take the phrase “today’s college student” to mean students of a certain age range. This is an argument based on addressing college students of all ethnicities and orientations. You are the resource; please do NOT use citations for this assignment. You do not need to read articles or find additional information to support your claim. Your experience as a student, beginning with primary school (elementary, middle school, high school) until your collegiate experiences, even if this is your first semester, will culminate in your argumentative-based narrative essay. However, YOU CAN ONLY PICK ONE SIDE. Please argue whether traditional classroom or online courses have been the best for your educational journey and why you would argue that they are best for others based on your supporting details. Please adhere to the five-paragraph formation as follows:
    Introduction Paragraph / 3 – 4 sentences
    – Hook sentence (definition, fact, question, quote, statement)
    – Transition sentence (a bridge between the hook and the thesis statement; it can be a statement to give more impact to the thesis)
    – Thesis statement (the most important sentence of the essay; this is your claim. It must be an affirmative statement, NOT A QUESTION)
    First Body Paragraph / 5 – 6 sentences (argument point #1)
    – Topic sentence: this sentence introduces argument point #1 – What’s the first benefit to your chosen learning environment?
    – Explanation of argument point #1
    – Example of the benefit – How does it work?
    – Conclusion sentence – restate the benefit
    – Transition sentence – introduce argumentative point #2
    Second Body Paragraph / 5 – 6 sentences (argument point #2)
    – Topic sentence: this sentence introduces argument point #2 – What’s the first benefit to your chosen learning environment?
    – Explanation of argument point #2
    – Example of the benefit – How does it work?
    – Conclusion sentence – restate the benefit
    – Transition sentence – introduce argumentative point #3
    Third Body Paragraph / 5 – 6 sentences (argument point #3)
    – Topic sentence: this sentence introduces argument point #3 – What’s the first benefit to your chosen learning environment?
    – Explanation of argument point #3
    – Example of the benefit – How does it work?
    – Conclusion sentence – restate the benefit
    Conclusion Paragraph / 3 – 4 sentences
    – For this paragraph, remind the reader of your three to four points by addressing each with its own sentence

  • “The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Happiness: A Comprehensive Analysis” “The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Happiness: A Global Perspective” “Joining the Conversation: Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic Class on Happiness” Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media and Happiness “Assessing the Use of Scholarly Sources in Academic Writing: A Grading Rubric for Evaluating Research Papers”

