Personal Essay Topics

personal essay topics

Samuel Gorbold

A personal essay is a piece of writing where the author explores and shares their own experiences, thoughts, or feelings. It combines storytelling with reflection, offering insights into the author's life and perspectives. This form of writing is often used to connect with readers on a personal and emotional level.

In this article, you will find 100+ personal essay ideas to inspire you. If you still have struggles after reading this article, EssayHub is the perfect service for assistance with any type of essay. The team at EssayHub consists of experienced writers who specialize in various subjects, ensuring that your essay is not only well-written but also tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're looking for help with brainstorming ideas, structuring your essay, or polishing your final draft, EssayHub provides comprehensive support to help you succeed.

How to Choose a Personal Essay Topic?

To begin with, you need to define a topic. Finding a personal essay idea that can make a difference can be difficult, but following certain steps will lead to choosing an inspiring and effective topic. Here are helpful steps:

  • Contemplate Influential Experiences : Ponder on significant occasions, experiences, or actions that would warrant a monument. What inspired you in a way you didn’t shape for yourself?
  • Recognize Passions : The inventory should include leisure activities and activities one enjoys. Being passionate about the topic of your essay is always beneficial because you will derive a certain amount of satisfaction from the writing process, and the resulting essay will be much more engaging.
  • Know Your Audience : Think about the audience to read your essay. Select a topic close to your heart that others may not have approached in such a manner.
  • Focus on Specific Themes : Analyze broad ideas to narrower events or themes. Precision enhances the quality of writing, making essays realistic and detailed.
  • Highlight Uniqueness : Look for unique ideas or angles of commonly tackled subjects. Every piece of writing requires creating something new, which is special about essays.
  • Evaluate Scope : Make sure your chosen topic encompasses a large idea and has clear boundaries. A clear scope means we can cover all the areas within without getting quagmired in the details.
  • Check Emotional Resonance : Choose a subject that is relevant to you. Liverpool passion means quality writing that captures the reader’s attention.
  • Confirm Relevance : Ensure compliance with the regulations of the essay. Meet all assignment criteria.
  • Get Feedback : Share ideas with friends and family members, teachers, and anyone else the student feels comfortable speaking to. Their expertise can enhance subjects/topics in terms of their definition and scope.
  • Revise Thoughtfully : Look at chosen topics more carefully and write small outlines to check whether the selected depth is enough. Tweak as needed.

These are some of the steps that aid in choosing the most relevant essay topics that make audiences understand. For more detailed information on this topic read how to write a personal essay guide.

100+ Best Personal Essay Topics

People like writing many personal essays because it allows them to share something from their lives, opinions, or feelings with others. Since personal essays are narrative, people can introduce themselves to the readers and share valuable lessons. These essays can describe an important event in one’s life, describe an interesting self-development process, or discuss a relevant and important relationship. The following is a list of personal narratives that will assist you in putting together some of the most inspiring and easy-to-follow personal essays that will appeal to the reader.

  • A life-changing experience
  • Overcoming a fear
  • An important relationship
  • This term is a turning point in your life
  • Your favorite place
  • An action that you had to take that was not very easy to make
  • Your proudest moment
  • The worst & most common lesson from failure
  • Someone who influenced your life
  • A memorable journey
  • Technology and its effects on your Life
  • The importance of education
  • A cultural experience
  • A hobby or passion
  • The role of community service

Personal Essay Topics About Relationships

The choice is undoubtedly deeply dictated by relationships. Here are 15 ideas on meaningful connections:

  • The role of friendship in personal development
  • Presence or management of conflictual relationships in the family
  • Looking at Careers from a Different Angle: The Influence of Role Models on Career Choices
  • The process of solving problems in a relationship between two partners
  • Conclusions and recognition that the friendship failed
  • Part of trust is practicing the elements of building successful relationships.
  • How has your relationship with your sibling affected you?
  • The role of communication in relationships and between people
  • One that influenced your outlook on life
  • How Social Media Affects Your Interpersonal Connections
  • How can long-distance relationships be useful for understanding commitment?
  • The basis for harmonious and mutually beneficial relationships  
  • Combining business meetings and interpersonal communication
  • Empathy in creating stable relationships
  • Relationships that helped you understand and define yourself

Personal Essay Ideas About Success

Success can be defined in many ways. Here are 15 detailed personal essay ideas about success:

