Your Assignment: Write an essay of about 600-800 words about a meaningful incident or event from your life that either shows the impact of motivation OR a struggle with ethics. As

always, your essay should be written in 12 pt Times New Roman font and double-spaced. Here's a guide to the writing process for this essay: STEP 1: Prewriting → Brainstorm a list of specific, memorable moments/events from your life. → Select one that is especially meaningful to you (it could be a sad or happy memory---it's up to you) and that either shows the impact of motivation (i.e., what drives behavior) OR a struggle with ethics. Think about what you learned and/or how it changed your life. Consider the features and styles of the various narratives we have read and discussed and how they might influence how you approach yours. How will you gain and maintain the reader's attention? STEP 2: Writing the First Draft → Write about the event in chronological order → Describe it in detail, including vivid imagery (Remember, the tone may be serious, comical-whatever you like!) → Make sure your details help the reader picture the scene and feel empathy for you Consider including dialogue (although it isn't required) and how you might use it to advance the story; click here for an overview of how to punctuate dialogue (you'll find the paragraph on this topic about halfway down the page on the right)/nIn your concluding paragraph(s), reflect upon what you learned and/or how you changed as a result of this experience/event STEP 3: Revising → It's time to read and consider if your essay communicates your vision. How could it be improved? Should certain parts be taken out because they are unnecessary? Should elements like descriptive detail, metaphor, dialogue be added/removed? → Consider having someone read your essay aloud to you. This is often an effective way of recognizing areas you want to change. FINAL STEP: Editing → Read your essay carefully and proofread for grammar, punctuation and usage errors. → Really take the time to "polish" your essay and create the best finished product possible AT SOME POINT...compose a creative title that gives a hint at what your essay is about without giving it all away...Look at our mentor texts for inspiration!