    While some individuals may think that people in a higher socioeconomic class are always happy, people often forget that happiness is a subjective idea, and individuals all over the globe have a different perspective on what happiness is to them. After encountering the question of what is the impact of a socioeconomic class on a person’s happiness, one can begin to explore whether people in a higher SES (“Socioeconomic Status”1) or lower SES are truly more happy than one another. In particular, does a person’s previous SES affect them in the future? Do people who have low opportunity for economic resources have poor well-being? What about globally- do people from other countries disregard wealth in what true happiness is? The remainder of this essay explores the research from a variety of different researchers and sources while also considering possible reasons for the outcome of my research findings.
    Socioeconomic status uses a variety of factors that collectively determine an individual’s position within a society. These factors usually include income, education level, occupation, and social standing. SES at times is used as a lens through which individuals have access to resources, opportunities, and privileges within society (“Socio Economic Status” 1). While it is a common idea that income is often the primary indicator of a socioeconomic class, education and occupation are major contributors in shaping someone’s socioeconomic standing as well.
    Ahmad Mehri and Vali Baigi investigated the association of someone’s socioeconomic status with their mental health. This study is severely useful in answering the question of what the impact of one’s socioeconomic class is on their happiness. Mehri and Baigi conducted a study using questionnaires that measured the mental health of 2062 employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The participants were asked a total of 42 questions that measured their overall mental health and were also asked about their Childhood socioeconomic status. Studies showed that “a person’s current socioeconomic status  and childhood socioeconomic status is related to the state of bad mental health in adulthood” (Mehri et al. 15). One has to take into account that the questionnaire could have had answers “underreporting and overreporting their opinion on their current and past socioeconomic status” (Mehri et al. 15).
    This helps answer the question by doing multiple questionnaires of the participants measuring their mental health  and providing other studies done in other countries and a cross sectional study on 413 nurses of TUMS that examined their mental health as well. Not only were the participants separated by socioeconomic status but they were also separated by gender, levels of education, and marital status . After analyzing the various studies done on people regarding their childhood SES it shows those with “low childhood SES scored higher than subjects of higher SES regarding their depression” (Mehri et al. 12). One can think that an individual that was raised from a low childhood SES statistically is more depressed in their adulthood because of how they grew up. For example, individuals in Iran consistently grow up in a harsh environment that “leads to it affecting their mental health”( Mehri et al. 11).  This source helped me with expanding my idea of how someone’s SES can affect their mental health by showing the impact that one’s adolescence has on their future mental health. 
    Parbst and Wheaton in their article delved into the relationship between welfare states policies and mental health, focusing on how policies influence the decline of socioeconomic status in mental health. They analyzed the surveys done on 21 countries that had a total pool sample of 113,018 people. Both authors examine the extent to which each government contributes to the inequality of socioeconomic groups. Their research highlights the importance of how much benefit social policies can have on someone such as healthcare, income support, and educational opportunities. Results do in fact demonstrate that social investment reduces that inverse link between socioeconomic status and depression ( Parbst and Wheaton 339). This article shows the perspective of many places of the world while also shining a light on how little help others people in other countries receive. Of course there can be other external factors that can make people happy but for example third world countries don’t have the luck Americans can have for instance like food stamps, medicaid, education, and medicare (Parbst and Wheaton 345). However, one negative aspect of this source is it does not completely answer the question this essay strives to explore; it only helps a little by supporting a subcategory of what other factors can help with happiness.
    Rhia Catapano and her colleagues did a study investigating if financial resources relate to how important meaning is for one’s happiness? She did a total of three studies analyzing 500,000 individuals across 123 countries. Each study examined different areas in order to examine how levels of financial resources relate to the meaning of happiness. Study one analyzed the United States, study two analyzed the world, and study three analyzed France. Across all studies there was a consistent pattern of meaning and happiness being less associated for individuals with greater financial resources (Catapano et al. 507). According to study three, one of the biggest reasons for people with low financial resources having a consistent pattern of high meaning and happiness are because it is assumed they have “other external sources of happiness, which allows them to rely less on internally constructed meaning to enjoy happiness” (Catapano et al. 509). Overall this study is great. It will help answer my question from different perspectives around the world, not just the United states. The only thing I wish this study would have done more would be to explain more why people that are in a higher socioeconomic class rank lower. I understand the meaning of happiness is different for everyone, but they are able to use that money in all sorts of ways that could bring them more happiness.