  • What gives you goosebumps?
  • How students achieve sociocultural competence
  • Achievements that were the result of failures.
  • The ability to persist until success is achieved
  • Creating your concept of success
  • How Mentoring Can Impact Your Success
  • Obstacles to career success
  • Passion in the design of success
  • Choosing between career and family or friends.
  • Success, earlier in your life
  • Family support and its impact on achieving failure
  • Why goals should not only be set but also achievable
  • How collaboration can lead to achievement
  • What is more important: identifying problems in successful and unsuccessful projects or managing lessons learned?
  • The role of self-discipline as a driving force for success

Personal Essay Topic Ideas About Challenges

Challenges are a part of life and often lead to growth. Here are 15 detailed personal essay topic ideas about challenges:

  • What are your main life goals?
  • The general issue of environmental change
  • Personal experience with a health problem and how it influenced your opinion
  • All aspects of loss management.
  • Ability to work, attend school, and manage time for other important activities
  • Difficulties that a person encounters in the process of acquiring a new skill
  • Facing fear face-to-face
  • The conflict of confronting one's beliefs
  • Making a Difficult Decision
  • The impact of financial problems on a person's life
  • Overcoming cultural barriers
  • Mental health dynamics are an issue that many people face in their daily lives.
  • Maneuvering to meet expectations
  • Natural disaster - seeing and knowing what it means to be in the middle of it
  • Husband and wife find it difficult to maintain a relationship

Personal Essay Topics About Personal Growth

Personal growth is a lifelong journey. Here are 15 detailed personal essay topics about personal growth:

  • How did a significant life event impact your life?
  • Travel and its influence on self-development
  • The process of self-esteem is a process of individual change
  • How did you learn something new or acquire a new skill or talent?
  • Education is one of the main factors of self-development
  • Overcoming personal weakness
  • The role of a mentor in your development
  • You need to see how volunteering has changed your thinking.
  • The process of discovering direction in life
  • The process of increasing self-esteem
  • How can difficult experiences be positive for personal development?
  • How Mindfulness Impacts Your Life
  • Learning to accept change
  • A look at the goals you should set in your life
  • Personal development: how it relates to oneself and in the areas of interpersonal communication

essay topics on personal life

Personal Essay Ideas About Hobbies

Hobbies play a significant role in our lives. Here are 15 detailed personal essay ideas about hobbies:

  • How does your favorite hobby affect your personality?
  • How can you take your hobby to the next level of skill?
  • Stress and ways to solve this problem
  • How a hobby can open you up and bring you closer to people
  • The influence of hobbies on the decision to choose a profession
  • A new leisure activity and how it affects you
  • Why creativity should be supported even in adulthood.
  • Development of children's hobbies
  • Why is it difficult to find time for a hobby?
  • Family is one of the factors influencing hobbies
  • Personal experience of how interest saved you during a difficult period
  • Activities you can do outdoors
  • A new hobby that is outside of your interests
  • How pursuing a hobby can benefit a person socially
  • Positive changes that occur as a result of engaging in a hobby

Personal Essay Topic Ideas About Childhood

Childhood experiences often shape who we become. Here are 15 detailed personal essay topic ideas about childhood:

  • A Memorable Early Adventure
  • Experiences that contributed to the development of your qualities
  • Important Early Lessons
  • Cherished childhood friendship
  • Favorite family rituals
  • Contributions from your environment to your point of view
  • Children's imagination
  • Victory over youthful fears
  • People who influenced you to do something
  • Did not achieve the dreams and aspirations set in youth or continued to pursue those dreams
  • Children's passions and professional activities
  • How to become stronger after difficult events or situations
  • Special places of childhood
  • Memories that still resonate today
  • The role of education in human development

Personal Essay Topics About Family

Family is a central part of our lives. Here are 15 detailed personal essay topics about family:

  • Cultural characteristics and the importance of cultural practices
  • How families can affect your work and livelihood
  • Support from other family members in overcoming challenges
  • Important Family Milestones
  • Values ​​learned at home
  • Gender roles and family relationships, individual development
  • Special holiday memories
  • The role of brothers and sisters
  • Resolving family conflicts
  • Cultural heritage passed down by inheritance
  • How to cope with the death of people we care about
  • Family members as inspiration
  • Respecting individualism amidst expectations
  • Extended family connections
  • Development of generational rituals

Good Personal Essay Topics

Good personal essay topics are those that resonate with you and your readers. Here are 15 detailed good personal essay topics:

