<p>Hello, I’m currently a junior from Canada and I was perusing several sample essays online. I found that almost every single one is written in first person, present tense about a specific event. However, I was thinking about writing my essay as a reflection about myself and events that have shaped and defined who I am as a person.</p>
<p>For instance, would it be acceptable to write: "During my high school years, I discovered that..." </p>
<p>Or should it be written about a specific event that is currently happening and written as if it were happening to me right now?</p>
<p>You can write about almost anything in almost every way, with the exception of poetry, of course. Normally people choose to write their essays in the form of narratives to reflect on the lessons they learned during the event. But it’s not compulsory, you can write about anything that matters most.</p>
<p>No you don’t have to write like that. Although it can launch an essay with action, I even find it to be annoying and contrived when the writer doesn’t pull it off… But watch out for passive voice and style that drags down your prose. What you wrote already is putting me to sleep. Try to keep active voice. That doesn’t mean ‘you run breathlessly to the mailbox in extreme agony’ to post your cliché essay before finding your own style.</p>
<p>@BrownParent So you’re saying that it doesn’t have to be a narrative but should still keep the reader engaged?
How do I prevent a reflection of my character as a person from being passive and dull?</p>
<p>During my high school years, I discovered that leprechauns exist.</p>
<p>Or</p>
<p>I discovered that leprechauns exist.</p>
<p>Or</p>
<p>Leprechauns stole my piggy bank last summer.</p>
<p>@BrownParent Alright. However, I still think the “during my high school years” should be used in the beginning to introduce the topic. It wouldn’t be a coherent essay if I started it off by directly delving into a situation without at least some introductory statement or remark.</p>
<p>ok if you want to. But it immediately is dull. At least say “In high school,”</p>
<p>@Martin - you asked a question, received a thoughtful response from an experienced reader and then choose to ignore the advice. Proceed that way at your own risk. Also, why bother posting?</p>
<p>@CHD2013 Excuse me, but I don’t necessarily have to agree with someone just because they are an “experienced” reader. I never ignored the advice, I have taken it into consideration. I simply stated that I would probably still use it as an introduction but I will be diligent in trying to keep the essay from being dull…</p>
<p>Besides, “why bother posting” if all you’re going to do is chastise others just because they don’t agree?</p>
<p>“During my high school years” is too wordy. </p>