PERSONAL ESSAY:
Length:
minimum 750 words, five paragraphs
Due
Date: check your syllabus
Consult:
Student Samples (below); Keys, pages 14-51
This
assignment is designed expose you to the key devices of academic essay writing
without requiring research. Hence a personal topic. The
concepts and rules of writing still apply even if you’re writing about yourself
and not global warming. You are going
to practice and perfect ORGANIZATION (traditional formulas for an opening
paragraph, topic sentences of transition, and transitions within a paragraph);
DEVELOPMENT (adequate proof/evidence); UNITY (relevant proof); and ENGAGING
WRITING
ASSIGNMENT: A Dominant
Trait in My Personality
Your
first graded assignment (the descriptive paragraph) asked you to write about
someone else. In this essay, you’ll
analyze a trait dominant in your personality.
Using convincing evidence, an engaging writing style,
and proper 5-paragraph organization, prove that you possess a particular
dominant personality trait. Be honest
and introspective.
To
identify your trait in the thesis paragraph, you may use one of the following
adjectives or phrases or choose your own:
pessimistic, reckless, frugal, impatient, shy, irresponsible, very
responsible, uninhibited, gullible, insensitive, ambitious, self-centered,
highly motivated, generous, excessively neat, disorganized, indecisive, aggressive,
paranoid, courageous, resilient, lazy, etc. You may also use a phrase as the thesis of your
paper such as “obsessed with (a job, relationship, sport),” overly protective
of (a child, possession, belief),” or “possessing the tendency to (procrastinate,
romanticize, underestimate.” These
are just prompts. If none of these
descriptors fit, analyze your behavior and formulate a thesis which does.
CONCEPTS TESTED
You
will be graded on your ability to:
I.
Organize Effectively
a.
Produce a correct thesis paragraph:
i.
Hook
ii.
Thesis
iii.
Sub-points
b.
Organize the main body of the essay into three
body paragraphs
i.
Minimum 250 words
ii.
Minimum seven sentences
iii.
Transitions between examples and/or points
c.
Review the Power Point for a Body Paragraph
d.
Use Ten Steps for a Descriptive Paragraph to
write each of the three body paragraphs.
II.
Provide Convincing Content (Proof ) in Each
Body Paragraph
a.
Provide a minimum of three examples or seven
details in each body paragraph
b.
Revise so proof (evidence) is specific
(highly detailed facts and actual events)
c.
Use descriptive skills practiced in the
first assignment to ensure that your content is vivid, clear, and convincing
III.
Practice Unity
a.
Use only evidence which proves the thesis
(main point)
b.
Remove all irrelevant material
IV.
Employ an Engaging Writing Style
a.
Use standard diction (no slang or
conversational wording)
b.
Create sentence variety
c.
Correct all grammar and punctuation errors
d.
Use effective Imagery