  • Books that inspired your life path
  • Stepping outside your comfort zone
  • Acquiring Intercultural Perspectives
  • Teachers who influenced your ideas
  • Victory over fears
  • Sports and character development
  • Transformative volunteer work
  • Learning from failures
  • Navigating adolescence
  • Inspirational art or music
  • Challenging long-held assumptions
  • Travel that expands your horizons
  • Technology to improve your lifestyle
  • Important personal achievements
  • Places of special significance

Assessing what content makes a good personal essay can make it enjoyable for readers to write and read. The best and most effective personal essay questions are often natural and can arise from active feelings or lessons learned. This means avoiding choosing boring subjects or subjects of little interest to you; the more you write about something you love, the more it will be reflected in your work. Moreover, people like to read articles that describe their experiences, events, important steps or changes in the author's life, and articles that express people's problems. Remember, if you need essay writing assistance or additional instructions, you can contact EssayHub.

essay topics on personal life

What Are Good Personal Essay Topics?

Samuel Gorbold , a seasoned professor with over 30 years of experience, guides students across disciplines such as English, psychology, political science, and many more. Together with EssayHub, he is dedicated to enhancing student understanding and success through comprehensive academic support.

  • ‍ On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King.
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essay topics on personal life

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110 Personal Essay Topics

Though written from a lived experience, personal essay topics can be tricky to come up with because they have to be universal enough for other people to relate to.

Since the skill of writing a good essay is being able to paint an image with words, students must choose a topic that will get others interested in the story and what it has to say about life, society, or themselves.

In essence, personal essays are written from a personal point of view and express a writer’s own insights, opinions, and feelings on a particular topic. Additionally, these types of essays lead to an overall point, lesson, realization, or revelation.

Most commonly, personal essays are written by high school students as part of their college applications. However, there are many other reasons that a personal essay may be assigned or written, including:

  • Scholarship applications
  • Job interview
  • Writing contest
  • Grad school admission

Students and others struggling with a valuable personal essay topic can choose from any of the 110 personal essay topics on this list to help them get started.

How to Write a Personal Essay

Writing a personal essay requires following traditional essay guidelines, structure, and format. However, you must ensure that your essay is personal and tells a story about yourself rather than being purely academic.

For instance, you might explain an experience that changed your worldview or share an opinion on something important to you, even if it’s controversial.

It’s often helpful to make a list of experiences you may want to share before starting the writing process.

If you’re struggling with writing your personal essay, you can order one from the professional writers at Write My Essays or hire a tutor at Wyzant to ensure it meets all requirements and effectively tells your story.

Introduction

The introduction to your personal essay will set the scene for the reader. Therefore, your personal essay needs to start with a compelling hook that will draw the reader in and make them want to read more.

This hook statement could be a humorous or poignant anecdote related to your topic or a line of questioning that the reader will be interested in following. For example, some possible opening lines for a personal essay could start with:

  • “I remember exactly where I was when I first realized …”
  • “What would you do if you knew the world was going to end tomorrow?
  • “So, I once had this problem …”

These beginning lines will often create questions in the reader’s mind, which is an excellent way to capture their interest and keep them reading. Following this initial opening sentence, you can introduce other details as you build up the main point of the story.

Your introduction should end with a thesis statement that verbalizes the general direction the story will go.

Body Paragraphs

Generally, a personal essay will have no less than three body paragraphs that detail your experience in chronological order. Each section should discuss one part of the story, including the events leading up to it, what happened during the experience, and what you learned from it.

Body paragraphs may also include examples of feelings, emotions, or arguments that support your experience. The goal of a personal essay is to share a compelling story and teach the reader something about life or themselves by using specific details and language.

Consider this formatting when creating the body paragraphs of your personal essay:

1st Paragraph

  • Beginning of the story that answers questions related to “Who?” and “Where?”
  • Initial attitudes, moods, feelings, and assumptions about the event or experience about to take place

2nd Paragraph

  • Middle of the story
  • Details that show how the situation evolved over time, including any changes in mood or assumption on your part

3rd Paragraph

  • Ending of the story/resolution
  • The final analysis on overall feelings, emotions, and mood

By sticking to this formatting for the body paragraphs, students can ensure that they are telling the story correctly and including every key detail as it happens.

Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion of a personal essay is optional and depends on what you want to accomplish with the telling of your story. If you want to leave the reader feeling inspired or emotionally moved, then focus on summarizing the main points in a short paragraph that ends on a positive note.