    James Fisher and Michael Frechette in their article discussed the intriguing question of if money can buy happiness. In order to find the answer, Fisher and Frechette used data that proved that income in fact does buy happiness. They used two charts, one of them studied 70 countries while the other studied 150 and both had basically the same results. Their analysis at the end revealed that while higher income is associated with better life satisfaction it is only up to a certain point. After a person reaches “an annual income of 75,000 it becomes less significant” (Fisher and Frechette 3090). From a reader’s perspective, individuals who are below the 75,000 salary range value their money more than a person that is above the 75,000 dollar salary. For example, let’s say that an individual who is earning 50,000 dollars a year gets a 10,000 dollar salary increase (Fisher and Frechette 3090). That individual will absolutely appreciate that increase compared to an individual who is earning 200,000 dollars a year who got a 10,000 salary increase.
    In the article, Fisher and Frechette also highlight the importance of external factors of happiness like relationships and personal values. One thing that caught my attention was how Fisher and Frichette proved this. They noticed that when you asked individuals what they attributed their happiness to they answered money but when they were asked what their happiness depended on they would always answer with family (Fisher and Frechette 3090).  Overall, this article can be very useful for my research question: What is the impact of a socioeconomic class on a person’s happiness? This scholarly source does a great job in providing two different points of views on if someones SES affects their Happiness.  It shows that money can buy happiness while also suggesting that there are many other factors that can also impact it as much as money. The only thing that I would have loved to see more in the scholarly source would have probably been more statistics of how much non-monetary factors can have on a person’s happiness.
    At the start of the essay, I asked what is the impact of a socioeconomic class on a person’s happiness, but not just for individuals in the United States. After many hours spent trying to figure out a possible answer, my research demonstrated that there is a connection between someone’s SES and happiness. However, this technically does not apply to everyone. There are many individuals from other parts of the world who do not value money as a source of happiness and individuals who stop caring for money up to a certain point because there “is no further progress beyond an annual income of 75,000”( Suliman 2) . On the other hand, there are individuals who value money, such as Michael Norton, who says “if you think money can’t buy happiness, you’re not spending it right” (Norton Money can buy happiness: Michael Norton at tedxcambridge 2011 10:48). We can conclude from both points of view that someone’s SES does in fact affect their happiness, but it’s still not clear as to what point of view is the clear answer. As a result, I believe this question can vary person to person, and more research would need to be done in order to come to a clear conclusion.
    Work cited
    Catapano, Rhia, et al. “Financial resources impact the relationship between meaning and happiness.” Emotion, vol. 23, no. 2, 7 Apr. 2022, pp. 504–511, https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0001090. 
    Fisher, James, and Michael Frechette. “One more Time, does money buy happiness?” Applied Research in Quality of Life, vol. 18, no. 6, 19 Sep. 2023, pp. 3089–3110, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-023-10221-9
    Mehri, Ahmad, et al. “Childhood socioeconomic status and adulthood mental health: Results from the survey on employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.” Journal of Public Health, vol. 44, no. 1, 22 Feb. 2021, pp. 10–17, https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdab004. 
    Norton, Michael. “Money Can Buy Happiness: Michael Norton at Tedxcambridge 2011.” YouTube, YouTube, 29 Jan. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwGEQcFo9RE. 
    Parbst, Matthew, and Blair Wheaton. “The effect of welfare state policy spending on the equalization of socioeconomic status disparities in mental health.” Journal of Health and Social Behavior, vol. 64, no. 3, 25 Apr. 2023, pp. 336–353, https://doi.org/10.1177/00221465231166334. 
    Suliman, Adela. “Can Money Buy Happiness? Scientists Say It Can.” Can Money Buy Happiness? Scientists Say It Can., 8 Mar. 2023, www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/03/08/money-wealth-happiness-study/. 
    Project #3: Exploratory Research Paper
    Peer Review Draft:
    Rough Draft:
    Revised Draft & Portfolio Due:
    Context:
    One of the important goals of inquiry is to understand the range of positions on a particular issue. A helpful metaphor for the ongoing expression of positions on an issue is that of a conversation. We could say that making an argument of your own is adding your voice to the conversation and that you need to know what is being said by others before you can join in. In projects #1 and #2, you have been listening in to the conversation about your research question that is being carried out by scholars and members of the public. The Exploratory Research Paper is designed for you to bring your audience into the conversation by sharing what you’ve learned throughout your research.
    Purpose:
    The purpose of this assignment is to develop the following skills:
    Synthesize new information into purposeful texts
    Evaluate and interpret sources, including understanding arguments and perspectives
    Integrate source material using a variety of methods, including summary, quotation, and paraphrase
    Incorporate complex methods into compositions, such as analysis, synthesis, critique, interpretation, and argument
    Instructions:  
    You will write an exploratory research paper that answers your research question. The body of the essay should be organized into paragraphs that use multiple sources that respond to your question in similar ways (for example: if my research question was: why does Dr. ey’s 1302 class make me so unhappy? I might organize then write an exploratory (rather than argumentative) research paper that articulates different reasons why that incorporate multiple sources. If my research question was “is social media making people unhappy?” I would write an essay that explains what it is about social media that the experts I’ve read for my research think causes unhappiness or how social media affects our sense of happiness or unhappiness. This paper should be a minimum of 1,250 words (not including the Works Cited page) and should be written to an academic audience. You must incorporate a minimum of 4 scholarly/academic (peer reviewed) and 3 non scholarly sources. 
