Autobiographical (For College) Essay
Definition: Autobiographical stories are stories we tell about ourselves and our experiences.
In most autobiographical writings, you will find the following characteristics:
1. Characters, including the writer as a character
2. Settings, drawn from real life
3. A series of events that form a plot
4. Conflict or tension between characters or characters and a force
5. Insights that the writer gained from the experience
Types of Autobiographical Writings:
1. Personal narratives tell a true story about an important experience, relationship, or period in the writer’s life.
2. Autobiographical incidents capture and explore in detail a short episode or moment in time from the writer’s life.
3. Memoirs are written records of people and events as experienced and remembered by the writer.
4. Anecdotes are episodes in the writer’s life that usually are amusing and end with a punch line or general insight.
Getting Started...
1. Choose a topic and focus (see college essay assignment - - preferably choose 1-4).
2. Choose details to suit your purpose:
a. include characters (yourself as the main one)
b. include dialogue (quoted conversation between yourself and another character)
c. include the setting(s) where the various event(s) took place
d. include the theme (be sure to have a clear focus and message)
Possible Ideas for the Introduction/Opening Paragraph
1. Personal Anecdote or Example
“Although my brother is severely handicapped, he has been my teacher.”
2. Role Model Character Sketch
“My grandmother has taught me many things.”
3. Analogy
“Having a strong set of personal laws is like having a strong foundation for a new house.”
4. Direct Statement of Topic
“Having hope, faith, and charity has been central to my development in life.”
5. Use of a Maxim, Proverb, or Quotation
“Life is making stepping stones out of stumbling blocks.”
6. Comments on a Story or Parable
“___________________________helped me realize some important truths about life.”
Supporting Paragraphs Can…
1. Illustrate the importance of the same law in different areas of your life.
2. Be about three different experiences or famous individuals who exemplify the same idea.
3. Continue the development of an analogy.
The Concluding Paragraph Can…
1. Parallel the introduction (WITHOUT using the same words).
2. Refer again to the role model, experience, or analogy mentioned in the introduction.
3. Make a concluding statement about each of the supporting (body) paragraphs.
4. Use and relate a quote to the topic.
Other Ways to Conclude:
1. Write an Epilogue – Tell what ended up happening to you or another character since the events of the story took place.
2. Sum Up – Sum up your feelings or insights about your experience, or state what you learned from your experience.
3. Pose a Question – Leave the reader with a thought-provoking question.