Reflective Essays Mrs. Pasquini

Assignment Write a narrative essay of words. Respond to prompt #3 on the standard college essay application (significant person).

Prewriting Step One Audience Purpose Tone

Audience College admissions officers

Purpose To show colleges who you are. To demonstrate your ability to express yourself in writing. To persuade colleges to accept you into their school.

Tone Informal (should read like your speaking voice, but more polished) Expressive Style (Vivid Diction and Imagery, Dialogue) 1 st Person Point of View

Prewriting Step Two Choose a subject. Reflect on the significance. Develop a working thesis.

Choose a Subject Significant Knowable Memorable Publishable

Reflection Questions How do I feel about this? What has this taught me about myself and my relationships with others? Has this changed my view of human relationships in general?

Working Thesis Write one sentence that clearly states your subject’s significance to you. This may not actually appear in the essay, but it will guide your writing process.

Prewriting Step Three Brainstorming Anecdotes Gathering Details Organizing the Essay

Anecdotes Brainstorm a list of memories that show the subject’s significance. Narrow the list to no more than three anecdotes. Make sure they are effective.

Details Narrative (actions and events) Descriptive (people, places, and objects) Sensory (narrative or descriptive) Figures of Speech

Organization Chronological Order of Importance

Writing the First Draft Introduction Body Conclusion

Introduction Engage audience’s attention. Provide background introduction of subject. HINT at subject’s significance.

Body Bring your subject to life in several anecdotes. Include dialogue in at least one anecdote. Show, don’t tell.

Conclusion Reveal your subject’s significance to you. Make sure you have shown WHO YOU ARE as a result of this person or experience.