However, if this was a darker story, you may want to use the concluding paragraph to sum up your feelings after the experience has ended or explore any unanswered questions that remain.

In any event, your conclusion does need to include an overall moral or lesson of how the writer:

  • overcame hardship
  • rose to the occasion
  • identified new traits or abilities that they never realized existed
  • turned defeat into success
  • followed their instincts and made the right choice
  • came to appreciate something about life after the experience took place

Any of these statements can stand alone as a powerful lesson learned. However, when combined in one concluding paragraph, you will leave your reader with a profound impression.

Using any of these 110 personal essay topics will ensure that you have a strong and interesting story to tell.

Personal Essay Topics About Relationships

  • What was a time when you made a friend?
  • What would your worst enemy say about you?
  • Talk about the death of a friend.
  • How did it feel to be bullied in school?
  • The time when you had to get along with a sibling despite being different ages
  • What you learned from your first relationship
  • Why marriage isn’t important to you
  • How you discovered polyamory, and how it changed your view of relationships
  • How your best friend made you a better person
  • The lesson you learned from being catfished
  • The first time you experienced heartbreak
  • A funny story about how technology ruined a relationship.
  • How did you learn to recognize love?
  • Who would you consider your soulmate? What makes them that person specifically for you?
  • What was your most embarrassing moment as a boyfriend or girlfriend, and what did you learn from it?

Personal Essay Topics About Hardships

  • The worst thing that ever happened to me
  • The roughest time in my family’s life
  • The hardest challenge I’ve ever had to overcome
  • How did you deal with the stress of moving?
  • What was your most embarrassing moment as a kid?
  • What are some reasons that I am grateful for my disability/illness/condition?
  • When have you had an “Aha!” moment in life?
  • What’s something terrible that happened to you that turned into something good?
  • What’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned from my failures?
  • The time when it almost felt like the world was against me
  • How did I handle/recover from a severe illness/injury/accident?
  • When was the first time I realized that life isn’t fair?
  • What was the biggest struggle I went through in my teens?
  • The most challenging situation I faced in high school
  • When was a time when I made a negative impact on someone else?
  • The first time I got caught stealing
  • The most embarrassing mistake I ever made with money
  • What was the most challenging thing about getting sober/clean/overcoming addiction?
  • When did I realize that life is short and that nobody is promised tomorrow?
  • How did you learn to persevere through tough times?

Personal Essay Topics About Success & Achievements

  • Best moment in my sports career
  • My greatest success story
  • The time I overcame my fear and found strength I didn’t know I had.
  • What’s the happiest day of my life?
  • How did I learn to overcome failure?
  • The time I knew that dreams really do come true
  • My greatest triumph over adversity – and what it taught me about myself.
  • What made you realize that you have to work hard in order to achieve something meaningful in life?
  • When did I know that I had made it in life?
  • When was the first time you were acknowledged for your achievements?
  • The night when my hard work truly paid off
  • My most powerful moment after overcoming a setback
  • How did I become successful?
  • What are some defining moments in my career?
  • How did I make it through a difficult time in college/university?
  • What motivated me to become the person I am today?

Personal Essay Topics About Personal Growth & Self-Reflection

  • Whose lifelong encouragement helped make me who I am today
  • The first time I took responsibility for my own actions
  • What gave me the courage to be myself?
  • The most valuable life lesson I’ve ever received. Who taught it to me, and what was the context?
  • How did I get through a difficult childhood/adolescence/teenage years?
  • What did I learn from becoming a yoga master?
  • How has meditation helped me overcome anger issues?
  • How did I recover from using drugs and alcohol?
  • What’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned from quitting my job?
  • When did I realize that life is too short to hate someone?
  • The moment when I knew it was time for a change
  • I made a mistake – and this is how I bounced back
  • How did I overcome depression/anxiety/mental illness?

Personal Essay Topics About Passions & Hobbies

  • How did learning a skill change my life?
  • Why exercise makes me a better person
  • My passion for writing
  • What’s the best advice I’ve ever received? Who gave it to me, and in what situation?
  • The moment when I realized my true calling in life
  • The importance of keeping a journal and how it has helped me become a better person
  • My biggest bucket list dream and why it’s so important to me
  • What is my vision for the future?
  • How did I find peace, contentment, and happiness?
  • The time when I truly lived outside of my comfort zone
  • When was the moment when I felt like I “got” meditation?
  • My journey towards becoming vegan. What inspired me to make this change, and what were the challenges I faced?
  • What lessons have been easy for me to learn, and which ones have been harder?
  • The time when travel changed my life

Personal Essay Topics About Challenges & Failures

  • The low point of my life and how I got through it
  • How did an illness/injury/death in the family affect me?
  • Why did I decide to stop going on blind dates?
  • What were the consequences of losing my temper, and how did I make amends?
  • The time when I was broken. What happened, who got hurt, and how did it affect me? How did I overcome this experience?
  • When was the moment when I realized that my words carry weight?

