Demonstrating introspection

- Just as the word introspection's prefix and root suggest,…the word means, literally, the process of looking inside.…In personal narrative writing,…introspection is especially important…because it contributes to the writer's ethos or credibility,…and lends an element of depth…to autobiographical writing.…The opposite of an introspective essay…is a shallow, surface level piece.…Such writing tends to be boring…because it is so generic and superficial.…

So, in a situation that asks you…to convey a sense of who you are,…you definitely don't want to write a superficial essay.…Some students dislike personal narrative writing…because it requires introspection.…You might be one of those students.…Maybe you don't like the idea…of reflecting on yourself in writing.…But others excel at introspection…and can write fluently about personal topics…with no problem.…Not all college application prompts…ask you to dredge the depths of your soul.…

Being introspective does not mean…sharing intimate, personal details with strangers.…