外研社学术英语写作进阶教程Keys-Unit 14.docxVIP

Unit 14 Personal statement Part 1 1 Purpose of a personal statement The goal of a personal statement is to tell the reader something meaningful about your life and to connect this to the qualification you are applying for. Answers may vary from person to person. You may want to include personal anecdotes about a problem you have overcome or something you are proud about. 2 Content of a personal statement Answers may vary depending on how you would like to develop your stories. 3 Structure of a personal statement The whole essay develops an argument for the writer’s qualifications for studying law in the University of Toronto. Using a story of searching for a calling, the essay opens impressively, and also clearly states the thesis at the end of the introduction. Centering around “skills and passions” and the qualifications a law professional should have, the body paragraphs explain how past experiences help the writer develop qualifications required of law professionals and how studying law in this university will help the writer to achieve his career goal. Introduction (Para. 1): A story of searching for a calling which boils down to one theme: “I learned that I have a set of skills and passions that make a career in law the right choice for me.” (Thesis statement) Body (Para. 2-7): Past experiences and future goals (Para. 2-5): Prepared for studying law Para. 2: Abstract thought and concern for solving real-life problems Para. 3: Multiple perspectives and debating skills Para. 4: Love of learning Para. 5: Willingness to do good to others (Para. 6-7): Future academic and career goals Para. 6: Why choose to study law Para. 7: Determination to make positive change through studying law Conclusion (Para. 8): Why the University of Toronto is the best choice to achieve the goal Part 2 1 Writing a strong opening paragraph In general, the second paragraph has a first line that is more attention-grabbing and a more unique story. It is also more personal. In th