Download AP Essay Assignment 2: Light Bulb Moment

AP Essay Assignment: Light Bulb Moment
Narrative Writing
Sometimes we have moments in which we are suddenly illuminated with truth and clarity by an
unexpected realization or experience. At other times, the “everyday” moments subtly provide light
and guidance about our personality, our aspirations, our values, etc. You have a treasure trove of
stories just waiting to be told, some sad, some happy. In this essay you will narrate one experience
in your life and explain its significance. Often our most powerful writing stems from our strongest
emotional experiences.
Paper Requirements:
 Typed Size 12 Font, Standard Margins (1 inch all sides)
 1-2 pages
 10 points will be taken off the total grade for each of the following errors: Run-ons, comma
splices, unjustifiable fragments, inappropriate usage (their/there, too/to, our/are, it’s/its),
lack of subject/verb agreement, lack of pronoun/antecedent agreement, misspelled words
 Include a thesis in the essay that explains why this event is/was significant and how it has
impacted you.
Questions to consider:
 What significant events have occurred thus far in my life (births, deaths, accomplishments,
travel, self-reflection, friendships, tragedies, miracles, etc.)
 How did the experience influence me?
 What did I gain or learn?
 Am I happier? Wiser?
 Can I find a lesson or moral?
 How might the narrative affect someone else?
 Does the experience remind me of an event in the public eye?
After you have chosen your event, list the key events in the order they occurred and answer the
following questions.
 What is the source of tension or conflict?
 What is the purpose of the narrative?
 Who are the readers?
 Where is the best place to start?
 How much do the readers need to know?
 What details should be omitted to preserve the unity and advance the point?
 Can I think of a symbol that would unify the actions or ideas?
 Should the story be told in 1st person or third?
 What tone is appropriate?
 What images stand out to me (sight, smell, touch, taste, sound)?
Powerful Introductions
 Opening in the middle of the action
 Opening with a quotation
 Opening with a comparison
 Opening with an anecdote
 Opening with a shocking/startling statement
Powerful Body Paragraphs
 Use of Dialogue. Minimize he said, she said
 Concrete details and action verbs: include concrete details of the setting and action to draw
your reader in and give life to the story. Use strong actions verbs and descriptive imagery.
 Build Suspense: Build tension by pacing your narrative so the reader will want to know
what happens next.
Powerful Conclusions
 Ending with a Hint of Hope: Even if the full story remains untold or the conflict is not
resolved, there should be a clue so that the reader can draw their own inferences.
 Ending with a Surprise: Unusual incidents or twists make powerful conclusions
 Ending with a Reaction:
o What is my narrative point?
o What did I learn from this experience?
o Do I need to state the point at the end or can I allude to imply it?
o Was there an unexpected result?
o Would a reference to the future be a appropriate?