Autobiographical Narrative...Don't Panic

This week we are starting the Autobiographical Narrative!

Many of you have emailed with questions about this assignment. So rather than sharing answers with just the select few, I thought I would include common questions and the answers here:

Q: Mrs. Cales,
Do we have to state we're writing an autobiographical narrative in the introduction? I'm guessing no, but I want to make sure. I know we have to put the assignment name on the top of the document, though.

A: No. You don't have to state "I am writing an autobiographical narrative" or "for my autobiographical narrative I will write about..." These types of statements in your introduction are bland and often an obvious statement. Try to NEVER begin papers with statements like these. You should include the title of the assignment as part of your heading, thus whom ever reads it will know what type of paper you are writing, don't restate the obvious. Besides, as your teacher I will be reading up to 150 of these papers and you want your paper to stand out and not blend into the "fold."

One good way to start an autobiographical narrative is with an anecdote (not an antidote...nobody has the flu here) Such as, "My mom always asks me if I was 'born in a barn.' Even though I wasn't, I do forget to shut the door to the bathroom all the time." (this would be a good anecdote for a personal narrative telling about a time someone may have accidentally walked in on you in the bathroom. (YIPES!!!)

Q: Dear Mrs. Cales,
My question is about all word documents. Should I put one or two spaces after a period? If you could answer that would be lovely.
Thanks,

A: When you write an essay or a report for any of your classes, not just English, you should double space. This makes it easier for your teachers to grade them as well as to make comments in the extra space provided. :)