<p>I know it's a universal question, but I'm asking it here because I'm finding it difficult to answer the Uncommon Essay on the Chicago app. I've decided to tackle the "justice" prompt, and I just don't know whether I should give my full true response, or something somewhat true but fabricated. What do you think?</p>
<p>I think it’s best to be honestly original. Admittedly, though that is hard.
Unless you are writing a fictional short story kind of thing.</p>
<p>That depends on how you define “original”. I think it’s important to find out about yourself first (the qualities you have) and then decide whether or not you should change certain details of the story you write about. The same story can be written in different ways, and better writing skills will definitely produce the best effects.</p>
<p>Just write something you like and feel passionate about. I wrote a fictional account of what happens to you immediately after you die. It was something i actually wanted to write and probably helped get me in this college. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t recommend flat out lying about your traits. For example, writing about being always honest when your actually not (see the irony here?) Or making up an experience that never happened to you. You just won’t have the same energy when writing about these things as someone who actually has these experiences.</p>
<p>That said, there are ways to energize your own experiences through good writing without fabrication. Just as on a resume, there’s a dull way to list things and an interesting way. Your college counselor should be able to help you out with that.</p>