For the narrative argument essay assignment, you will consider how personal experience offers first-hand knowledge of a larger social issue. An important feature of this assignment will be the use of the “I” to establish and convey your first-hand experience. Ethos—the trust and credibility established by the writer—is built through the clarity and honesty with which you write about your personal story. The topic of your narrative argument should be factual; you must present a story of something that actually happened to you.
The narrative argument assignment you will write for this class is a form of creative nonfiction.
Here are the basic elements of creative nonfiction:
It presents a personal point of view.
It is grounded in real-world facts and issues while at the same time grounded in self (author’s personal view).
It uses narrative techniques such as characterization, plot, setting, description, concrete details, etc.
It shows rather than tells personal experience.
Narrative Argument, then, is a story that makes an indirect argument (suggests a point of view or advocates for change without directly stating it). How is narrative argument different from a short story? The answer is twofold:
The purpose of a narrative argument is not just to entertain; its purpose is to persuade—the story you tell should have a point to it!
A short story is fiction and the narrative argument you are being asked to write for this class is creative nonfiction because it will address a true incident from your life.
Please consider these two important factors of the narrative argument essay:
The author making the argument must be credible.
The incident described in the essay should connect with the audience’s experience.
Establishing credibility is important. If your audience doubts that you are telling the truth, your argument will not come across effectively. You must gain the trust of your audience.
