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Grades level iconsGrades 9–12
Session time icon3 Sessions, 1 Hour Each
Genre information iconNarrative
Resource type iconLessons

The Uncommon Essay for the Common Application

by Marya Spont-Lemus, 826CHI
Through brainstorming and drafting activities, students will learn the basics of personal narrative writing and craft an essay that they can use for college, scholarships, job applications and more.
What Your Students Will Learn

Students will learn how to identify an impactful memory and expand it into narrative prose—focusing especially on sensory detail, plot, character development, and dialogue.

Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3.B Common Core Standards Icon
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3.D Common Core Standards Icon
Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3.B Common Core Standards Icon
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3.D Common Core Standards Icon
Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.
Session 1
Timer
1 Hour
Mind-Mapping College Essay Topics
In this session, students will brainstorm potential topics for their personal essays and practice drafting techniques.
Session 2
Timer
1 Hour
Reviewing the Common App
Students will review the Common App questions together and apply the brain mapping techniques they learned in Session
Session 3
Timer
1 Hour
Peer Feedback and Revision
In this session, students will pair up and provide each other with simple feedback on their current drafts. They will also have time to make revisions.
Session 1: Mind-Mapping College Essay Topics

by Marya Spont-Lemus, 826CHI

You Will Need
  • The Uncommon Essay: Session 1—Handout
    • Pages 1-4, for display
    • Page 4: 1 per pair of students
    • Page 5: 1 per student
  • Blank sheets of computer paper (optional if students use a writing journal)
    • 1 per student
  • Writing journals and writing utensils
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