Sensory Detail Memoir

English 101

Sensory Detail Memoir

Descriptive words can go a long way in creating an experience for a reader. Things such as the sense of smell and taste are also closely tied in with memory, and will often evoke memories for both the author and readers alike. For this first assignment, you are going to pick either a place, such as a garden, or a thing, such as a particular food, and describe it and your memories surrounding it. There is going to be a lot of emphasis put on descriptive writing (since it’s a necessary skill to have in general), so make sure you describe the focus in excruciating detail. In addition, describe the memories you have with the topic and why they are so significant to you.

This is, first and foremost, a memoir. The writing needs to focus on you, your experiences, and your thoughts surrounding the topic. Make sure you include why this topic is significant to you, rather than just listing off characteristics. Have a point to the whole thing, and be sure to follow the narrative arc. There ought to be some type of tension or complication to help to give the memoir a purpose.

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 (both adverbs and adjectives) while still moving the story forward. Finally, readability 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)

Memoir
Focuses on a single place/thing		10
Sufficient anecdotes used to support the position		15
Points organized in logical fashion (e.g. chronological)		10
Anecdotes support the main idea of the memoir		15
Follows narrative arc		10
Description helps create a mental picture for the audience		20
Conclusion wraps up with a big picture idea		10
Free of grammatical and mechanical errors		10
Total		100