This document provides guidance for writing a personal essay. It discusses focusing on a personal philosophy or insight into life and supporting it with life experiences that taught the philosophy, instances where the writer applied it, and how it will continue affecting their life. Sample essays are analyzed for their thesis, supporting experiences, and explanation of the philosophy. The document also includes topics for a class discussion on censorship and common sayings. Students are tasked with analyzing insights and selecting a topic for their own personal essays.

1. Personal EssayPersonal Essay
English 4English 4

2. Writer’s NotebookWriter’s Notebook
I believe…I believe…
**If you want this to be helpful, do not write about religion.**If you want this to be helpful, do not write about religion.
Also, don’t just write the R Kelly lyrics (it’s been done).Also, don’t just write the R Kelly lyrics (it’s been done).
Also, think for half a second before you ask for a title.Also, think for half a second before you ask for a title.
9/27/10
Content: Personal Essay

3. Personal EssayPersonal Essay
 Focus on a personal philosophyFocus on a personal philosophy
– philosophy = the most basic beliefs, concepts,philosophy = the most basic beliefs, concepts,
and attitudes of an individual or groupand attitudes of an individual or group
 Present it as a an insight into lifePresent it as a an insight into life

4. Examples:Examples:
 You never know until you try.You never know until you try.
 Make ripples, not waves.Make ripples, not waves.
 Do no harm.Do no harm.
 Don’t talk the game. Play theDon’t talk the game. Play the
game.game.
 To thine own self be true.To thine own self be true.
 Be excellent to each other.Be excellent to each other.
 Carpe diem.Carpe diem.
 Try not. Do or do not. There isTry not. Do or do not. There is
no try.no try.
 Don’t dream it. Be it.Don’t dream it. Be it.
 Failure isn’t failure, if aFailure isn’t failure, if a
lesson’s learned.lesson’s learned.
 Be cool.Be cool.
 Always go to the funeral.Always go to the funeral.
 Lead by example.Lead by example.
 Change is good.Change is good.
 Pain is temporary. Pride isPain is temporary. Pride is
forever.forever.
 If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

5. Support (Explain it)Support (Explain it)
 Tell what it meansTell what it means
 Support it with personal experiences:Support it with personal experiences:
 An experience that taught you the philosophy.An experience that taught you the philosophy.
 An experience that proved the insightAn experience that proved the insight
 An experience in which you applied the philosophyAn experience in which you applied the philosophy
 An experience that reinforced the philosophyAn experience that reinforced the philosophy
 Tell how you still use the philosophyTell how you still use the philosophy
today.today.

6. What do you believe?What do you believe?
 You are receiving a list of beliefYou are receiving a list of belief
statementsstatements
 Circle the appropriate statement thatCircle the appropriate statement that
corresponds with your level ofcorresponds with your level of
agreement or disagreementagreement or disagreement

7. Share Your StoriesShare Your Stories
 Four RoundsFour Rounds
 I will read a belief statementI will read a belief statement
 You will write it down and move to theYou will write it down and move to the
section of the room that matches yoursection of the room that matches your
agreementagreement
 Find someone in your section and shareFind someone in your section and share
your reasons why you agree/disagree.your reasons why you agree/disagree.
Write downWrite down your classmate’syour classmate’s reasons.reasons.

8. Why are we doing this?Why are we doing this?

9. Writer’s NotebookWriter’s Notebook
““Greatest Lesson”Greatest Lesson”
The greatest lesson IThe greatest lesson I
ever learned…ever learned…
9/28/10
Content: Personal Essay

10. Personal EssayPersonal Essay
 Focus on a personal philosophyFocus on a personal philosophy
– philosophy = the most basic beliefs, concepts,philosophy = the most basic beliefs, concepts,
and attitudes of an individual or groupand attitudes of an individual or group
 Present it as a an insight into lifePresent it as a an insight into life

11. Sample Personal EssaysSample Personal Essays
 Read each essayRead each essay
 What insight is each writer sharing?What insight is each writer sharing?
 Why are these two essays together?Why are these two essays together?
What do they have in common?What do they have in common?
(you’re going to have to get deep with(you’re going to have to get deep with
this.)this.)

12. A Duty to Family…A Duty to Family…
 What is the thesis?What is the thesis?
– Duty to family is more important than theDuty to family is more important than the
self.self.
 What experiences support the thesis?What experiences support the thesis?
 How does the writer explain theHow does the writer explain the
philosophy?philosophy?