Personal Essay Topics About Family & Childhood Memories

  • The time when my family showed me what unconditional love means
  • My most vivid childhood memory and how it has affected me as an adult
  • How did I learn to be patient and kind?
  • What was the moment that sparked a change in my life? What caused this change, and what happened after the changes took place?
  • The moment when I realized the true meaning of friendship
  • What lessons did growing up teach me about life?
  • My childhood dream and what it taught me about myself
  • How do I feel about my hometown after living in three different places?
  • Why is it important to visit your birthplace/hometown during holidays/vacations?
  • My family’s most influential life lesson and how it has affected me
  • What was the moment when I realized that my parents had their own struggles?
  • The time when I learned about my family history. What happened, why did this happen, and how did it affect me? How did things change after this event?
  • What do I know about family traditions now that I didn’t understand as a child?
  • Why are your family memories vital to you?

Personal Essay Topics About Cultural Heritage & Identity

  • What does being bilingual/multilingual mean to me? Why is it unique?
  • My first interaction with someone from another culture
  • What’s wrong with cultural appropriation, and how did I learn to stop?
  • The moment when I became aware of my race/ethnicity
  • My culture’s most influential life lesson and how it has affected me
  • How I learned to not be afraid of my cultural differences
  • Why is diversity important in my community? In what ways do I contribute?
  • The moment I realized that I am proud of my culture
  • How has the immigrant/refugee experience shaped who you are today?
  • How traditions have changed the way I view my family

Personal Essay Topics About Childhood Dreams & Aspirations

  • What were my childhood dreams, and how have they changed over the years?
  • How did I make peace with the fear of growing up?

Any of these 110 personal essay topics are perfect for students struggling to find a topic that will impress a college admission officer or any other person with whom you’re trying to connect with on a personal level through storytelling.

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Personal Essay Topics

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A personal essay is an essay about your life, thoughts, or experiences. This type of essay gives readers a glimpse into your most intimate life encounters and lessons. There are many reasons you may need to write a personal essay, from a simple class assignment to a college application requirement . You can use the list below for inspiration. Consider each statement a starting point, and write about a memorable moment that the prompt brings to mind.

  • Your bravest moment
  • How you met your best friend
  • What makes your mom or dad special
  • How you overcame a fear
  • Why you will succeed
  • Why you made a difficult choice
  • A special place
  • A place you try to avoid
  • When a friend let you down
  • An event that changed your life
  • A special encounter with an animal
  • A time when you felt out of place
  • An odd experience that didn't make sense at the time
  • Words of wisdom that hit home and changed your way of thinking
  • A person you don't like
  • A time when you disappointed someone
  • Your fondest memory
  • A time when you saw your parent cry
  • The moment when you knew you were grown up
  • Your earliest memory of holiday celebrations in your home
  • Times when you should have made a better choice
  • A time when you dodged a dangerous situation
  • A person you will think about at the end of your life
  • Your favorite time period
  • A failure you've experienced
  • A disappointment you've experienced
  • A surprising turn of events
  • What you would do with power
  • What superpower you would choose
  • If you could switch lives with someone
  • How money matters in your life
  • Your biggest loss
  • A time when you felt you did the wrong thing
  • A proud moment when you did the right thing
  • An experience that you've never shared with another person
  • A special place that you shared with a childhood friend
  • A first encounter with a stranger
  • Your first handshake
  • Where you go to hide
  • If you had a do-over
  • A book that changed your life
  • Words that stung
  • When you had the desire to run
  • When you had the urge to crawl into a hole
  • Words that prompted hope
  • When a child taught you a lesson
  • Your proudest moment
  • If your dog could talk
  • Your favorite time with family
  • If you could live in another country
  • If you could invent something
  • The world a hundred years from now
  • If you had lived a hundred years earlier
  • The animal you'd like to be
  • One thing you'd change at your school
  • The greatest movie moment
  • The type of teacher you would be
  • If you could be a building
  • A statue you'd like to see
  • If you could live anywhere
  • The greatest discovery
  • If you could change one thing about yourself
  • An animal that could be in charge
  • Something you can do that robots could never do
  • Your most unfortunate day
  • Your secret talent
  • Your secret love
  • The most beautiful thing you've ever seen
  • The ugliest thing you've seen
  • Something you've witnessed
  • An accident that changed everything
  • A wrong choice
  • A right choice
  • If you were a food
  • How you'd spend a million dollars
  • If you could start a charity
  • The meaning of color
  • A close call
  • Your favorite gift
  • A chore you'd do away with
  • A secret place
  • Something you can't resist
  • A hard lesson
  • A visitor you'll never forget
  • An unexplained event
  • Your longest minute
  • An awkward social moment
  • An experience with death
  • Why you'll never tell a lie
  • If your mom knew, she'd kill you
  • A kiss that meant a lot
  • When you needed a hug
  • The hardest news you've had to deliver
  • A special morning
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  • Personal Statement

