Drafting Your
Remembering Essay
The Main Idea: Take time to consider the significance of your memory (see the Analysis and Public Resonance sections in the chapter). And develop that significance into a thesis statement (see pages 36-37). This will help to make your memory (and your essay) more than just a narrative.
Details: Details are important in this type of writing. Rather than tell the reader something vague and broad (“I was poor,” “It was a hard experience”), show the reader with gritty details. Let the reader see the experience. However, make certain that the details in your essay are there for a reason—that they add up to a significant point.
Public Resonance:
Your memory holds some kind of significance for the reader, but you may have to
emphasize that significance—the way Bosley and Schwind-Pawlak do for instance,
in their conclusions. Help make the connection between your personal experience
and potential readers. (As you consider this, ask yourself: what does my memory
show about humanity, American life, growing up in the
Organization: As you can see from the readings in the chapter, organizational strategies are unlimited. You need not feel confined by a preordained structure. Explore possibilities. However, remember that, as an academic audience, we want to see coherent paragraphs and smooth transitions between points. (See Organizational Strategies for hints and suggestions.)
Writer’s Voice and Audience: Consider your classroom peers and instructor the direct audience of the essay. We are an academic audience, so we value insightful writing and a formal voice—but as you can see from the examples in the chapter, and academic voice for such writing can be relaxed (such as Bosley, Schwind-Pawlak, and Mockensturm’s). As you explore the voice of your writing, try the various strategies explained in the book. After you have a draft, go back and emphasize the character that you want the reader to experience.
Grammar and Mechanics: If you have questions or concerns about grammatical issues, please go to Chapter 15: The Rhetorical Handbook.