Select a photograph that represents a significant memory that takes place over a limited period of time. The events that you will describe should take place over no more than 30 minutes.   Think about why you chose this photo.  How has this event had a lasting impression on you? Why is this event significant to you?

Your task for this essay will be to create a written snapshot which captures your significant memory in words and creates a you are there feeling in the reader.  Use the “magic camera” of your pen to zoom in on your subject and create rich sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and movement).  Remember that you can make your snapshot a “moving picture” by adding action and dialogue.  Also, give the reader more panoramic views of thoughts, feelings and big ideas to create a frame for your specific details.

You will be writing an autobiographical essay about your memory snapshot.  An autobiographical essay focuses on a specific time period and a particular event that directly involves you.  Your goal is not to tell about your event but to show what happened by dramatizing the event.  You may write in present tense, as if your event were happening now, or in past tense, to describe your incident as a recollection.

Your memory snapshot paper will have a setting that leaves the reader with a dominant visual impression, a plot or story line, and characters.  However, the nature of your memory may cause you to place your emphasis on one of these elements over the others.  Throughout your paper, and particularly in your conclusion, you should show (and not tell) the reader why this memory is so significant for you.

Your snapshot essay  will need to be a MINIMUM of TWO  FULL pages.   When you turn in your final draft you will need to include the following items (in this order):  

1. The final draft of the essay (I will grade whatever is on the top of the pile).  Your essay must follow the format outlined.  Essays that are not typed in the prescribed format will be returned unread and ungraded.  Formatting errors will cause you to lose one point for each error.

2. A LETTER to me in which you discuss what interested you about this topic.  Describe any difficulties you had with the assignment and how you attempted to overcome those difficulties.  And finally, what do you think the strengths of your essay are, and what would you still like to work on?  Keep in mind that this last question is not simply an opportunity for you to “sell” your work.  I want your honest assessment.  Your letter should be one page hand-written.  Don’t try to write the letter in the five minutes before class.  I want to see that you have put some thought into these questions.  

3. All rough drafts and prewriting (including your openmind brainstorm, your sensory cluster, and any other activities we do in class related to this assignment) 

When you come to class the day your snapshot essay is due, your packet should be ready to go.  I will not have a stapler or paper clips with me.  You need to take care of all of this before you come to class.

Remember to submit your essay to Turnitin.com prior to submitting the packet to me in class.