13. There is no GodThere is no God
 What is the thesis?What is the thesis?
 What experiences support the thesis?What experiences support the thesis?
 How does the writer explain theHow does the writer explain the
philosophy?philosophy?

14. A Duty to Family…A Duty to Family…
 What is the thesis?What is the thesis?
 What experiences support the thesis?What experiences support the thesis?
 How does the writer explain theHow does the writer explain the
philosophy?philosophy?

15. There is no GodThere is no God
 What is the thesis?What is the thesis?
 What experiences support the thesis?What experiences support the thesis?
 How does the writer explain theHow does the writer explain the
philosophy?philosophy?

16. Always Go To TheAlways Go To The
FuneralFuneral
 What is the thesis?What is the thesis?
 How does the writer organize herHow does the writer organize her
ideas?ideas?
 How does the writer explain theHow does the writer explain the
philosophy?philosophy?

17. Freeing MyselfFreeing Myself
Through…Through…
 What is the thesis?What is the thesis?
 How does the writer organize herHow does the writer organize her
ideas?ideas?
 How does the writer explain theHow does the writer explain the
philosophy?philosophy?

19. Writer’s NotebookWriter’s Notebook
““Better World”Better World”
The world would be a betterThe world would be a better
place if people would justplace if people would just
realize…realize…
9/29/10
Content: Personal Essay

20.  Finish Personal Essay samplingFinish Personal Essay sampling

21. Writer’s NotebookWriter’s Notebook
““Coda”Coda”
 Read (holy crap! He said “read!”) Ray Bradbury’sRead (holy crap! He said “read!”) Ray Bradbury’s
“Coda” to“Coda” to Fahrenheit 451Fahrenheit 451.. {**class set. Do not write on**}{**class set. Do not write on**}
1.1. What does Bradbury have to say about censorship?What does Bradbury have to say about censorship?
2.2. What do you think about censorship? Is it a problem?What do you think about censorship? Is it a problem?
Is it dangerous/bad/evil/detrimental in our society?Is it dangerous/bad/evil/detrimental in our society?
9/30/10
Content: Personal Essay
Still ¾ page

22. TodayToday
 Students willStudents will
– Analyze the structure of a Personal Essay byAnalyze the structure of a Personal Essay by
putting an “out of order” essay in order.putting an “out of order” essay in order.
 WR-HS-2.3.0
 Organization: Students will create unity and coherence to
accomplish the focused purpose
– WR-E-4.7.0
– Focusing
 Connecting with prior learning and experience
 Thinking about a subject, an experience, a question, an issue or a
problem to determine a meaningful reason to write

23. Quick ListQuick List
 At the end of your WN entry:At the end of your WN entry:
– Make a list:Make a list:
““My three best thoughts/ideas aboutMy three best thoughts/ideas about
censorship”censorship”

24. Failure is a Good ThingFailure is a Good Thing
 The printer failed!The printer failed!
This essay is outThis essay is out
of order!of order!
 Number theNumber the
paragraphs to putparagraphs to put
the essay back inthe essay back in
the best order.the best order.

25. Writer’s NotebookWriter’s Notebook
““Making it in the world”Making it in the world”
One of your fellow seniors is having aOne of your fellow seniors is having a
rough time. He/she just can’t seem torough time. He/she just can’t seem to
figure out how the world works. Youfigure out how the world works. You
can’t solve all the problems at once,can’t solve all the problems at once,
but you can help. Give your best piecebut you can help. Give your best piece
of advice for making it in the world. Beof advice for making it in the world. Be
sure to explain exactly what you meansure to explain exactly what you mean
and how you learned this.and how you learned this.
10/5/10
Content: Personal Essay

26. Objectives
 Students will discuss perspectives/analyses
of philosophy statements.
– WR-E-4.7.0
– Focusing
 Connecting with prior learning and experience
 Thinking about a subject, an experience, a question, an issue
or a problem to determine a meaningful reason to write

27. Personal Essay RecapPersonal Essay Recap
 Focus on an insight into lifeFocus on an insight into life
– Something you know about life and howSomething you know about life and how
to live itto live it
 Support/Prove it withSupport/Prove it with
– Life experiencesLife experiences
 How you learned itHow you learned it
 How you apply it to your lifeHow you apply it to your life
 How it will continue to affect your lifeHow it will continue to affect your life
– ExplanationExplanation
 Exactly what it meansExactly what it means

28. Class DiscussionClass Discussion
 We will have a class discussion.We will have a class discussion.
 RULES:RULES:
– ONLY ONE person speaks at a timeONLY ONE person speaks at a time
– Respect ALL opinionsRespect ALL opinions
 BUT, just because “it’s my opinion” does not make itBUT, just because “it’s my opinion” does not make it
impervious to criticism. Your opinion can be wrong.impervious to criticism. Your opinion can be wrong.
– DISCUSSDISCUSS
 Pay attention to what others are sayingPay attention to what others are saying
 Keep the conversation going. Don’t just waitKeep the conversation going. Don’t just wait
your turn to say something random.your turn to say something random.

