Personal Essays

1. What was one idea that the writer gave in the Wide Range of Topics section that you can use as you start deciding on a topic?

• You can write about something you care strongly about so the readers can know how you feel and understand where you're coming from

2. What was one idea the writer gave in the Opinions Pieces section that you should remember as you are writing your piece?

• Avoiding abstract expressions as you are writing opinion pieces because you don't want to bore the reader with generalizations. You want to pull them in with details instead.

3. List three suggestions the writer makes in the Personal Essays and Crafts section that you will use as you write.

• Writing essays in a great way to get your opinions off your chest, but avoid philosophical rants which make no connection to your reader’s experience. Again, keep it personal while relating to a wider world
• The hook is the device you use to get your reader’s attention. It’s the doorway through which you welcome and orient them to the piece. Try using:

1. A question. (“When was the last time you went without a meal?”)
2. A quotation from someone famous or something you’ve read/overhead. (“Be careful” were the last words my father said to me each time I left the house.)
3. A strong statement that your essay will either support or dispute. (“If you eat enough cabbage, you’ll never get cancer.”)
4. A metaphor. (“The starlings in my back garden are the small boys in the playground, impressing each other with their new-found swear words. The crows all belong to the same biker gang. You need to know their secret sign to join their club.”)
5. A description of a person or setting. (“Michael once mowed the lawns around Municipal Hall wearing a frilly apron, high heels and nylons, with a pillow stuffed under his sweater so he looked pregnant. And it wasn’t even Halloween.”)

• Personal essays by definition contain a personal perspective. You should be there. Watch your construction. If every sentence begins “I”, you need to rephrase to provide a better rhythm and pace to your piece.