Introduction

A personal essay may be written for a variety of purposes.  This essay aims to write about your personal feelings, desires, and beliefs.

The initial step is to pick a theme or topic to be written about.  A personal essay may be about a topic of interest or narrative – in the form of a story.

The most important questions in a narrative essay are:

1. What do I remember or see that I would like to think about?
2. Which of these raise the most interesting questions to explore?
3. What do I understand now about this topic that I did not before?

 How to write a personal essay?

The topic for a personal essay may be: Make a list of ten beliefs that you held when you were 5 years old, Are some types of beliefs tied to age?, What changed your personality? One of the key events in your life, The most meaningful person for you, What profession is the most valuable for you? What did you learn from past mistakes? Etc.

  This kind of essay consists of subjective response – most commonly an individual’s reaction to something or someone. The most common causes are an event, person, place, concept etc.  The personal essay is written in an active voice – because it describes the writer’s inner state.

The purpose of descriptive writing is to describe a person, place, or thing in a way to form the picture in the reader’s mind.

Choose the introduction, to begin with, an opening sentence and write from your point of view. Make a personal essay as informative and interesting as possible. In the beginning, write an outline using a variety of library tools (repetitions, metaphors, personifications, etc.).

The organization of an essay

In this kind of descriptive writing, it is advised to use specific adjectives and nouns. To create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind it is necessary to use those words as well as action verbs.

Organize well descriptive writing. It may be through chronological writing (time), spatial (location) and the order of importance. There are several mistakes that you should avoid. The most common are the absence of organization, boring topic, no structure, absence of moral and inappropriate lexis.

The essay structure

The common structure of a personal essay consists of the introduction, main paragraphs, and the conclusion. In the introduction, part begins with a short introduction to the selected topic. The number of main paragraphs depends on the number of topics, usually 3-5. In the conclusion, summarize all the previously written topics and have a brief final concluding statement.

Personal narratives usually do not follow the 5 paragraph essay style. These essays are more in the form of storytelling.  Try to use personal experience and observations to drive inquiry. Apply the exploratory thinking of personal essays in different forms. Identify the characteristics of personal essays in different forms. Apply the invention strategies to discover and develop a personal essay topic and apply revision strategies effectively to follow the narrative story.

 Start by collecting as much data as possible. That way you will have a greater knowledge and to precisely choose the most adequate data for the essay.  The literary work is used to prove or support the understanding of a topic. It provides its own formal interpretation of a certain thesis.

The introduction is the first paragraph of an essay. It includes a hook, initial information and the thesis statement. A thesis statement is the main idea of the essay and is written as one sentence in the form of a statement. The topic sentence is the first sentence of a body paragraph. It introduces the focus of the body paragraph. List the sources you used in the paper, alphabetical order and with complete bibliographical information.

A conclusion is the last paragraph of an essay. It includes a modified thesis and a clincher or challenge to the reader. A parenthetical citation is defined as a material included in parentheses within the paper. You may use direct quotations, paraphrase and avoid plagiarism. Include references to the sources of all quotations, facts, statistics and matters of opinion that are not your own but may occur at the presentation.

Types of essay

There are several types of the essay such as:

• argumentative/persuasive,
• compare and contrast,
• literary analysis,
• reflective/narrative essay.

The argumentative essay requires the reader to have your way of thinking. The compare and contrast essay is used to examine 2 or more subjects and the similarities and/or differences between them. A reflective essay shares something you have read, learned, written or experienced. 

The structure of an essay

To prove the thesis, develop and expand on the topic with the examples and citations from the literary writing task. The body paragraph develops ideas about the topic. The use of quotes means each quote included, must consist of 2-3 lines of explanation.  The first sentence of the conclusion is a restatement of the thesis. Try not to introduce any new information in the conclusion. Summarize the main points of the argument from each paragraph in a way that shows they have been proven. Restate the most important points as a means of bringing the argument to a close.

Formatting means to use the correct title page format, double-space when necessary and correct the grammar mistakes.

The cause and effect writing provides reasons and explanations for events, conditions, or behavior. The cause and effect essay consists of the introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

How to write a cause and effect essay?

There are several steps in the process of writing a cause and effect essay. First, go through all the necessary parameters and plan detailed research on the selected thesis. Choose the main topic and a title. Then, highlight the causes and effects to prove with an outline proposal. This type of essay should answer the question of why.

When developing a thesis, define whether you are writing about causes, effects, or both together. Present the main idea – with the cause and effect terms.

