How to write a personal analysis essay
The majority of essays that students encounter in the course of their studies are based on some external sources. They must conduct thorough research to gather adequate information about a certain topic. Unlike such papers, a personal analysis essay entirely depends on the individual’s personality. Students are required to assess various encounters that have molded them into who they are. In simple terms, the writer is trying to disclose to the reader who she/he is. The instructor gives such essays to establish scholars’ strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and failures. Just like businesses conduct a SWOT analysis, the student is expected to do the same through this essay.
The essay assumes that every individual has goals that they seek to achieve. It will unearth how far the writer has come in a bid to accomplish the same. What strengths do they possess that impact them positively? How much more do they require to do so that they can meet their goals? The following guidelines will help a student to come up with a flawless personal analysis essay.
1. Formulate a thesis
An honest and precise thesis statement guides the student through the rest of the essay. It could answer questions such as your performance is some assigned task. If you are discussing a class assignment, you can tell how your strengths or weaknesses affected the outcome. Your thesis statement determines the content that will be in the rest of your essay. Using an honest approach makes it easy to recount the occurrences preceding your success or failure.
2. Talk about a recent activity and your performance
Projects may include class assignments, an internship or summer job that you undertook. Highlight whether at the end of the project you viewed it as a success or failure. How did you tackle this project? If it was a group work where each member contributed, be sure to mention. Also, tell the writer which role you played and how your participation affected the project. How did you perform in the task? You could talk of timeframes, ranking, and so forth.
3. Outline your strengths and weaknesses
This section should also be presented truthfully without shying away from your weaknesses. In your essay, you will describe the strengths that have gotten you to the initial goal. If you did not meet the expectations, you can accept the weaknesses that hindered you from doing the same. Instead of playing a blame game, acknowledge the existence of flaws, which if rectified, could improve your performance. For instance, you might possess impeccable writing skills yet your writing abilities are wanting. Therefore, you will present an informative essay that is wrongly written, organized or punctuated.
4. Set personal goals
Life would be meaningless if it was run without specific goals. After establishing your performance, strengths, and weaknesses what are your aspirations? While your strengths may take you a step higher, the weaknesses will always pull you back. Therefore, you need to embark on a self-improvement journey. You can choose to undertake a more complex project while aiming for incredible performance. You can also set out to work on the weaknesses that hindered you from meeting your target. If your participation in a group discussion was wanting, works towards being a team player. If late submission affected your score, consider working within the right timeframe.
Structuring a personal analysis essay
The above components will comprise the content of your essay once properly organized.
Introduction
A typical essay uses an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Similarly, you should follow that structure for your analysis essay. Introduce yourself while highlighting the purpose of your essay. Strike a balance between remaining positive and honest while giving a sneak peek of your goals as well. You could begin your essay by telling a specific story that has inspired you to become who you are. Avoid obvious introductions like “My name is… and I am… years old”. The easiest way to summarize your personality and experiences is through an honest, brief and concise thesis statement.
Body paragraphs
This section provides details regarding who the student is. It also highlights the various experiences and achievements. You will also mention your goals and aspirations, citing anything that can help your dreams come true. You must also acknowledge your weaknesses and accept that they affect your performance. What opportunities can you take that will help you become a better person or achieve your aspirations?
Conclusion
The introduction reminds the reader what your thesis entailed and highlights major lessons. A personal analysis essay presents you with a chance to understand who you are and what you can change. Let your conclusion show that you appreciate past experiences but also yearn to learn more.
Tips on writing an effective personal analysis paper
Be honest
A personal analysis essay provides insights about your journey towards achieving a certain goal. Honesty will establish the hurdles or motivations that led you to where you are. Your personality will on a great length, be shaped by the various encounters in your life. Therefore, you must stick to the story of your life without fearing to unveil your weaknesses.
Avoid general ideas, rather be specific
The content you write but point directly to you and not imaginary characters or other individuals. You can involve them to indicate how they mentored you but not tell their story. Focus on yourself while avoiding vague information.
Do not sound too arrogant or boastful
Talk about your achievements in a tone that does not leave the reader feeling like you are boasting. Present such ideas in a chronological manner that will show how you have grown over the years. The reader must feel that you worked to get to where you are.
Explain your experiences and goals
Do not merely mention the various encounters that you have had. Engage the reader by further explaining the experience together with any challenges you faced along the way. Since you must also grow, tell the reader about your aspirations. Where do you see yourself in the next couple of years?
Upon completion of your essay, review it for any mistakes and ensure you can feel the flow.