Reference no: EM133488551
Assignment
Write a four to six page (1,000 to 1,500 words) essay that tells the story of three experiences or events from your own life that work together to illustrate a core personality trait or value.
For example, if you want to show why resilience is a core value in your life, you might discuss three experiences that taught you how to overcome adversity. On the other hand, if you want to examine why humor is key to your personality, tell the story of three events that helped you develop this trait. No matter what you choose to write about, your ultimate goal is to weave together stories that create a larger picture of a single personality trait or core value.
Writing Guidelines
1. Write for a general audience.
2. Determine what your readers already know about the topic before you begin writing and use wording that most audiences would understand.
3. Assume that your audience does not know you or why you are writing this essay. For example, do not write directly to your professor or classmates and avoid referring to the essay prompt.
4. Begin with a hook.
5. You might start with an anecdote or personal experience that will interest your audience and make them want to read on.
6. You could begin with a sensory filled description of the setting or a person significant to the central theme of your stories.
7. You could begin with a relevant quote from a famous text or work of literature. (Unfortunately, you should avoid quoting the dictionary, as countless students before you have made this type of opening a cliche.)
8. Make sure your essay revolves around your central theme or idea.
9. It is easy to veer off course when writing about our own experiences. Staying focused on the theme - your personality trait or core value - will help you stay on task.
10. Fully develop your stories with specific details.
11. Make sure each story is fully explained; avoid leaving out key details that might help your audience understand what happened.
12. Use the "show, don't tell" rule by using sensory-filled descriptions that help your audience visualize your story.
13. Avoid simply telling your reader that you learned a lesson without actually showing how.
14. Organize your ideas logically so that a reader can clearly follow your thought pattern.
15. Conclude by showing (not telling) readers why they should care. In narrative writing, avoid summarizing your essay in your conclusion. End with a creative, interesting thought that truly closes your piece.