Title: Directions for Personal Essay
Course: Reading Summer School

What is a personal essay?

A personal essay tells an author's opinion, feelings, or thoughts on a specific topic. It is classified as informal because there is a not a specific way that personal essays are organized. A personal essay is a common assignment in English classes. You have written many personal essays during your school career.

How is a personal essay organized?

While there is not a general organizational system, this diagram shows a general structure for personal essays. An author usually introduces the topic of the essay in a few paragraphs. Following the introduction several paragraphs of details supporting the main idea are presented. The conclusion may briefly presented at the end of the essay. These three parts add together in the author's mind to the main idea. Read to find these parts of the essay.

What reading strategies help me read a personal essay?

One reading strategy that helps make sense of a personal essay is to find the three key parts and outline or pick out that information. Read carefully so you fully understand the author's points.

The second reading strategy is to make connections to your own personal experiences. As you make connections, you will better understand the author's perspective and feelings. Make sure, however, you are fully understanding and not substituting your connections for the author's message.

A third reading strategy is to reread if you cannot pick out:
- the subject of the essay
- how the author thinks or feels about the subject
- how I feel about the author's point