The BEST Way to Write about Personal Experience in an Argument Essay!

Summary

In this informative video, Crystal La debunks the myth that personal pronouns should be avoided in essays. She explains that while they might not be suitable for rhetorical analysis essays, they can be effectively used in argumentative essays when sharing personal anecdotes that support the argument. Crystal uses the censorship prompt and thesis from previous videos to demonstrate how to incorporate a personal example, such as her experience with Disney Plus, into an essay. She emphasizes the importance of being detailed and vivid in storytelling, while also ensuring the accuracy of the details. Crystal also advises on how to connect personal experiences to a broader audience to strengthen the argument. The video concludes with a reminder to avoid immature writing and to confidently include personal pronouns when they enhance the essay's narrative and validity.

Takeaways

• 📝 Use personal pronouns in essays when appropriate, such as in an argumentative essay where a personal example strengthens the argument.
• 🚫 Avoid using personal pronouns in rhetorical analysis essays and limit their use in synthesis essays.
• 👍 Engage your audience by liking and subscribing to the channel for more writing tips and updates.
• 🎯 Start with a topic sentence that includes transitional language, a generalized reference to your example, and an abstract idea.
• 🌟 Use personal experiences as a transition from broader examples to more relatable and realistic scenarios.
• 🔍 Be detailed in describing your example, but remember that the vividness of the details is more important than their absolute accuracy.
• ✨ Take creative liberties with details to fit your argument, as long as the story remains true to your experience.
• 🏁 Keep personal example descriptions concise, not exceeding five sentences.
• ➡️ After describing your example, connect it back to the commentary and link your personal experience to a broader audience.
• 📌 When providing commentary, ensure you connect your personal example to others to demonstrate its relevance and validity.
• 🚫 Avoid phrases like 'I believe,' 'I think,' 'in my opinion,' or 'in my paper I will argue,' as they indicate immature writing skills.
• 📚 The key is to tell detailed, vivid stories that prove the validity of your point, which justifies the use of personal pronouns in your writing.

Q & A

What is the common myth about personal pronouns in essays that the video aims to bust?

The video aims to bust the myth that you shouldn't use personal pronouns in your essays, particularly in argumentative essays where personal examples can be effectively used to support a point.

In which type of essays is it advised against using personal pronouns?

It is advised against using personal pronouns in a rhetorical analysis essay, and there may be limited times you'd want to use them in a synthesis essay.

What is the role of a topic sentence when writing about oneself in an argumentative essay?

The topic sentence must include transitional language, a generalized reference to an example, and an abstract idea that will prompt reasoning in the commentary.

How does the speaker transition from discussing a general example to a personal one in the topic sentence?

The speaker uses the phrase 'as a mother' to transition from a general example (Starbucks Fiasco) to a more personal and realistic experience.

What is the importance of being detailed when describing a personal example?

Being detailed is important to make the example vivid and relatable, which helps to better illustrate the argument. However, the accuracy of details is less important than the overall truthfulness and relevance to the argument.

What is the speaker's stance on modifying the details of a personal example to fit the argument?

The speaker suggests that while the story should be mostly true and drawn from life experience, some liberties can be taken with the details to better fit the argument, as long as the core truth of the story is maintained.

Why is it necessary to connect personal examples to a broader audience when providing commentary?

Connecting personal examples to a broader audience helps to validate the argument's relevance and applicability beyond the individual's experience, making it more persuasive.

What is the significance of using phrases like 'not just in my life' and 'parents everywhere' in the commentary?

These phrases help to generalize the personal experience, making the argument more relatable and applicable to a wider audience, thus strengthening the overall persuasiveness of the essay.

What does the speaker mean by 'immature writing skills' in the context of using personal pronouns?

The speaker refers to the use of phrases like 'I believe,' 'I think,' 'in my opinion,' or 'in my paper I will argue,' which can indicate a lack of confidence or an informal tone in writing, rather than a misuse of personal pronouns in general.

What is the key advice given for including personal pronouns confidently in a paper?

The key advice is to tell detailed stories that prove the validity of your point. If you can do this effectively, you can confidently include personal pronouns in your paper.

What is the next step suggested by the speaker for the viewer after understanding how to include personal pronouns?

The speaker suggests that the viewer should watch another video about how to conclude their arguments effectively.

Why is it important to use personal pronouns in certain types of essays?

Using personal pronouns in certain types of essays, like argumentative ones, can add a personal touch and authenticity to the writing, making the argument more compelling and relatable to the reader.

How does the speaker suggest balancing the use of personal pronouns with maintaining a formal tone in academic writing?

The speaker suggests that while personal pronouns can be used, it's important to avoid phrases that indicate informality or lack of confidence, such as 'I believe' or 'I think.' Instead, the focus should be on telling detailed, vivid stories that support the argument.