ENG 4U Personal Essay Assignment

Based on Amy Tan’s “Snapshot: Lost Lives of Women” (Echoes 12 p. 394).

Select a photograph from a past generations (your parents, grandparents, or great-

grandparents). Describe the photograph in detail. Include factors like facial expressions or body
postures--what do these reveal about the subject(s)? Consider cultural indicators such as
clothing, setting, objects in the background, etc.

Also, comment on what is not obvious to the uninformed observer. What is going on “under the
surface” of the photograph? Make to speak to someone who actually knows the details of the
photo and the personal stories of the person/people depicted if you are not familiar with them
yourself. Consider why the photo was taken. What might have been going on immediately
beforehand or afterwards?

Since this is a personal essay, the use of first person is encouraged, as are personal
observations. Have you learned something about yourself, others, or life in general through
discussing the photograph? Make sure to have a theme running throughout your personal
essay, and have a clear introduction and conclusion.

● Length ~600-700 words.

● Include a cover page with a creative title and a scan or photocopy of the photograph
Do not submit the original photo; it is too precious!

Example: Doris Askew building

artillery shells at the Royal
Ordnance Factory Glascoed,
South Wales, UK, ca. 1942.

Among the munitions produced

there was the 'Dambuster'
bouncing bomb used by RAF
fighters against German dams.