Personal Essay Writing Notes - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards derived from the video notes on personal essays, brainstorming, and related writing concepts.

Personal essay

A first-person narrative that describes a single meaningful experience with vivid detail, culminating in the insight gained.

Brainstorming chart

A planning tool that lists potential events, what was learned from them, and who would be interested in the story.

Event

An occurrence chosen as the focal moment for the essay.

Experience

A selected moment that impacts you and serves as the subject of reflection.

Context

Background information that frames the narrative, including setting and circumstances.

Key details

Specific facts, observations, and sensory elements that support the narrative.

Purpose

The writer's goal for the essay—what they intend to communicate to the audience.

Audience

The readers the writer aims to reach and engage with the essay.

Reflection

Thoughtful consideration of the event's meaning and significance after it occurs.

Insight

A deep understanding or realization gained from the experience.

Resilience

The capacity to recover from difficulty; described in the notes as true resilience.

Work ethic

A set of values guiding effort, discipline, and consistency in pursuing goals.

Intercultural communication

Communication across cultures, including understanding culture, heritage, and social norms.

Vivid description

Descriptive language that creates clear sensory imagery for the reader.