Join Leigh Ann Chow for an in-depth discussion in this video Providing specific details, part of College Prep: Writing a Strong Essay.
- So take a look at these two descriptions.…Here's the first.…"I needed more books and movies…"from the library."…Now here's the second.…"I had read the last book in the…"Game of Thrones series, and pretty much…"memorized the dialog of the Dr. Who DVDs…"I borrowed last weekend."…What's the difference between these two?…Both present the same basic information,…but in the second sentence,…which comes from the sample essay in the exercise files,…it mentions specific details.…
Not just books,…but the last book in the Game of Thrones series.…Not just any movies, but Dr. Who DVDs.…Now, try substituting Twilight for Game of Thrones,…or The Bachelor for Dr. Who.…How does that change your image…of the person who wrote this essay?…Fiction writers use specific details…for indirect characterization,…like we talked about in our last movie,…with the example from The Scarlet Letter.…But in narrative writing, specific details also…help to add an element of truthfulness to writing.…
This can be really important…when you're trying to connect with an admissions reader…
Author
Updated
4/14/2017Released
10/1/2015- Understanding the essay purpose and audience
- Reviewing common and unusual essay prompts
- Starting with a strong opening statement
- Showing, not telling
- Adhering to word limits
- Organizing the essay
- Varying sentence structure
- Revising the essay
- Communicating sincerity and enthusiasm
Skill Level Beginner
Duration
Views
Q: This course was updated on 04/14/2017. What changed?Â
A: A video was updated to include information about the Coalition Application. Â
Q: This course was updated on 04/14/2017. What changed?Â
A: A video was updated to include information about the Coalition Application. Â
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Introduction
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Welcome1m
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1. Exploring the College Application Essay
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2. Examining the Types of Essay Prompts
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School-specific supplements8m 32s
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The personal statement6m 7s
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3. Maximizing Your Chances of Success
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Starting out strong3m 42s
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Showing not telling3m 8s
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Providing specific details2m 54s
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Adhering to word limits2m 41s
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4. Writing the Essay
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Choosing appropriate words4m 16s
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Varying sentence structure5m 24s
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Revising4m
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Editing and trimming2m 38s
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Polishing and publishing4m 13s
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5. Distinguishing Yourself in Your Essay
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Demonstrating introspection2m 45s
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Conveying voice5m 3s
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Conclusion
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Next steps5m 41s
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Video: Providing specific details