29. Tracking SheetTracking Sheet
Interesting Things I thought
during the discussion
Interesting Things other
people said during the
discussion

30. Class DiscussionClass Discussion
 What examples of censorship do we seeWhat examples of censorship do we see
today?today?
 Is this a problem? (why/why not)Is this a problem? (why/why not)
 Is censorship ever okay? (why/not)Is censorship ever okay? (why/not)
 How do you balance the right to free speechHow do you balance the right to free speech
with the need to censor yourself in publicwith the need to censor yourself in public
(appropriate speech for different settings)?(appropriate speech for different settings)?

31. Class DiscussionClass Discussion
 There is a common expression, “WhatThere is a common expression, “What
doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger.”doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger.”
Some people believe that is not true. “It maySome people believe that is not true. “It may
not kill you, but it can make you miserablenot kill you, but it can make you miserable
and not stronger.”and not stronger.”
 Which of these perspectives is right? HowWhich of these perspectives is right? How
do you know this?do you know this?
 TOPIC: “What doesn’t kill you...”TOPIC: “What doesn’t kill you...”

32. Class Discussion
 Some people believe “it’s okay as long
as you try.” Others think that’s a crutch
for unsuccessful people, and you
either do something or you don’t.
 Which side is right? Why? How do
you know this?
 TOPIC: “Try (or not)”

33. Class Discussion
 People will tell you to pick a career you will
be passionate about and gain personal
satisfaction from, money be damned. Others
will tell you to work for a paycheck and get
your self-worth and personal satisfaction
from your personal life.
 Which side is right? Why? How do you
know this?
 TOPIC: “Self-Worth”

34. Class Discussion
 How should people define “success?”
Is it a monetary value? Impact on
others? Personal? Professional?
Public? Private? Fame?
 How should people define “success?”
Why do believe that is the way?
 TOPIC: “Success”

35. Index Card
 As many ideas as you can think of
 Potential topics for discussion
– Must fit Personal Essay

36. Writer’s NotebookWriter’s Notebook
““Insight Analysis”Insight Analysis”
Analyze oneAnalyze one (1)(1) of the following statements:of the following statements:
 The smallest things can make the biggest difference.The smallest things can make the biggest difference.
 Listen to your elders.Listen to your elders.
 A dead end street is a good place to turn around.A dead end street is a good place to turn around.
 Respect others before you expect others to respect youRespect others before you expect others to respect you
 If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.
 Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.
 Do what you have to before you do what you want to.Do what you have to before you do what you want to.
10/6/10
Content: Personal Essay

37. POP QUIZ!
 You may use your notes
 You may not use your neighbor

38. TodayToday
 Students willStudents will
– Analyze the structure of a Personal Essay byAnalyze the structure of a Personal Essay by
putting an “out of order” essay in order.putting an “out of order” essay in order.
 WR-HS-2.3.0
 Organization: Students will create unity and coherence to
accomplish the focused purpose
– Select a topic for their Personal Essays
 WR-E-4.7.0
 Focusing
 Connecting with prior learning and experience
 Thinking about a subject, an experience, a question, an issue or a
problem to determine a meaningful reason to write

39. Who Says You Can’t?Who Says You Can’t?
 The printerThe printer
failed! Thisfailed! This
essay is out ofessay is out of
order!order!
 Groups of 3Groups of 3
 Put the essayPut the essay
back in the bestback in the best
order.order.

41. Writer’s NotebookWriter’s Notebook
““Insight Analysis”Insight Analysis”
Analyze oneAnalyze one (1)(1) of the following statements:of the following statements:
 The smallest things can make the biggest difference.The smallest things can make the biggest difference.
 Listen to your elders.Listen to your elders.
 A dead end street is a good place to turn around.A dead end street is a good place to turn around.
 Respect others before you expect others to respect youRespect others before you expect others to respect you
 If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.
 Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.
 Do what you have to before you do what you want to.Do what you have to before you do what you want to.
10/7/10
Content: Personal Essay
2nd
pd.