The supporting body paragraphs should be written in the chronological, order of importance or categorical manner. Use the most adequate transition words such as due to, because, for, first, second, consequently, etc. In case of effects, use thus, consequently, as a result, etc.

Essay organization

A cause and effect essay may be organized in two main blocks. The most common are  block or chain organization. In block organization, the first is to discuss all the causes as a block, then all the effects together.

In block organization, a short paragraph separates a major section from the other major section (transition paragraph).  Its main aim is to conclude one section and introduce the other one. In a chain-reaction essay, the audience describes how one event causes the other. 

The initial drafting of the essay determines the cause and effects of the given thesis.

In the writing process, state both cause and effect as precisely  as possible. Try to make sure to show the cause and the effect are closely related. Use words that express cause and effect (why, when, such as why, as a result, therefore, etc.).  In order to write appropriately a cause and effect essay, it is necessary to define both cause and effect. The cause must provide an answer to why something happened, whilst an effect of why something happened as a result.

It is recommended to chronologically write the supporting details so to arrange details in the order in which the events occurred. The order of importance means details are arranged by splitting the topic into parts or categories.

Use appropriate transitions to provide details. Again, for causes, you may use the following: due to, one cause is, another is, because, etc. For effect, use consequently, thus, resulted in, as a result, etc. Thus, to strengthen the essay, use supporting evidence. Define terms, offer facts and statistics, and provide additional examples, as the final advice.

1. Format

• Typed- use a processor in a computer like Microsoft word.
• Spacing- double-space your work
• Font size- the standard size is 12-point
• Font style- standard font, Times New Roman.

2. Structure of the Essay

You can divide your script into three parts:

• Introduction

You will introduce your topic and give your thesis statement in one single paragraph. Introduce your topic in the first paragraph, which should guide the reader and give a clear map of the paper. Secondly, give your thesis statement, which is the main point of the essay. Be sure to make it crystal and on-topic. You should do this in one or two sentences at the end of the first paragraph.

• Body

The body houses several paragraphs that support your thesis statement with reason, evidence, and justification. Every paragraph in the body section must have a topic sentence, which is the point you are attempting to get through in the paragraph. It comes first before other sentences in the paragraphs.

• Summary

The summary section is a recap, normally short, of what you are in the essay. You can sum up the body section here in support of the thesis statement. The summary section is normally one paragraph long.

3. General Writing Tips

• Think and Discuss

Before you begin writing, familiarize yourself with content and material. When you get an assignment from your instructor, think about the topic you will use.

• Rough Drafts and Editing

Jot down rough drafts beforehand. It may help you see your ideas more clearly. Have breaks in between when editing. Have a repeat of this process until it gets completed.

• Review/comments

When you get done with your draft, you can give it to someone to look for errors and provide you with the necessary feedback. Many educators urge students to turn in their papers early for comments.

• Style and Punctuation

In general, the paper should illuminate a solid writing process. Try and avoid spelling, punctuation, grammar, tense, and vocabulary errors at all costs. Examples are:

Have punctuation inside quotation marks

1. Place the parenthetical citation after the quotations
2. Make an introduction of quotes
3. Make it a habit of spelling out numbers in your essay.
4. Keep away from the use of abbreviations or notations that are not formal.
5. Write crisp and have a consideration of your readers.

Most common grammar mistakes you should avoid

1. Misusing i.e. and e.g.
2. Having ‘if’ in place of ‘whether’
3. ‘there’ and ‘their’ confusion
4. Verb misconnection
5. Writing with an accent.
6. Proper plural of possessive of names
7. Using semi-colons improperly
8. Having a confusion between ‘then’ and ‘than’.
9. Confusing between its and it’s

Writing guidelines that are humorous

1. Proofread your work to check on mistakes
2. Don’t use sentence fragments
3. Do not write rhetorical questions
4. Avoid using the passive voice
5. Use exclamation marks only when it is necessary
6. Stick to the point. Be more specific
7. Do not use bad grammar
8. Use the apostrophe appropriately
9. Avoid the use of vernacular and archaic languages

4. Citations and References

If your essay involves research, or you quote somebody, you need to mention and cite the sources. There are many citing and reference styles. They are; MLA, Chicago, APA.

Writers are required to give their thoughts and emotions to mimic accurate history, traits, or personalities. A vivid description of experiences also makes the reader feel like they have been in the same space before.