50 Personal Statement Topics Recommended by Experts

If you’re looking for good personal statement topics, don’t worry, you are not alone: millions of students all over the world are in the same boat. Writing such an essay is an extremely responsible task because in many ways, it determines the degree of success your application is going to have. To overcome your competition, the first thing you should do is understand what a personal essay is and why colleges and universities ask their potential students to write one. Personal statements for undergraduate admissions are a piece of writing describing personality, achievements, hobbies, and plans of students who want to join a specific educational establishment.

What makes them important? They help the committee see who a person is, what they think, what motivations they have, and how well they are capable of essay writing. Reading through academic numbers is great, but the only thing they indicate is how well a student could study. What professors want to see instead is how motivated and inspired people applying to them are, and this could be done only via an application essay. The tricky question is, where to find a great topic for it?

Tips For Choosing the Best Personal Statement Ideas

Finding a topic is always difficult. It has to resonate both with you and with people who are going to review your work, so it is vital not to make a mistake. Here are some tips you could use for solving this problem.

  • Think about your life.  Even the most boring and monotonous lives have their small tragedies and victories. Start remembering them. Go through key moments and think about details surrounding them. The clearest memories are the best foundation for essay topic.
  • Focus on an interesting event.  Whatever personal topics you consider, they must revolve around a prompt that evokes some genuine feelings in you. It must be something you are passionate about, something that has really affected your growth as an individual. Feel invested as you describe this situation.
  • Add a challenge to it.  Don’t forget that such essays should somehow show your strong sides or your willingness to learn. Describing a situation that didn’t have a meaningful impact related to your growth won’t fit here, so focus on challenging memories. Topics must be unique.
  • Speak by yourself.  Application essay is your chance to speak and present things from your perspective. If you ever felt misunderstood, betrayed, or under-evaluated, this is an opportunity to shed light on it and explain everything in a way you see it. By combining these four tips, it’ll be easier to narrow down a potential range of topics and choose a truly great one.

50 Inspiring Topics for Personal Essay

Apart from options we mentioned above, there is another alternative. When you are fruitlessly looking for possible topics and cannot find anything, it is time for using the Internet. There are many lists with suggestions people could choose from — they offer free themes and encourage students to pick them in case they find them inspiring. We present 50 top ideas that could give you a sense of direction.

Personal Statement Topics on Your Past

These topics for personal statement never get old. Look into your life; consider every relevant moment that has ever happened. Here are some ideas.

  • First Day at School: My Fears, Hopes, and Strength I Gained
  • Living with Workaholic Parents & How This Background Made Me Who I Am
  • Accepting a Concept of Death: Frightening Story of Loss, Recovery, and Acceptance
  • Overcoming Envy and Learning Self-Control
  • Why I Hated Risks and How I Learned to Start Taking Them
  • How Reading This Book Changed My Life & Goals
  • When I Realized Why I Want to Go to College
  • The Event That Brought Me to a Start & Changed Direction of My Life
  • The Thing You Did That You Are Still Proud Of
  • Which Event Made You Regain Faith in Humanity

Personal Statement Ideas About Challenges

We all have challenges, and some of them leave a deep mark on our hearts. Check these good personal statement topics examples — maybe they’ll remind you of a problem that you managed to overcome.