42. Writer’s NotebookWriter’s Notebook
““Insight Analysis”Insight Analysis”
AnalyzeAnalyze anotheranother oneone (1)(1) of the following statements:of the following statements:
 The smallest things can make the biggest difference.The smallest things can make the biggest difference.
 Listen to your elders.Listen to your elders.
 A dead end street is a good place to turn around.A dead end street is a good place to turn around.
 Respect others before you expect others to respect youRespect others before you expect others to respect you
 If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.
 Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.
 Do what you have to before you do what you want to.Do what you have to before you do what you want to.
10/7/10
Content: Personal Essay

43. TodayToday
 Students willStudents will
– Analyze the structure of a Personal Essay byAnalyze the structure of a Personal Essay by
putting an “out of order” essay in order.putting an “out of order” essay in order.
 WR-HS-2.3.0
 Organization: Students will create unity and coherence to
accomplish the focused purpose
– Select a topic for their Personal Essays
 WR-E-4.7.0
 Focusing
 Connecting with prior learning and experience
 Thinking about a subject, an experience, a question, an issue or a
problem to determine a meaningful reason to write

44. Structure Puzzle Wrap-
Up
 You should have a sheet of paper with
the number of your batch of
paragraphs and the letters in order of
the work you did yesterday
 12 minutes to finish.

46. Writer’s NotebookWriter’s Notebook
““Insight Analysis”Insight Analysis”
Analyze oneAnalyze one (1)(1) of the following:of the following:
 What is real friendship?What is real friendship?
 Is respect important in life? Why?Is respect important in life? Why?
 What is the secret to success?What is the secret to success?
 Can money buy happiness?Can money buy happiness?
 Can/should people learn from failure? Do you?Can/should people learn from failure? Do you?
 Is life fair? How does knowing that help you in life?Is life fair? How does knowing that help you in life?
 Is it better to be a logical person or an emotional one?Is it better to be a logical person or an emotional one?
10/8/10
Content: Personal Essay

47. Finding PurposeFinding Purpose
 Brainstorm as many insights/beliefsBrainstorm as many insights/beliefs
that people could use as Personalthat people could use as Personal
Essay theses.Essay theses.
 Put the on the board.Put the on the board.

48. Purpose SelectionPurpose Selection
 Write three (3) insights that apply toWrite three (3) insights that apply to
your lifeyour life
 Choose two (2) to develop furtherChoose two (2) to develop further
– What does each mean?What does each mean?
– How did you learn it?How did you learn it?
How does it influence you today?How does it influence you today?
 One will become the topic of yourOne will become the topic of your
Personal EssayPersonal Essay

49. Personal EssayPersonal Essay
 ROUGH DRAFT DUE WEDNESDAYROUGH DRAFT DUE WEDNESDAY
 MINIMUM 6 paragraphsMINIMUM 6 paragraphs
 MUST INCLUDE PLANNING SHEETMUST INCLUDE PLANNING SHEET

51. Writer’s NotebookWriter’s Notebook
““Personal Essay”Personal Essay”
Your classmate Billy Bob just showed upYour classmate Billy Bob just showed up
after missing three weeks of class. Heafter missing three weeks of class. He
leaned over to you and said, “Dude. What’sleaned over to you and said, “Dude. What’s
up with this Personal Essay stuff? I don’tup with this Personal Essay stuff? I don’t
get it.”get it.”
Explain Personal Essays to Billy Bob.Explain Personal Essays to Billy Bob.
Remember, the guy is not too swift. YouRemember, the guy is not too swift. You
need to explain it clearly and in detail.need to explain it clearly and in detail.
10/11/10
Content: Personal Essay

52. Senior Panoramic
 TOMORROW
 Wear BLACK shirt
 9am
 Wait for announcement

53. Group Essay Analysis
 Work in groups
 Read a Personal Essay
 Analyze it for craft not content
 Report findings to the class

54. T-chart
 Everyone
 In class notes
 You will report back to the class

55. Writer’s NotebookWriter’s Notebook
““MVP”MVP”
 Who is the most valuable person in yourWho is the most valuable person in your
life? Why?life? Why?
 **No girlfriends/boyfriends**No girlfriends/boyfriends
– (this will be a rule for memoirs)(this will be a rule for memoirs)
10/12/10
Content: Memoir

56.  Intro pptIntro ppt

57. Batch of Beginnings
 Try all 6
 Each intro should be an intro for your
Personal Essay
– Yes.
– Six different intros for the same essay.
 Out of 40 points
 6 = 60 5 = 50 4 = 40