Essay Writing Strategies and Challenges

The video tutorial by College Essay Guy explains how to structure a college essay using either a narrative or montage approach. It begins by addressing common misconceptions about essay outlining and introduces two key questions to help students choose a topic. The narrative structure focuses on challenges and their effects, while the montage structure connects a theme to various personal values. The video provides methods to test if a topic is suitable and outlines steps for creating both narrative and montage essays. Additional resources are offered for further guidance.

What assumption does the speaker make about the viewer at the start of the video?

• The viewer has already written their essay.

• The viewer has chosen a college.

• The viewer has an essay topic.

• The viewer has submitted their application.

What misconception do students often have about outlining their essays?

• Outlining is unnecessary.

• Outlining is too time-consuming.

• Outlining is only for beginners.

• Outlining is only for narrative essays.

How long does the speaker suggest it takes to determine if an essay idea will work?

• 30 minutes

• 5 to 10 minutes

• An hour

• A whole day

What is the first question to consider when choosing an essay topic?

• Have you faced challenges in your life?

• Do you have a role model?

• Do you have a favorite hobby?

• What is your career goal?

What is a narrative structure essay based on?

• A central challenge and its resolution

• A list of personal achievements

• A series of unrelated events

• A description of a favorite place

What is the key feature of a montage structure essay?

• It connects a theme to various aspects of the writer.

• It is written in chronological order.

• It focuses on a single event.

• It describes a historical event.

In the chess example, what is the purpose of creating a 'jellyfish'?

• To connect chess to different values

• To describe a chess tournament

• To list all the chess moves

• To outline the history of chess

How did the student use laptop stickers in her essay?

• To outline her daily routine

• To describe her favorite brands

• To connect each sticker to a personal value

• To list her favorite colors

What was the main challenge faced by the student in the narrative example?

• Moving to a new country

• Her father being arrested

• Failing a class

• Losing a pet

What should a student do if they feel their challenge is not compelling enough?

• Write about a friend's challenge

• Choose a different structure

• Make up a story

• Abandon the essay