  • First Taste of Betrayal & Its Impact on Me
  • My Biggest Accomplishment and Challenges on Its Way
  • How I Stepped Out of My Safety Zone & Changed My Core Belief
  • How Being Academically Unsuccessful Made Me Want to Be the Best
  • The Biggest Embarrassment of My Life: Learning From Mistakes
  • Having Two Best Friends at Once Is Tough
  • Coping with Stereotypes Inflicted By Other People
  • Days When Panic Attacks Did Not Let Me Get Up From Bed
  • Understanding Depression and Learning to Live with It
  • Event That Broke My Heart & How I Healed It

Personal Statement Prompts on Academic Subjects

How about some subject-related ideas for personal statements? They are always welcome by application committees.

  • My Love for Seeking Truth Was Born the Day I Discovered the Role of Law in Our Lives
  • Visiting the Hospital for the First Time and Why It Fuelled My Interest in Medical Education
  • My Work Was Stolen & It Woke My Interest in Intellectual Property
  • Why Seemingly Impossible Career Seems Closer Now
  • My Thirst for Knowledge and Why It Could Make Me a Good Journalist
  • The Most Beautiful Building I’ve Ever Seen or the Day When My Love for Design Was Born
  • Spending Every Sunday in My Life Cooking: Where Does That Lead Me?
  • Outrageous Historical Lies and Why That Inspired Me to Study History
  • From Toys to Engineering Devices: I Was an Inventor Before I Could Work
  • Animals Are as Important as People: My Hopes For Becoming a Vet

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Personal Qualities Topics

People might have the same interests, but their personal characteristics make them different. These personal statement prompt examples could help demonstrate it.

  • Being the Definition of Stubbornness & Its Ups and Downs
  • Why My Resilience Makes Me a Good Fit For This College
  • How Love and Education Come Together: My Background and My Goals
  • Three Key Events That Boosted My Creativity
  • Suspiciousness Is My Second Nature: It’ll Help Excel in My Field
  • Passion for Politics I Carried Through Life: Then vs. Now
  • Loving to Argue: Childhood Screaming Matches vs. Mature Evidence-Based Discussions
  • Crying When Others Cry: How My Empathy Lets Me Live Complete Life
  • What Having Creative Mind Means For Me
  • I Wanted to Be a Superhero: How It Affected Who I Want to Be Now

Diversity Ideas

College personal statement topics related to diversity never lose their relevance.

  • Witnessing Cruelty for the First Time and What It Taught Me
  • The First Time I Faced Prejudice and Cried
  • Complex Story of Figuring Out My Sexuality: Why Things Should Have Been Easier
  • How My Race Affected My Social Acceptance
  • Understanding Racism After Making a New Friend
  • How I Believe Diversity Should Be Publicly Celebrated
  • How Being Strange Became a Norm For Me
  • Small Ways in Which I Intend to Change This World
  • Why Diversity Is Key to Achieving Peace
  • Racial Make-Up of My School  Class and How It Shaped My Views

Write an Essay That’ll Move Everyone

As long as you’re truly invested in your chosen topics for personal statements, you have every chance of crafting a stunning essay. Basically, you’ll be retelling a meaningful experience from your life, showing how you found purpose and how it led you to select this specific college. This kind of writing is always emotional, so you could affect your readers and share your joy, pain, and determination. The more effective you are in this, the more likely it is that you’ll reach success. After you settle on personal statement essay topics, write about them with sincerity and passion, and this will definitely get you some precious points!

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

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Student Opinion

650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

essay topics on personal life

By Michael Gonchar

  • Oct. 20, 2016

Update, Sept. 4, 2019: Check out our newest evergreen collection of “ 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing ” that includes dozens of new prompts.

Update, Feb. 15, 2019: Learn more about how to use our 1000s of writing prompts by watching our free on-demand webinar: “ Give Them Something to Write About: Teach Across the Curriculum With New York Times-Inspired Daily Prompts. ”

Every school day since 2009 we’ve asked students a question based on an article in The New York Times.

Now, seven years later, and in honor of the Oct. 20 National Day on Writing , we’ve collected 650 of them that invite narrative and personal writing and listed them by category below. Consider it an update of a previous post, and a companion to the list of 301 argumentative writing prompts we published in 2015.

Here is a PDF of all 650 prompts , and we also have a related lesson plan, From ‘Lives’ to ‘Modern Love’: Writing Personal Essays With Help From The New York Times .

Below, a list that touches on everything from sports to travel, education, gender roles, video games, fashion, family, pop culture, social media and more. Like all our Student Opinion questions , each links to a related Times article and includes a series of follow-up questions. All questions published since May 2015 are still open to comment by any student 13 or older.

