<p>Hey,</p>
<p>I've spent the past few days looking at some example essays and guides, particularly for the "Tell us about someone who has made an impact on your life..." prompt, and I was wondering what are the biggest cliches for this essay? Some of the guides/tips suggested to be careful when talking about parents, grandparents, coaches, etc., but it didn't really say why. I get that it's easy to write that your mom or dad was a great role model in your life blah blah blah, but I think my approach to this prompt is a bit more unique than that. </p>
<p>Basically, I'm writing about my dad and his influence on my life, but I would like to know what cliches I should avoid. </p>
<p>My second question is about the "Choose and issue of importance to you..." prompt. I was wondering how open-ended our responses are allowed to be. For example, would I be able to write about my parents not being college graduates or how being in a car crash affected me? Or should I stick to a less personal topic?</p>
<p>Out of curiosity, is anyone in the IB diploma program or taken it in the past?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>