1. Writing the College Application Essay
English 5 – American Literature

2. Table of Contents Before you write: Writing the essay:
Choosing a topic
Selecting a question to answer
Recipe for a draft
Brainstorm
Writing the essay:
Steps to writing the essay
Essay writing tips
from the experts
Watch the video

3. Table of Contents continued
Sample Essays with critiques
Sample essay one:
Sample essay two:
Sample essay three:
Your task
Another resource

5. Writing with voice Definition How to write with voice Criteria
Interjecting your voice

6. DEFINITION FOR VOICE
VOICE shows the writer's personality. The writing has a sound different from everyone else's. It contains feelings and emotions so that it does not sound like an encyclopedia article. The reader should be able to sense the sincerity and honesty of the writer. The writer should be writing from the heart. The language should bring the topic to life for the reader. The voice should be appropriate for the topic, purpose, and audience of the paper.

7. A writer should Write honestly and from the heart
Share his/her feelings about the topic
Speak directly to the reader (without using YOU)
Use language that brings the topic to life for the reader
Care about what he/she has written
Write to be read
Use more expression than what is in an encyclopedia article
Give the reader a sense of the person behind the words
Connect with the reader

8. Writing your thesis
Look at the question you have to answer or the task.
Tell us about yourself, your reasons for attending *** , and your reasons for seeking a college education.

9. Include key words Include key words from the question in your thesis.
Being a well-rounded student, I have several reasons for selecting ***and pursuing a college education.

10. More thesis statements
My college search would prove to be an unforgettable experience.
Developing useful sources of alternative energy will be the greatest challenge my generation will face.
Community service has importance and value for many reasons.

11. More thesis statements
During that night in the hospital, I would face the worst obstacle of my life.
I have had several interesting experiences which have led me to choose ***.

12. Writing a hook Use an anecdote Use a quote
Use a question (Not the best.)

13. Writing the HOOK Which one is best?
“Waste not. Want not.” This quote was once said by Benjamin Franklin.
“Waste not. Want not.” [Benjamin Franklin.]
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Waste not. Want not.”

14. The winner is
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Waste not. Want not.”

15. Writing the body of the essay
Use transitions to connect the paragraphs.
Use synonyms when repeating an idea.
Avoid using you.
Keep the verbs in the same tense.
Vary the length and types of sentences.

16. Writing the conclusion
Try not to use In conclusion…
Summarize your points.
Restate your points.
End with a positive voice.
Do NOT introduce a new idea or a new
point.

17. Finally… PROOFREAD Have a another person proofread your essay.
Be positive.

18. Formatting your paper
Here is a sample of the first page of a paper in MLA style:

19. Graphic Organizers

20. Graphic Organizers

21. Graphic Organizers

22. Graphic Organizers

23. Graphic Organizers