Memoir

Purpose: to capture a defining personal memory

Orientation: begins with a purposeful lead, identifies the personal event and may give the reason for selecting the topic

Key Events: has key events in logical order (e.g. single day, flashback) with sufficient relevant details including the subjects feelings revealed through describing actions or using quotes

Conclusion: communicate the larger meaning or reason for the writing

Special Features

- literary language (powerful nouns and verbs, figurative language)

- linking words and phrases (later that afternoon, as I walked out)

- past tense