<p>I'm wondering which would be better because I've heard colleges tell me to be concise, but then again, I would suspect that the colorful essay would be more fun to read.</p>
<p>For example, say that I was writing an essay about spending the winter with a relative.
Which sentence would be better?</p>
<ol>
<li>During the winter of Christmas 2008, I decided to return and relax at my aunt's house.</li>
</ol>
<p>or</p>
<ol>
<li>Recalling my childhood memories of baked cookies and flower pots, I was eager to spend the winter of 2008 at my aunt's house.</li>
</ol>
<p>2 would be better hands down no competition. Anecdotes and strong verbs are what make powerful essays.</p>
<p>Definitely 2! </p>
<p>The last thing you want to be is boring. 2 is colorful, but 1 isn’t necessarily more straightforward. Two isn’t rambling or anything.</p>
<p>Especially if you explained about the flower pots (which don’t seem to fit in, honestly). But as nothingto1 says, strong verbs and anecdotes are great AS LONG AS THEY ANSWER THE PROMPT. And if you think you are edging into dicey territory with your topic, have a trusted adult read it and see if it is really appropriate/funny/etc.</p>
<p>2! Having a colorful essay is good as long as it pertains to the prompt. It’s okay to be vague, but by the end of the essay, your message should be clear.</p>