Elements of Language: Fifth Course, Chapter 1

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Writer's Model

Autobiographical Narrative

An autobiographical narrative tells the story of an experience that took place in the author's life. It usually focuses on the details associated with the experience, but it also lets the author express his or her thoughts and feelings about what happened.

Many autobiographical narratives use the structure illustrated in the framework below. Print this framework and use it as a guide when you write your own autobiographical narrative.

Introduction
• Grab your readers' attention.
• Provide background information.
• Include possible hint at meaning.

Hook your readers Get your readers interested early on by using dialogue, a mysterious statement, or an interesting description that sets a scene.
Include background information early Provide background information that helps readers understand your story.
Hint at the meaning Give your readers a hint about the meaning of your experience. Just give a hint, though. Most good stories don't give away the ending in the first paragraph.

Body
• Write about your first event (including details).
• Continue with event two, and so on, varying your sequence.
• Use chronological order.

Write about each event Make sure you organize your events in the appropriate order.
Add narrative and descriptive details To bring your story to life, use sensory details, action details, dialogue, and figures of speech.

Conclusion
• Reveal the final outcome.
• State meaning of experience.
• Draw your paper to a close.

State what happened as a result of your experience Describe your thoughts and feelings about the experience. You might also explain how the experience changed you.
Wrap it up Leave your readers with something to consider. Use a final quotation or statement about human experience in general.