You will write 600 to 1200 words on a historical or natural wonder from the area they are from (for example, a specific church, mountain, lake, historical neighborhood, or forest). Those who write the best essays may be asked to take part in a publication highlighting the history and natural beauty of Ethiopia.
In your writing, be careful and thoughtful about the details you select and the style you use. You want to engage the reader but not overwhelm them with too much information or unnecessary detail. This type of writing is a balancing act. Consider how you can make your home come alive to an audience who has not had the opportunity to experience for themselves…yet!
Consider the following questions to help you get started:
- Where are you from in Ethiopia?
- What adjectives (only adjectives) would you use to describe it?
- When you close your eyes, what images come to mind?
- How are your other senses (hearing, touch, smell) engaged?
- How has history influenced the landscape? People’s daily lives?
- Introduction
- 1 paragraph
- Craft a clear thesis statement that explains why your chosen place is a historical or natural wonder and briefly mentions the main reasons:
- Age
- Cultural Importance
- Unique Environment
- Body Paragraphs
- Background and Description
- 2 – 3 paragraphs
- Introduce your home region or chosen place to an audience with no background knowledge. Give them the information they need to understand why this place is significant later in your essay.
- Be sure to include specific examples to balance any general descriptions you may provide. Specific examples help your audience understand and connect with your narrative.
- Significance
- 2 – 3 paragraphs
- Types (You only must focus on 1 type):
- Historical
- Explain important events, people, or historical periods connected to your home region.
- Describe how your home region is linked to national or regional identity, language, religion, or a cultural group.
- Discuss how the region has changed over time (for example, conflict, development, tourism, migration).
- Natural
- Describe what makes this environment unique for someone who has never seen it.
- Explain how it is important for the local economy, communities, or biodiversity.
- Discuss any threats or concerns (for example, climate change, pollution, deforestation, lack of protection).
- Personal Connection
- 1 paragraph
- What does this place mean to you?
- Provide your own personal connection to this location through:
- Family stories
- Religious visits
- Personal experiences
- School trips
- Conclusion
- 1 paragraph
- Explain why your home is a wonder and why readers from around the world should see it for themselves
- 12 pt font, 1” margins on all sides
- All paragraphs should be between 3 to 6 sentences
- You may use 1st person (I) for this essay
- If you use any sources, please be sure to cite them using APA citation style and include a reference list
- Be sure to include an APA-style title page as well
Professor Karen Sichler 