Imagine a perfect world. What does perfect mean to you? Get as detailed as
possible. Aside from the requisite world peace and clean environment, think
about the day-to-day things that would make a difference to you. Would every
coffee maker have a “pause and serve” feature? Would your favorite band per-
form free concerts at your school every Saturday? Would everyone in your
state, upon getting their driver’s license, be given the car of their choice?
Once you begin the essay writing stage, your journal will become an invaluable tool. It
can help you to use the right tone, neither too casual nor too formal, so that your essay sounds
like you. While rereading it, make note of the words you use and what your voice sounds
like when you write. Also, make note of the ideas and topics that hold your interest. Some-
times we are not aware of our feelings about something until we take the time to explore
them. Use your journal entries to search for possible essay material.
