IMPORTANT: Click "READ MORE" to see all of the included information. REMEMBER--I WILL BE GRADING THIS ASSIGNMENT PERSONALLY. Each of us, at one time or another, has been judged unfairly or had conclusions drawn about us using inaccurate information. In this essay, you are asked to reflect upon a situation where you were unfairly judged and how you felt as a result.

Writing Prompt:

“Martin Luther King Jr. often spoke of a day in the future when he hoped that his children would be judged not by their skin color but instead by their character. Write a narrative essay about a moment in your life when you were judged by something other than the content of your character. Use narrative techniques to develop experiences, events, and characters.”

You will accomplish this by using the following techniques:

First person point of view (your point of view—I, me we)
Re-create conversations you had with others during this challenging time or event (engaging dialogue)
Vivid descriptions
Reflections on how you felt and what you learned as a result of this situation or event (thoughtful reflection)
Key points about this essay:

Pay close attention to each video set of Instructions; the writing prompt is outlined in detail and broken down for you.

Instruction Video 1—Prewriting

In the “Brainstorming for a Narrative Essay” section on Frame 6, the instructor explains the questions you should ask to begin brainstorming ideas. I recommend using an Idea Web much like the one displayed in 0:00 – 0:37. Beginning with 0:38, she guides you through asking “How” questions, which are essential to reflecting upon the situation to draw conclusions.
In “Exploring Narrative Elements” in Frame 8, the instructor discusses narrative techniques which will make your writing engaging to the reader.
“Outlining the Narrative Essay” in Frame 10 will help you create the framework for your essay.
Make sure you organize your thoughts during the Prewriting process.
Instruction Video 2—Drafting

In “Moving from Outline to Draft,” (0:26 – 1:08) the instructor discusses the progression from the outline to the initial essay draft. In 1:09 – 1:34, she discusses what should be in the content of the beginning, middle, and end of your essay.
The importance of using, and significance of, various transition words is covered in Frame 5
Frame 7 explains how to properly incorporate dialogue in your essay. Pay special attention to the “Adding Dialogue to a Narrative” portion because it explains the effect dialogue can have on character development.
The essay must consist of 5 paragraphs—an introduction, three (3) body paragraphs, and conclusion. In the “Drafting Tips” section (Frame 10), the instructor gives you some tips and reminders about what should be included in your draft. Please also refer to the “Diagram of a Basic Five-Paragraph Essay” document to help you write each paragraph and structure your essay.
Instruction Video 3—Revising

In Frame 2, you will learn techniques to improve your final essay (Revising Activity) such as using vivid imagery through precise language, strong verbs, and sensory details.
There are some good points on how to refine your reflections in your Closing paragraph on Frame 5.
Click “Rubric” to review the criteria I use to grade your essay (see graphic below).
Click “Checklist” to verify that you are ready to submit your essay (see graphic below).
Important Reminders:

Your work must be your own; any plagiarism may result in a zero (0) on the essay.
Please make sure to review my feedback in my grading notes.
There is a downloadable and printable version of this document available here:

Your eCampus Teacher's Introductory Notes on Writing a Narrative Essay about Being Judged

Diagram of a Basic Five Paragraph Essay

When you have reviewed all of the instructions, you will need to type the following statement into the window below so I know you are ready to begin the essay "I have read and understand the instructions. I will not plagiarize any portion of the Narrative Essay about Being Judged." followed on the next line by your "signature" (your first and last name). You will then click Submit. If you do not type the phrase correctly or do not include your name, this assignment will be reset until you do. If you do not comply, then your counselor and/or school administrator will be notified. Please see the example below for a proper submission:

I have read and understand the instructions. I will not plagiarize any portion of the Narrative Essay about Being Judged.