Video Notes: Personal Essay Writing — Key Concepts and Techniques

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts and techniques from the lecture notes on personal essays and writing moves.

Personal essay

A subjective narrative using narration, description, and reflection to explore experiences and insights for a general audience.

Rhetorical situation

The contextual framework including purpose, audience, topic, and arrangement that gives rise to a personal essay.

Purpose (in personal essays)

To explore topics with personal relevance and deepen the writer's insight while informing or moving readers.

Audience / Readers

Usually a general audience; essays may speak universally to evoke empathy.

Topic

A meaningful subject addressed through personal experience and reflection.

Narration

The storytelling aspect that conveys events and experiences from a chosen perspective.

Description

Use of precise sensory details to create imagery and convey meaning.

Reflection

Observations and insights about the significance or implications of the experience.

Action

The unfolding sequence of events driving the narrative.

Chronology

The order of events in time; can include non-linear techniques such as flashbacks.

Temporal pacing

How quickly or slowly events unfold to emphasize key moments.

Flashback

A scene that interrupts the present to depict past events.

Foreshadowing

Hints about what will happen later to build anticipation.

Character

People in the narrative; their traits and actions reveal themes about life.

Dialogue

Spoken exchanges used to reveal character and move the story forward.

Narrative perspective / Point of view

The narrator's position (first-person I, or observer) shaping the story.

Setting

The physical, historical, and cultural context of the events.

Description strategies

Naming, detailing, ordering, and comparing to create vivid descriptions.

Sensory detail

Details appealing to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

Simile

A comparison using like or as.

Metaphor

A direct comparison in which one thing is said to be another.

Personification

Attributing human qualities to non-human things.

Pattern for personal essays

Common organization moves like opening, middle, ending, and thesis development.

ABDCE formula

A five-part writing organizer: Action, Background, Development, Climax, Ending.

Storyboard

A sequence of illustrations mapping the major scenes to plan writing.

Thesis / Theme

The central idea or insight; may be stated directly or implied.

Opening

Techniques to grab attention: memory, image, conflict, puzzle; may start in middle or end.

Ending

Concluding reflection or twist; may be open-ended; avoid preachiness.

Narrative arc

The path from situation to rising action, climax, and resolution.

Spare Change

An example personal essay used to illustrate blending narration, description, and reflection.

It took me eighteen years to embrace my name

An essay reflecting on immigrant identity and the meaning of one's name.