Starter Draft Guidelines for Personal Narrative Essay

These are samples, not models. Write your own paper; use the samples to see different approaches.
Two sample papers:
- One covers multiple experiences in a brief, interconnected way.
- The other focuses on one focus area (e.g., soccer).
Both discuss an article not read by you; the point is to demonstrate how to connect personal experience to ideas.
Organization matter: opening, body paragraphs, closing; formal thesis not required in a personal paper.
Both samples integrate source material, but in different rhythms; aim for a seamless mix rather than separate quote blocks.

Integrate quotes so they flow with your narrative, not as abrupt insertions.
First mention of a source should include author and title; after that, refer to the author by last name.
Use signal phrases before quotes or paraphrases (e.g., Lipson says, Dweck argues, Willingham states).
Include at least one reference per paragraph if you cite sources; you don’t have to quote everywhere—paraphrase is fine with a signal phrase and citation.
There’s no strict thesis requirement in a personal paper; your opening can set up what you’ll discuss and how you’ll connect experiences to sources.

You can quote or paraphrase; both require signal phrases and in-text citations.
Quotes should be integrated and not dominate the narrative; use short quotes when possible.
If a writer quotes someone who is quoting another person, note the source lineage for citation accuracy.
Do not start or end with a quote; let your voice frame the quotation.
If you mention a concept (e.g., growth mindset, grit), consider defining it early with a source.

Two essential elements for any quote: a signal phrase and an in-text citation.
First time you mention an author, use the full name; thereafter, use the last name only.
Include page numbers when available (print); for websites, use the appropriate locator if provided.
Start collecting citations now to avoid missing them later, especially when using multiple sources.

The paper is about you; write in the first person (I).
Do not lecture the reader; assume an adult audience (professors, administrators).
Focus on sharing your experiences and what you learned, not giving unsolicited advice to the reader.
Example shift: from “you can do anything” to “I learned I could do anything I put my mind to.”

Collect quotes you think fit your experience and place them in a designated box with quotation marks.
Start with one article (grit, growth mindset, delayed gratification) but you may cover more than one.
For each quote, add a brief sentence or two about how it connects to your experience.
If you plan to quote a source that itself quotes another, note the chain for citation purposes.
Short quotes are preferable; you can start with a longer quote and shorten later.

MLA help sheets are available for guidance on signal phrases and in-text citations.
Works Cited page will be handled after the starter draft.
Citing as you go helps manage multiple sources (5, 10, 20) later.

Sample essays available in Paper One folder.
Past submissions: Assessments > Assignments > one submission (click to view).
Word access: BSU students have free Word via My BSU; online vs installed versions exist; save settings may vary.
If you’re unsure about portal navigation, ask for help early to avoid last-minute stress.

Pick one core idea (grit, growth mindset, or delayed gratification) and start reading the article.
Gather short quotes and note how they connect to your experience.
Draft a few paragraphs with integrated quotes and a clear I-perspective narrative.
Ensure each quote or paraphrase has a signal phrase and an in-text citation.
Avoid lecturing; keep the focus on your story and what you learned.