An Extraordinary Experience

English 101

An Extraordinary Experience

Albert Einstein once said: “The difference between ordinary and extra-ordinary is that little extra.” If this is true, then everybody has had the opportunity to experience something extraordinary in their lifetime. Think about something you have seen, done, or in which you have been otherwise involved in your life that could be seen as extraordinary. It could be something like going back to college after spending 20 years in a career, or watching a garden that you started from seeds produce a bountiful harvest. If you think it was extraordinary, and can convince the reader that it is extraordinary, then it’s good enough to write about. Remember, though, that it needs to have some conflict/complication in the story and then conclude with an idea bigger than the event alone.

Once you have settled on a topic, describe it in detail for the reader. Provide them with all of the details. Describe the situation/event to your reader and focus on why it was extraordinary. What was that little extra in your situation? Really try to create a picture for the reader so they can share in your excitement. Consider addressing the following questions over the course of the essay:

· What made this event different from the ordinary?

· What tension or conflict made it important?

· Was anybody else involved?

· When did you realize this was no ordinary experience?

· What did you take from this experience?

· How has your perspective changed in a bigger way since it happened?

Although there is no formal “essay” structure for this assignment, you will be expected to give it a beginning, middle, and end. Be sure that the essay flows smoothly and does not just start and stop. Give a lead-in for the story, and conclude by wrapping up the story and making a point. In other words, follow the narrative arc. Everybody has that friend that tells a story, then gets to the end and you’re left wondering, “So? What’s your point?” Annoying, isn’t it? Don’t do that with this paper.

Format: Minimum 3 full pages, double spaced, 1” margins all the way around, 12-point Times New Roman (or similar) font, title at the top and centered on the first page, MLA heading and page numbers. No cover page. All submitted pieces (outline, drafts, etc.) must be typed, with the exception of peer review sheets, which must be legibly written.

Grading: The purpose of this assignment is to work on using descriptive words to create a mental picture for the reader. You will be assessed on how well you execute this idea throughout your essay while still staying focused on your paper’s topic. The pre-draft outline will be very helpful in staying on task. Make sure you use plenty of descriptive words (adverbs, adjectives, powerful verbs, etc.) while still moving the story forward. Finally, grammar/mechanics will also count toward your grade, so be sure that it makes sense and flows well.

Outline Due Date: September 18, 11:59 p.m.

Draft #1 Due: September 25, 11:59 p.m.

Peer Review: October 2, in class (bring 3 clean copies of your rough draft to class this day)

Has a clear introduction and conclusion		10
Makes sense chronologically		10
Description helps create a mental picture for the audience		20
Follows narrative arc		15
Organized and focused		15
Emphasizes why this experience was extraordinary		10
Conclusion wraps up with an idea beyond yourself (bigger purpose)		10
Free of grammatical and mechanical errors		10
Total		100