You know about the structure of the personal essay and the topics that are good candidates for this type of essay. Now follow the directions below to write a personal essay. Think back over the past few years. Select one event that was significant in your life. Write a personal essay of two to three pages about that event. Your essay should focus on these questions: Why was the event significant to your life? What did you learn from the event? Your essay should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. It should use a particular organization style, such as chronological order, spatial order, or cause and effect.