What you can write about

• An experience
• A place or object
• An imagination

Topic Ideas for a Reflective Essay

Places that you have gone to

• Someone’s home
• The beach, mountains, desert
• Old house

Life-Bending events

• New experiences
• Vital memories
• Special dates/occasions
• A conversation

Recurring thoughts

• A dream
• A great emotion
• Embarrassing moments

Impactful Experiences

• Concert
• Vacation
• Post on social media
• Book, movie, TV

Important People

• Best friend
• Teacher/coach
• Grandparent

Organization of a Reflective Paper

How the paper is structured is pretty much the same as other texts.

Introductory Paragraph

You should identify the subject in this paragraph and present the reader with a vivid impression it had you see. Be sure to have a thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs

1. In the first paragraph of the body, note down at least one reason that the object or subject made the above impression and then write the why factor. You can speculate as there are no right or wrong answers in a reflective essay.
2. In the second paragraph, write the second reason here and write about the why factor in it.
3. In the third paragraph, mention the third reason and also mention the why factor.

Conclusion

Have a recap of your thesis statement and the arguments or reasons you provide in the body. Have a summary of your thoughts and give your opinion.

How to Write a Reflection Paper

1. Choose a topic/ idea

The first step in writing an essay is choosing the right topic. Make sure you have a great one.

2. Study your subject

You may need to imagine your character through reading, watching, or listening.

3. Brainstorm

Jot everything you can think about the topic. You can think of a character or subject in terms of taste, noises, and so on. Write down corresponding adjectives to help you in describing.

1. Pick Reflection Questions
2. What might I have differently?
3. How is this related to my life?
4. How has this changed me?
5. How can I apply this kind of experience to my studies?
6. How can this help me in my career?
7. Would I want this experience again?
8. What did I learn in terms of skills?
9. How has this changed the way I think?
10. How and why did this affect me?
11. Did this expand the understanding of my culture? How ao?
12. How can I pin this experience to my studies?
13. Does someone have the same experience I had?
14. Is this experience that I had good or bad?
15. Why did that experience make me feel this way?
16. How is this similar to an experience I recently had?

4. Answer the Selected Questions

Study the questions that you have written and answer them. You don’t have to be formal in doing this as you want to get as many ideas as you can.

5. Identify the meaning of your experience.

Before you start writing, make sure you decide on what is the most vital lesson you have derived from the experience.

What Is a Personal Essay?

A personal essay describes a life encounter of the writer. Written in the first person pronoun, it comes in either creative nonfiction or formal essay. It is best to write in a conversational tone to bring your readers along. This connection is vital so that readers can be in your shoes to and relate to your story. With this, they can learn a lesson, get inspired, or it serves as a warning to those towing the same path as the author.

A personal essay can cover a variety of subjects. You can write about your first trip, the first day at school, a near-death situation, following bad friends, an event that changed your life, an encounter with a bully, failing exams, drug addiction, or battling with a terminal disease, among others. Meaning you can write about whatever experience you believe could be of interest to others.

How to Structure a Personal Essay

Just like any other essay, a personal story must have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Each segment serves a purpose and shouldn’t be undermined. A typical piece has about five paragraphs; however, personal essays could be less or more. You should avoid starting with quotes or clichés.

Introduction: The introduction to your essay is where you present your topic and a brief of what readers should expect. It must contain a hook to entice your audience to continue reading your story. Try to connect with your readers right from here by making them resonate with your piece.

Body: The body usually comes with at least three paragraphs and gives detailed accounts of your story. The writer develops the story by introducing characters and builds up dialogues. Each section should come with something new

Conclusion: At this point, you conclude your essay by highlighting the points in the body. It would be best if you always had something for the readers to take home.

Tips for Writing a Personal Essay

Outline your essay

Before you even start writing, you first need to outline your work. Drafting makes your job easier. You can layout your points, choose your audience, and set a tone for communicating your message. It also helps you to determine whether your story is worth spending your time on it. Therefore, you should always choose something that has a substantial impact on you and can influence your readers.

Get your intro intact

The introduction is an essential aspect of every essay. It should be attractive, clear, and concise. It should contain a hook that would entice your readers.

Well-detailed body

After you’ve got your introduction done, follow it with a meaty body. It should be detailed enough to encompass all the exciting events in the story. Be specific, and engage your readers.

You can now finish your personal essay by summarization all you’ve said in the body and a take-home brief. Afterward, proofread your work before submitting it.

