2. Stars: Dreams & Aspirations
Brainstorm goals for your future:
What are your goals for this class?
What are your goals for your freshmen year?
What do you want to do when you graduate high school?
What type of career do you see for yourself?
What other dreams do you have?
Choose one goal for your essay

3. Mountains: Obstacles of life
Brainstorm three to five obstacles in the way of your goal:
lack of personal qualities (self-confidence, motivation, etc.)
family and friend intervention
economic hardships
academic struggles

4. Path: How do I get there? Think back to one of your goals.
What are specific tangible things that you will need to do to accomplish this goal?
What are some intangible things about yourself that you can improve upon to help you reach your goal?
What personal qualities do you want to strengthen within yourself or obtain?

5. Self confidence. Courage. Focus Kind Risk-taking. Commitment. Creative
Self confidence Courage Focus Kind Risk-taking Commitment Creative Self-motivation Optimism Patient Challenge Opportunistic Honesty Flexibility Respectful Empathetic Toughness Time Management Self Disciplined Organized Acceptance Empowered Proactive Resourceful Reflective Team player Communication Enthusiasm Asking for help Persistent

6. Content of body paragraphs
Paragraphs should start with a strong topic sentence that introduces the subject of the paragraph
Paragraph one – write about your star – your goal in life
Paragraph two – write about the mountains – the obstacles that might stand in your way
Paragraph three – write about the path – what tactics will you use to get over the obstacles and what personal characteristics will you need to reach your goals

7. Paragraph expectations
5-8 sentences per paragraph
Include strong topic sentences
Write complete sentences. Avoid fragments and run-ons.
Use descriptive words and specific examples
Proofread and spell check for grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling errors

8. Goal Essay Formatting Three paragraphs long
Typed in 12 pt Times New Roman
Double space the whole essay
One inch margins
Indent the first line of each paragraph
Center the title
Header at the top left – all double spaced
Student Name
Teacher’s Name
English 9
Due Date

9. Due Dates
Rough draft due on Friday, Aug. 22th at the beginning of class
Self edit on Friday, August 22th at the end of the period
Final copy due on Tuesday, August 26th
Presentations of puppets and essay on Tuesday, August 26th