Remembering Essay Techniques

Remembering Essay: Writing a Focused NARRATIVE Show Don’t Tell—observing techniques Topic Choice—focus on occasion and cultural context. Limit and Focus—create a specific scene in TIME and SPACE Avoid monotonously summarizing Cliches— “My life will never be the same” Subjective vs. Objective Details

Note: Changes, Contrasts & Conflict Changes—in people and places Contrasts—between memories or appearance vs. reality CONFLICT = TENSION Connections—between past events, people, places, and the present Insight—Main Idea Why is the memory important?

Other Techniques to Consider: TIME ORDER In medias res = “in the middle” Flashback Chronological POINT OF VIEW and TENSE First person Past verse Present

Topic Choices Avoid the dreaded “Top 40” Boyfriend/Girlfriend Spring Break Death Focus on the smaller moment, for you can discover great insight.