Institute Golf profession

He won various U.S. novice golf trophies earlier becoming proficient in 1996. He shot to acclaim subsequent to champion the Aces 1997 at age 21 in U.S. Tigers happen to be the most youthful man to acquire the trophy, and the first person to fulfill this deed as African-American.

Proficient profession

Woods first debut at England thereafter; Woods tied top score at the event. The following couple of years won significantly more victories, containing U.S. PGA titles, Open Championship wins, and U.S. Bosses wins.

Buick and Western tournaments were amid Woods wins in 2003. The following year, Woods wedded his longstanding sweetheart Elin Nordegren.

The following season was stamped by numerous wins individually and proficiently. Woods wife brought forth a kid, on June, 2007. Woods later won the World Golf Championship and PGA Championship in 2007.

The following month, Woods’ triumphant courses proceeded, as he accumulated the highest peak at the Tour and BMW finals. Woods was titled sportsman of the season by alternate members in the championship and triumph his eighth Palmer accolade for emerging the top cash worker.

Respects

In 2007, California Governor declared that Woods would be inaugurated into the California Hall of Fame and he was invested that same year.

Woods has been titled “Sportsman of the seasons” by the related Press in 2009 four times, and is the one and only individual to be titled Sports exemplified Sportsman of the Year more than once.

Due to his record-breaking achievement, He is ascribed by a few hotspots for drastically expanding prize cash in golf, producing enthusiasm for new spectators, and for drawing the biggest TV viewers in golf history.

Profession laurels

79 PGA Tour occasions has been won by Woods, including 14 main accolades. Woods has been pronounce as “the best closer ever” by numerous golf specialists. He possesses the least profession scoring normal and the most profession wages of any player in PGA Tour records.

In conclusion, Woods triumph at the Players Championship 2013 likewise denoted a win in his 300th PGA Tour begin. Woods has spent the most successive and aggregate weeks on the world rankings. He is among players to have won every one of the four expert significant titles in his profession, known as the profession Grand Slam, and was the most youthful to do as such. Woods is the player to have won every one of the four expert significant titles in succession, finishing the deed in the 2000/2001 seasons.

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Many students do have a budget and you may think that an online essay writer should be cheap. They are not. In the long run, finding a cheap writer will only give you a mediocre paper. An essay writer who is charging a larger amount will probably have more writing experience and they know that they can write you an outstanding essay. Make sure that you avoid the free essay websites as well. Chances are those are just copied from another source and your professor may not be happy with the work that you turn in.

• Find a writer that can match your style.

Your teachers are probably well aware of your writing style by now. When you are looking for a custom essay, it is important that the writer can match your style. The writer of your essay will need to know some basic facts about you and this will help them to match your style. If English is not your first language, let the writer know so that they can make some grammar mistakes the way you would. This will allow your teacher to think that you are the one who write the essay.

• Communication is key.

If you think to yourself, “I need a dependable person to write an essay for me”, you must be able to reach them if you ever have questions. They should also be able to reach you for any updates or questions that they have. The best customer service is there for you whenever you need them. Make sure that they have an online chat function that is available to you 24-hours a day.

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When you are writing an introduction about anything, the main purpose is to ease them slowly into what you are writing about and why you chose this specific topic/subject. This manual by an expert from WriteMyEssayToday is a clear-cut and brief collection of tips that you can utilize when composing a great persuasive essay.

1. Start out with an open-minded tone

When you are looking to get your opinion across on paper, the first thing that you want to establish with your readers is an open mind. There is absolutely no problem in having a concrete belief in what you are speaking of. However, you do not want to be off-putting to your readers by condemning them in any way just because you do not share the same thoughts. Have an open mind with knowing that you have a firm reason to your opinions, but allow for other to say “Okay, well I understand where he/she is at least coming from.”

2. Choose your language carefully

It is key that when you are writing a persuasive paper introduction that you choose your language carefully. Words and phrases that include vulgar/demeaning language are things that you should definitely stay away from.

3. Make your standpoint clear

With the latter, two tips do not feel as if you cannot make your standpoint clear. The entire point of a persuasive essay is to explain what you personally believe in. When you are making your case, do it from the sense that you are teaching someone why you think that way instead of “telling” them how they should think your way.

As you can see, these tips can be utilized for any type of topic and/or subject that you choose to write about. The introduction is the gateway to your point of view that others should feel welcomed to read. Don’t try to run your readers off before they even get a chance to see why you have your specific opinions. At the end of the day, keep in mind that your introduction can be the deal-maker or deal-breaker (especially to those who may oppose your ideology).