Essay #1 - Obstacle in Life

Ok, your first essay is to write about an obstacle you or someone you know has overcome. Here are some things to think about:

• title - be creative and have it have some connection to your essay topic
• subject - this obstacle does not need to be HUGE or life changing; think small; think about a memory you have (those tend to stick with you), think about family stories...
• Thesis - Helen Keller's thesis was her first sentence and her intro paragraph was only 3 sentences - but they were poignant and directive. Be clear.
• Body Paragraphs - Show, don't tell. Use metaphors. Look at how you or the person was before and after the obstacles. What changes occurred? How are they different?
• Re-read Helen Keller's essay and look at how she structured it. Very clear, precise, and unified.