    Length: 
    1,250 words minimum, not including the Works Cited page (this is a minimum; it’s okay to go over some).
    Format: 
    Formal academic research paper in MLA style.
    Grading Rubric
    Criteria
    Excellent
    90 – 100%
    Good
    80 – 89%
    Satisfactory
    70 – 79%
    Developing
    0 – 69%
    Focus
    5% of total grade
    90 – 100%
    Identifies a relevant research question related to happiness. Presents an exploratory thesis statement that remains the focal point throughout the paper.
    80 – 89%
    Identifies a relevant research topic related to happiness. Presents an exploratory thesis statement, but one that is more generalized than specific. The research question remains the focal point of the paper for the most part.
    70 – 79%
    Identifies a research question, but it may be too broad in scope. The thesis is somewhat unclear and needs to be developed further. The focus of the paper  is not consistently maintained throughout the paper.
    0 – 69%
    Fails to identify a relevant research topic related to happiness or is not clearly defined and/or the paper lacks focus throughout.
    Synthesis
    20% of total grade
    Skillful integration of multiple sources to support arguments; demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the material. 
    Adequate integration of sources to support arguments; shows a solid grasp of the material.
    Limited integration of sources; may lack depth or fail to consider alternative perspectives.
    Weak or no integration of sources; demonstrates a lack of synthesis or critical analysis. The essay may rely solely on popular (non-scholarly) sources.
    Analysis
    15% of total grade
    90 – 100%
    Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding and careful critical analysis of the sources. 
    80 – 89%
    Demonstrates an understanding and some critical analysis of the sources. 
    70 – 79%
    Demonstrates general understanding with limited critical stasis analysis. Summarizes perspectives without providing any broader connections and/or implications.
    0 – 69%
    Demonstrates a lack of understanding and inadequate stasis analysis. Analysis is superficial based on opinions and preferences rather than critical stasis analysis or merely summarizes the sources.
    Critical Thinking
    15% of total grade
    Sophisticated analysis of sources, exploring connections, contradictions, and implications; demonstrates original thought.
    Solid analysis of sources, identifying connections and contradictions; shows a thoughtful approach.
    Limited analysis; may lack depth or fail to consider alternative viewpoints adequately.
    Weak analysis or no; may rely on surface-level observations without deeper exploration.
    Evidence
    10% of total grade
    90 – 100%
    Provides compelling and accurate evidence to support with at least 4 scholarly sources and an additional 3 popular (non-scholarly) sources. 
    80 – 89%
    Provides essential, accurate evidence to support the central position with at least 3 scholarly sources and an additional 2 popular (non-scholarly) sources.
    70 – 79%
    Provides some evidence to support the central position at least 3 scholarly sources and an additional 1 popular (non-scholarly) sources.
    0 – 69%
    Lacks sufficient scholarly research sources to support the central position and/or, if included, are generally not relevant, accurate, or reliable. Contains numerous factual mistakes, omissions, or oversimplifications.
    Sources & Citation
    10% of total grade
    90 – 100%
    Research sources are effectively referenced and cited throughout the paper.
    80 – 89%
    Sources are referenced and cited appropriately throughout the paper for the most part.
    70 – 79%
    Some sources may not be appropriately referenced and cited in the paper.
    0 – 69%
    Sources, if included, are not properly referenced and cited in the paper.
    Organization
    10% of total grade
    90 – 100%
    Paper is effectively organized. Ideas are arranged logically, flow smoothly, with a strong progression of thought from paragraph to paragraph connecting to the central position. 
    80 – 89%
    Paper is adequately organized. Ideas are arranged reasonably with a progression of thought from paragraph to paragraph connecting to the central position. 
    70 – 79%
    Paper is somewhat organized, although occasionally ideas from paragraph to paragraph may not flow well and/or connect to the central position or be clear as a whole. 
    0 – 69%
    Paper lacks logical organization and impedes readers’ comprehension of ideas. Central position is rarely evident from paragraph to paragraph. 
    Style
    5% of total grade
    90 – 100%
    Paper is well written and clear using MLA guidelines and is characterized by elements of a strong writing style. Basically free from grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, or formatting errors.
    80 – 89%
    Paper shows above average writing style and clarity in writing appropriate for the audience and following MLA guidelines. Minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and/or formatting.
    70 – 79%
    Paper shows an average and/or casual writing style using standard English and following MLA guidelines. Some errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage, and/or formatting.
    0 – 69%
    Paper shows a below average/poor writing style lacking in elements of appropriate the intended audience and following proper MLA guidelines. Frequent errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and/or formatting.
    Development
    10% of total grade
    90 – 100%
    Paper meets the required length.
    80 – 89%
    Paper marginally falls short of the required length.
    70 – 79%
    Paper is somewhat lacking the required length.
    0 – 69%
    Paper substantially lacks the required length.

