How to Write Great Essays

UNTIMED PROMPT 2
Describe a character in fiction, an historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science,
etc.) that has had an influence on you.
I vividly remember the time I first heard the poem “The Dash.” I was still a
boy, 8th grade, and I was in an elementary school gym having basketball
practice with my traveling team. Practice was almost over so, as you can
imagine, my teammates and I were a little anxious to leave. We lost focus. My
Coach, Dave Thomas, huddled us up at center court, and told us to take a seat.
Being 8th graders, we moaned and complained under our breath about having
to stay an extra couple minutes. Coach Thomas pulled out a piece of paper
from his back pocket and unfolded it. The gym immediately turned quiet, we
knew he had something to say. He began to read us this poem, an unusual
thing for a coach to do at a basketball practice. I was listening very closely to
each line. The words struck home deep down in my heart. I could feel what the
writer was communicating. I was changed by that poem; my attitude and phi-
losophy would never be the same.
The poem called “The Dash” was written by Notre Dame football player
Alton Maiden. The poem is about the dash in-between the date of birth and the
date of death on a gravestone. Maiden wrote, “People may forget your birth
and death, but they will never forget your dash.” The dash represents people’s
lives, what they did in their lifetime. This poem made me think about what I
am doing with my dash, and what others will be left to think about my dash.
It has helped me become the person I am today. I have always tried to do
the right thing, and give my best in whatever I am doing. A dash without
regrets as to one’s efforts can hardly be a disappointment.
My dash contains music. Through music I express my thoughts and emotions.
Sample Essay Prompts and Essays  CHAPTER 8