PERSONAL ESSAYS: ESSAY STARTS

We can write personal or college essays on many topics. Sometimes we grab on to one topic, which may or may not be the strongest choice, and ignore all other options. The purpose of this sheet is twofold: one is to help you explore many topics. The other is to let me get to know you as a writer. Please look at the list of essay questions and write a paragraph response to at least two per section. This means you will write six paragraphs in all.

Please look at the list of essay questions and write short (two to three paragraphs) responses to at least two per section. This means you will write six mini-essays in all.

Part 1

• Suppose you could affect the outcome of human history by changing a particular event. What event would you choose? How would you change it, and why?

• Discuss a work of literature or film that has had a profound effect on you. What made it so significant? What did you learn?

• Discuss some issue of personal, local, or national concern and its importance to you.

• If you could spend a year pursing any activity, all expenses paid, what would you do? Be specific, and describe why your choice is meaningful to you.

• Has a particular friend, relative, employer, or other person influenced you in a significant way? How are you different as a result of this relationship?

• You have just completed your 300 page autobiography. Please submit page 217.

Part 2

• Describe a familial, cultural, or national tradition that has specific significance for you.

• Write about a time in your life when a situation you were in was so difficult that it left you feeling a little less than human. Describe your situation and then describe how the animal or object you felt like in the situation.

• What would your personal logo look like and why? What does it reveal about you?

• Have you ever experienced an epiphany, as if your eyes were suddenly opened to something to which you were blind? Describe this experience.

• Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, or risk you have taken or an ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

• Describe the greatest challenge you have faced or expect to face.

Part 3

• The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco , the architecture of Chicago , Mardi gras, the the Great Wall of China – all are highly visible landmarks, characteristics, or events that are emblematic of a particular place. In a more subtle way, there are other “landmarks” that are less recognizable but nonetheless suggest a specific place. Perhaps it is the local mall, or spring tulips in your garden, or abandoned warehouse, or an annual parade or festival. Write about a landmark, characteristic or event that suggests to you a specific place.

• The Constitution is conspicuously silent about matters of education. For example, the only requirement for elected office are citizenship and a certain age  (Article I, Sections 2, 3: Article I, Section 1). Is there any kind of knowledge or understanding most worth having for a good citizen who wishes to hold elected office?

• As you reach the end of your high school career, write a letter to a freshman giving the most critical advice regarding how to make the most of his or her time in high school.

Thanks to Mr. Lynn and Mr. Hurtig for some of these questions.