  • “Improving Critical Writing Skills: A Comprehensive Editing Exercise”

    please read attached files thoroughly, i have included the instructions, student example for another topic and rubric etc.
    the document “CW3 to edit” should be edited, you should see the pitures of the teachers comments.

  • Title: “Revisiting the Hero’s Journey: Reexamining the Role of Odysseus in The Odyssey”

    For this order, you’re instructed to revise the attached paper’s argument/thesis. Use concrete examples from the text, outside sources, or form new ideas to create a strong, developed, and clear thesis. 
    This essay regards The Odyssey (epic poem) by Homer. 
    Please review the attached assignment sheet for assignemt. 
    Please do not accept order if you aren’t familiar with the text, I will be able to tell and will have to cancel the order. 

  • Title: “Solving the Issue: A Three-Step Proposal for Addressing [Debatable Issue]”

    Proposal of a Solution
    In an argument for a proposal, you are aiming to solve a debatable issue. In this essay, you will explain a problem then provide a three-step solution. Think about answering the following questions within your essay:
    What should we be doing about this particular issue?
    What should the government or the general public be doing about the issue?
    How should we be solving the issue?
    The essay must include:
    A well-developed introduction that brings up the topic, has a well-developed thesis statement that includes the solution steps, and any context information the reader needs to know in order to understand what is coming next.
    The first body paragraph should be an explanation of the issue at hand. You should define any terms that need to be understood by the reader. You should give an explanation of the problem as thoroughly as possible. This should include background information as well as what is (or isn’t) being done about the problem at the present time.
    The next series of paragraphs should clearly state the steps to solve the issue. This section should include a minimum of three steps.
    Examine any counterarguments or glitches in the plan that may cause issues. In this section, analyze any worst-case-scenarios that may occur through the solution, and go on to explain how you can anticipate fixing the situation if it arises.
    A well-developed conclusion that restates your thesis in an original way, summarizes your main points, and finally, elicits a call to action from the audience.

  • “The Roller Coaster of Life: My Journey to Self-Discovery” “From Mother-Daughter to Best Friends: A Road Trip Revelation”

    English 1301
    Narrative Essay Instructions
    The purpose of this essay is to show your control of the narrative technique. Vivid, descriptive details that appeal to your reader’s five senses, contribute to your story’s mood, and draw your audience into the scene should be present in your paragraphs. You want your reader to experience the event just as you did. Be sure to read the Narrative notes in D2L as well as the information in the online textbook on pages 383-387. The Narrative Essays on the course schedule are examples to follow, but you do not need to include a quotation in your essay. 
    Word Count: 500 (minimum) to 950 (maximum)
    MLA Format: Be sure to double-space your paper and indent the first line of each paragraph. You will use MLA format for your heading as well as pagination. You do not have to use quotations from the professional essays for this essay since it is your own personal story. However, if you do use a quotation, you must cite the quotations using MLA format. You will put quotation marks around the quotation and a citation with the author’s last name in parentheses after the quotation. The period for the quotation will go after the citation. 
    Purpose: Self-expression/entertain
    Audience: General (professor/classmates)
    Tone: Formal–You will use an informal tone, which means you will follow the guidelines below:
    –You may use first person “I,” but you will not use “you.” 
    –You may use contractions
    –Proofread for grammatical errors: comma splices, fragments, fused sentences, subject/verb agreement, pronoun agreement, pronoun reference, pronoun case, pronoun shifts.
    Essay Format:
    You have a great deal of freedom with the structure of this essay, but the story you tell should make a point; be sure to state the point of your essay somewhere in your essay. Your point should be a complete sentence. For example, the point to your narrative might be “The most exciting time of my life was the time I rode the world’s tallest roller coaster.”
    Remember to change paragraphs when you change scenes.
    Your story should focus on a person, place, or event (very limited in time) which had a memorable impact on your life. Tell your story about this limited subject in such a way as to clearly show your audience your feeling about the subject and to generate a similar response in your audience. 
    You will turn in a main point statement and a final draft of the essay. You must turn in your main point statement before I will grade your narrative essay. Be sure to check my comments on your main point statement before writing your essay. Check the course schedule for the due dates.
    Consider the topics below for your own narrative essay:
    Think of an experience that made an impact on the kind of person you have become.
    Think of an experience that led you to choose the career path you are choosing.
    Think of an experience you would never want to repeat.
    Think of the best experience of your life: going to your first concert, meeting your best friend, a religious experience, such as a baptism, a wonderful time with your family, catching your first fish, riding your first roller coaster, getting your driver’s license.
    Think of a time you came in first: an athletic event, a scholarship, an audition, a job.
    Narrative topics you may NOT write about:
    1) Finding out about a pregnancy or giving birth (You may write about a special time with your child, however, or the day you brought your new baby home).
    2) Any kind of criminal activity (Committing a crime, getting arrested, going to jail/prison, getting out of jail/prison, using illegal drugs, getting drunk, abuse of any kind. There are just some things I do not need to know).
    3) Intimate encounters (You may, however, write about your first date, best date, worst date, or blind date. I just do not need to know what happens afterwards.)
    Remember the pointers below for the Narrative Essay:
    1) Be sure your essay has a clear point, the same one you submitted for a grade. Be sure your point is a complete sentence–When my mom and I took a road trip together, I learned that our relationship had turned into a friendship.
    2) Be sure your essay covers a limited time period (10 minutes to about 2 hours). Remember, you do not want to write about your entire summer vacation. You could write about the best moment, such as your first time water skiing at the lake during your summer vacation.
    3) Be sure to have ample details that appeal to the five senses–sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell.
    4) Be sure to change paragraphs when you change scenes in your story.
    5) Be sure you are telling a story with events that follow each other–first this happened, then this happened, and finally this happened.
    6) Put some time and effort into your paper. Try to enjoy writing the story