This document defines and provides examples of different types of personal essays: - A personal narrative essay recounts a meaningful personal experience and lesson learned from the writer's life. An example narrative describes learning to swim. - A personal memoir delves deeper into the significance of a life event by analyzing its meaning and importance. - A personal opinion essay expresses the writer's views on a social or political issue, using personal experiences as evidence but examining a topic beyond just themselves.

1. Personal/Narrative/
Memoir
FROM THE WRITING CENTER
@ THE A.R.C.

2. What is a Personal Essay?
• A personal essay is when one writes about a personal experience in their life without having to
prove a point to the reader
• There are two types of Personal Essays:
 Personal Narrative
 Personal Opinion
Oh! I understand!

3. Personal Narrative
A Personal Narrative is when the writer writes about a personal incident or experience that provided
a major meaning or lesson learned in their life.
Some of the elements in a Personal Narrative include:
 It is written in first person. (“I” point-of-view)
 It is an autobiographical story that talks about a time that resulted in personal growth.
 The writer must express his/her emotions and feelings.

4. Example of a Personal Narrative
“Learning something new can be a scary experience. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do
was learn how to swim. I was always afraid of the water, but I decided that swimming was an
important skill that I should learn. I also thought it would be good exercise and help me to become
physically stronger. What I didn't realize was that learning to swim would also make me a more
confident person.”

5. What is a Personal Memoir?
A memoir essay interprets, analyzes, and looks deeper into the meaning behind the surface
experience of certain events
A memoir essay will answer the following questions:
 Why was this event of particular significance?
 What did it mean?
 Why is it important?
•A memoir essay is more in depth than a personal essay

6. Personal Opinion In an Essay
A Personal Opinion essay is an essay written by the author on a particular political or social concern
or even a topic of interest to them.
Some of the attributes of a Personal Opinion essay include:
A Personal Opinion Essay as a
conversation with the readers.
A personal opinion essay examines a
subject that is outside of ones self.
However, the self is used as evidence
for the argument.
A Personal Opinion Essay is an
information filled mix of storytelling, facts,
and personality.
A personal opinion essay strive to say what
is evident, to reach a conclusion the reader
must agree of disagree.

7. Let’s Recap!
A personal essay is when the writer writes about a personal
experience without having to prove a point.Personal Essay
A personal narrative essay is when the writer writes about an
incident or personal experience the provided meaning or a
lesson in their life.
Personal Narrative
A personal memoir analyzes and looks deeper into the meaning
behind a certain personal event.Personal Memoir
A personal opinion essay is written on a precise political or
social concern or a topic of interest to the author.Personal Opinion