Handout # 3 – Guidelines for 500-word College Essay
1. The topic is what is unique about yourself, based on your object or symbol. How might you
turn this into a question to guide your essay?
2. What might your main point or thesis be for the essay?
3. How might you use your word web and T-chart to develop ideas for your essay?
4. How might you craft an outline for the progression of your essay?
5. How will you structure your essay? Chronologically?
6. What type of opening paragraph will you create? Will you lead with a quote or anecdote?
7. Have you thought about your paragraphs and topic sentences? If so how will they work to
transition your thoughts?
8. How will you provide support for your statements? Will you use examples from your life
experience?
9. How will you conclude your essay? Will you refer back to the opening paragraph, or will you
reiterate a general theme from the essay?