Autobiography

 

5 Paragraphs (Main Objectives: opening & closing paragraphs, transitions, rich vocabulary)

 

1 opening paragraph

1 closing paragraph

3 body paragraphs

 

Opening (create interest)

1)       Choose a topic that you do not want to write about in your body paragraphs.  Describe the incident (paint the picture, dialogue, action etc.).

2)       Transition to thesis by making a global statement about how experiences teach us about life (begin with a subordinating conjunction).

3)       Add a thesis statement that lists the 3 topics you are going to discuss in the body paragraphs.

 

Topics

1)       First recollection as a child

2)       A time when you were most embarrassed

3)       A time when you were most proud

4)       A pet that means a lot to you

5)       A vacation that you remember

6)       A toy or gift that is meaningful

7)       A time you were most sad, hurt or confused

8)       The funniest thing that ever happened

9)       Create your own

 

Closing

1)       Begin paragraph with a phrase indicating passage of time since the opening paragraph experience occurred.

2)       Explain what you learned from the opening paragraph experience.

3)       Restate thesis in specific words (e.g., change Òmemorable vacationÓ to Òtrip to Florida).

4)       Use a transition word to connect to the last sentence in which you ÒtwistÓ by ending with the title of your paper.