Personal Essays: Strategies and Analysis

• The learning objectives include identifying critical reading and thinking strategies, describing written text as connected discourse, and distinguishing patterns of development in writing across disciplines.

Personal Essay vs. Narrative Text

• A personal essay is an exploration of a significant event or period in one's life analyzed in context.
• The process of writing a personal essay includes selecting a topic, gathering relevant events, and organizing those events effectively.

Reflecting on Personal Experiences

• When preparing to write a personal essay, reflecting on a memorable event is important.
• Considerations should include the reason for writing about the experience and the intended audience.

"Coming to an Awareness of Language" by Malcolm X

• The essay details Malcolm X's journey to acquire a homemade education through writing.
• While in prison, Malcolm X wrote to people from his past about Allah, Islam, and Mr. Elijah Muhammad, but received no replies because the recipients were uneducated.
• Malcolm X then wrote to political figures like the Mayor of Boston, the Governor of Massachusetts, and Harry S. Truman.
• He realized his frustration at his inability to articulate his thoughts in writing triggered a need for education.
• In Charlestown Prison, Bimbi inspired Malcolm X to seek knowledge.
• Malcolm X obtained a dictionary and began copying its contents to improve his vocabulary, handwriting, and overall literacy.
• He copied the dictionary's first page down to the punctuation marks.
• The dictionary became a miniature encyclopedia, broadening his understanding of people, places, and historical events.
• Through consistent practice, Malcolm X significantly improved his handwriting speed and overall writing ability.
• He wrote an estimated million words during his time in prison through tablet exercises and letter writing.
• With an expanded vocabulary, Malcolm X could finally understand books, opening up a "new world".

Responding to Malcolm X's Text

• Comprehension Questions: The text prompts reflection on Malcolm X's process of improving his reading and writing skills, the distinction he draws between being articulate and functional, and the difference between being articulate in the "hustling world" versus being truly literate.
• Critical Thinking Questions: The text encourages consideration of Malcolm X's message about literacy and education, the process he used to become articulate and its implications for his character, and the nature of freedom associated with language.

Organizing a Personal Essay

• A personal essay usually starts with a significant personal experience (reminiscence).
• It may develop linearly, unfolding details, explanations, and analysis.
• The tone conveys feelings, emphasizing openness and honesty.
• Personal essays are written from a first-person point of view (I).
• Using first person POV creates a personal, subjective, and intimate tone.
• Subjective case pronouns: I, we
• Objective case pronouns: me, us
• Possessive case pronouns: mine, ours
• Reflexive case pronouns: myself, ourselves