Comprehensive Study Guide: Writing a Personal Essay
Writing a personal essay is a chance to let your individuality shine. It’s your story, told your way, and with the Leaving Certificate’s standards in mind, it needs to combine honesty, creativity, and structure. Here’s how to craft an engaging personal essay that stands out and earns top marks.
What is a Personal Essay?
A personal essay is more than recounting events—it’s about exploring their meaning and connecting them to broader ideas or emotions. It should:
- Be Authentic: Share your experiences and insights truthfully.
- Be Reflective: Offer a thoughtful analysis of the experience.
- Be Engaging: Use language and storytelling techniques to captivate your reader.The Elements of a Personal EssayCrafting a standout personal essay involves combining narrative and reflection seamlessly. Here’s how to do it:1. A Hooking IntroductionStart with an opening that grabs attention and sets the tone for the essay. Use a vivid description, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising statement.
• Example: “The sound of shattering glass is still etched in my memory. It was the moment my perception of safety changed forever.”
Pro Tip: Establish what the essay will explore without giving everything away.
2. A Narrative Arc
Tell your story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use vivid details and chronological or thematic structure to guide the reader through your experience.
• Example: “I was nine years old, standing at the edge of the diving board, knees shaking as the water below seemed to stretch into infinity.”
Key Tip: Choose one central experience and build the essay around it.
3. Reflective Insights
After narrating your story, delve into what it taught you or how it shaped you. This is where your essay gains depth.
• Example: “Standing on that diving board, I learned that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to leap despite it.”
Pro Tip: Link your personal reflections to universal themes like resilience, change, or identity.
4. A Strong Conclusion
End with a thought or idea that leaves a lasting impression. Show how the experience influences your present or future.
• Example: “Now, whenever I face uncertainty, I think back to that moment on the diving board and remind myself that the leap is always worth it.”
Techniques to Enhance Your Writing
1) Show, Don’t Tell
Immerse the reader in your story by describing actions, emotions, and settings.
• Example: Instead of “I felt nervous,” write “My palms were slick with sweat, and my
heart pounded like a drum in my chest.”
2) Use Figurative Language
Employ metaphors, similes, and imagery to add creativity and depth.
• Example: “The opportunity was a door creaking open, its hinges rusty but full of
promise.”
3) Personal Voice
Write as if you’re speaking directly to the reader. Let your personality shine through.
• Example: “I didn’t just trip over my own feet; I performed a spectacular, gravity– defying dive that would have impressed an Olympic judge.”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overgeneralising: Focus on specific moments rather than vague statements.
- Rambling: Stick to the point and ensure every detail supports your theme.
- Clichés: Avoid overused phrases like “everything happens for a reason.”
Practice Prompts
Here are some prompts inspired by past Leaving Certificate questions:
1. Write about a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone.
o (2018 Higher Level: “Write a personal essay about an experience where you
discovered a new aspect of yourself.”)
2. Reflect on a moment when you learned something unexpected.
o (2021 Higher Level: “Write a personal essay about a moment of sudden insight or realisation.”)
3. Describe a person who has had a significant impact on your life.
o (2016 Ordinary Level: “Write a personal essay about someone who influenced
you greatly.”)
4. Write about a failure and what it taught you.
o (2019 Higher Level: “Write a personal essay about a time when things didn’t go according to plan.”)
5. Reflect on an ordinary day that became extraordinary.
o (2020 Higher Level: “Write a personal essay about finding the extraordinary
in the everyday.”)
Final Thought
A personal essay is an opportunity to share your story and insights in a way that resonates with the reader. Be honest, reflective, and creative. With a clear structure, vivid details, and thoughtful reflection, you can create a piece that leaves a lasting impact—and secures top marks.