We all have vivid memories from as long ago as childhood or as recent as yesterday. In the Remembering essay students will recall a special memory, and as in a snap shot in time they will share that memory with their readers. More than just story telling, the Remembering essay leads writers to a better understanding of themselves. Student will write about a person, a place, or an event that has had some significance in their life which allowed them to grow and gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. Though this essay probably will not have a clearly stated thesis sentence, it will have purpose and a main point that the writer wishes to share with a reading audience. Without preaching to the audience, the writer will share the lesson learned or the significance of the event, the relationship with and individual, or the inspiration of a place. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when writing about memories:

To make characters come alive, use dialogue and show that characters in vacation rather than just telling the audience what happened. Select a moment in time--one specific event, not "favorite times with grandpa," rather the "best fishing trip ever" and then focus even more on the specific details of the event and the lesson learned.

Create suspense in the narrative by leading up the high point; create a dramatic climax for the narrative.

Essay can be written in first person, third person, present tense, or past tense.

Remember to give the essay purpose, a reason why readers should dread the essay.

For more information on writing memory, see Chapter 4 "Remembering" in Reid text.

Student Example

Student Example

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