University:
Georgia Southern University
Course:
ENGL 1101 | Composition I
Academic year:

2024
Views:

385

Pages:

1
Author:

Jaylen

Creating a Memory Map Time yourself: give yourself one minute to write down as many memories as you possibly can, just a few words for each, enough for you to know what you’re talking about. These can be good, bad, boring, exciting, any kind of memories. Doesn’t matter. They simply need to be memories. Go. Finished? Alright, now, choose your most vivid memory from the list. Again, time yourself with a minute or two and write down as many people as you remember that have SOMETHING to do with the memory. Were they there? Did your actions affect that person? Did it change your view of someone? Etc. if they were ANY part of the memory, list them. Next, give yourself another minute to think about the settings for this memory. Did everything occur in one place? What were the locations? For each of the memory’s locations, give yourself a minute or two for each to flesh them out: what were the sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes, the touches? What makes that setting come alive? Take a few moments to create the timeline for the memory. When did it start? Where does it end? What are the KEY actions involved? (For example: I received a phone call from my friend begging me to come over. I went to her house. She was in tears because the waffle maker was broken. We went to the store. We bought a waffle maker. At her home, we made waffles.) Try to list the main actions of the story. This can act as an outline for your story, as it gives you a logical organization. Think of each “event” as a paragraph in your essay. Lastly, give yourself a few minutes to write a list of why this memory matters. Why is it your favorite? Why is it a hurtful memory? Why is it important/close to you? Did it change you for the better, the worse? Did you learn a life lesson? Etc. Come up with ANY reason as to why this memory matters. Now, get out a clean sheet/backside of your paper, as we build our map. 1. Put your memory in the middle. 2. Make a branch/bubble for each person. 3. Make a branch for each setting. 4. Make a branch for each reason this memory is important. 5. For each person bubble, list THREE or more traits about that person. 6. For each setting bubble, list THREE or more details that sum that place up. Combine the details from your map with your basic timeline/paragraph list, make your sentences flow, and you’re two steps away from having a rough draft!