Guidelines for Writing a Personal Essay—Ms. B. Wulchak, Mainland H.S.

What have been defining experiences in your life? In other words, what specific events have made a difference to you? Think of events that help tell who you are, where you have been, and why you feel the way you do. Your task is to re-create specific times and places so we read or hear what happened and what people said. Your focus could be written from the following angles:

1.  What personal belief or insight did you gain about life after one (or more) events? Based on these events, you have come to the conclusion that this value (or these values) are important. Write what you learned from what event--______

2.  What strong bond will you write about that you have with a particular person or place? ______

What 2-3 times will you write about as your anecdotes (stories) for examples? ______

What have you learned from knowing this person or going to that place? ______

Thoughts to consider for your writing-- ”Things I Have Learned About Life”

1. I’ve learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.

2. I’ve learned that although it’s hard to admit it, I’m secretly glad my parents are strict with me.

3. I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will

believe it.

4. I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don’t know how to show it.

5. I’ve learned that you can make someone’s day by simply sending them a little note.

6. I’ve learned that the greater a person’s sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on

others.

7. I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will

be better tomorrow.

8. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after

they die.

9. I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

10. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.

11. I’ve learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I’ve seen several.

12. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

13. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human

touch—holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

14. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

Source: http://halife.com/halife/thingslearned.html. This page used with permission from author, Terry Galan at the

UGA Humor List http://www3.50megs.com/djharter/index.htm and also with permission from http://halife.com

More Lessons You Might Write About—

15. It’s ok to be afraid—just don’t let your fears control you.

16. Persistence wins out.

17. It’s what you think of yourself that matters most.

18. Sometimes you need to talk. Sometimes you need to listen. Caring is a two-way street.

19. Do what you love. Laugh every day. 20. Action creates your Reality.

Personal Essay 2

1.  Write approximately 2 pages typed. Classmates will read your essay. Some will be selected to be read to the class, so avoid topics you don’t want to share.

2.  *Just telling what happened is not the reason for writing a personal essay. Relate the impressions the experience had on you. Describe what you saw, what you heard, what you did, what you felt.

3.  *Write as if you are telling a story. What happened? When and where did it happen? Tell how old you were or what grade you were in at the time. Describe places. Name other people involved. Give details about their appearances and personalities. Tell what you and other people did (actions) and said (dialogue).

4.  *In your conclusion, tell how the event ended. Include your final thoughts and opinions about what you learned from these personal experiences.

FORM to USE

1.  This assignment should be typed. It’s easier for classmates to read and easier to revise and edit when typed.

2.  Write the usual MLA heading in the upper left. DOUBLE-SPACE.

  • Your First & Last Name Last name 1
  • English IV Honors, per.__
  • Ms. B. Wulchak
  • 29 Sept. 2011
  • Your Creative Title Here (No quotation marks or underlining)
  • Tab in (that’s 5 spaces) to indent for paragraphs. Write several paragraphs using

standard English grammar. Avoid foul language and stories inappropriate for a public reading.

“Use correct punctuation for dialogue,” Ms. Wulchak said. Have a friend read it to see if

sentences make sense. Read all the suggestions on these pages to insure that you included the

techniques (*2, *3, *4)for your essay’s evaluation. I hope you learn about yourself as you

write. Writing is a way of discovering what you think and feel about your experiences. We will

enjoy hearing and reading your ideas.

(continue to see p. 2)--à

Last name 2

(When you get to page 2, type your last name & 2 in the upper right.)