So dive into this admittedly overwhelming list and pick the questions that most inspire you to tell an interesting story, describe a memorable event, observe the details in your world, imagine a possibility, or reflect on who you are and what you believe.

Overcoming Adversity

1. What Challenges Have You Overcome? 2. What Are Your Secret Survival Strategies? 3. What Do You Do When You Encounter Obstacles to Success? 4. When Have You Failed? What Did You Learn From It? 5. When Have You Ever Succeeded When You Thought You Might Fail? 6. What Life Lessons Has Adversity Taught You? 7. What Work Went Into Reaching Your Most Difficult Goals? 8. How Often Do You Leave Your ‘Comfort Zone’? 9. When Was the Last Time You Did Something That Scared or Challenged You? 10. What Are You Afraid Of? 11. What Are Your Fears and Phobias? 12. What Are Your Personal Superstitions? 13. Do You Like Being Alone? 14. How Often Do You Cry? 15. Do You Ever Feel Overlooked and Underappreciated? 16. How Have You Handled Being the ‘New Kid’? 17. How Do You Deal With Haters? 18. How Do You React When Provoked? 19. What Role Does Stress Play in Your Life? 20. Does Stress Affect Your Ability to Make Good Decisions? 21. How Do You Relieve Stress? 22. How Do You Find Peace in Your Life? 23. Does Your Life Leave You Enough Time to Relax? 24. Do You Set Rules for Yourself About How You Use Your Time? 25. Is ‘Doing Nothing’ a Good Use of Your Time? 26. What Did You Once Hate but Now Like? 27. What Kind of Feedback Helps You Improve? 28. Is Trying Too Hard to Be Happy Making You Sad? 29. Do Adults Who Are ‘Only Trying to Help’ Sometimes Make Things Worse?

Your Personality

30. What Is Your Personal Credo? 31. What Motivates You? 32. What Makes You Happy? 33. What Are You Good At? 34. When in Your Life Have You Been a Leader? 35. How Well Do You Perform Under Pressure? 36. How Well Do You Take Criticism? 37. Are You Hard or Easy on Yourself? 38. How Full Is Your Glass? 39. Do You Have a Hard Time Making Decisions? 40. How Much Self-Control Do You Have? 41. How Good Are You at Waiting for What You Really Want? 42. What Role Does Procrastination Play in Your Life? 43. How Good Are You at Time Management? 44. How Productive and Organized Are You? 45. Under What Conditions Do You Do Your Best Work? 46. How Do You Express Yourself Creatively? 47. Are You a Good Listener? 48. How Competitive Are You? 49. Do You Perform Better When You’re Competing or When You’re Collaborating? 50. How Emotionally Intelligent Are You? 51. Do You Take More Risks When You Are Around Your Friends? 52. Do You Unknowingly Submit to Peer Pressure? 53. Do You Think You’re Brave? 54. How Much of a Daredevil Are You? 55. What Pranks, Jokes, Hoaxes or Tricks Have You Ever Fallen For or Perpetrated? 56. How Impulsive Are You? 57. Are You a Novelty-Seeker? 58. How Do You Deal With Boredom? 59. What Annoys You? 60. Do You Apologize Too Much? 61. Do You Have Good Manners? 62. How Materialistic Are You? 63. Are You a Saver or a Tosser? 64. Are You a Hoarder or a Minimalist? 65. Are You an Introvert or an Extrovert? 66. Are You Popular, Quirky or Conformist? 67. Are You a Nerd or a Geek? 68. What Would Your Personal Mascot Be? 69. What Assumptions Do People Make About You? 70. How Good Are You at Saying Goodbye?

Role Models

71. Who Is Your Role Model? 72. Who Inspires You? 73. Who Are the People – Famous or Not – You Admire Most? 74. Who Are Your Heroes? 75. What Heroic Acts Have You Performed or Witnessed? 76. What’s the Best Advice You’ve Gotten? 77. What Are Some ‘Words of Wisdom’ That Guide Your Life? 78. Who Outside Your Family Has Made a Difference in Your Life? 79. If You Had Your Own Talk Show, Whom Would You Want to Interview? 80. To Whom, or What, Would You Like to Write a Thank-You Note? 81. What Leader Would You Invite to Speak at Your School? 82. What Six People, Living or Dead, Would You Invite to Dinner? 83. Who’s Your ‘Outsider Role Model’?

84. Who Is Your Family? 85. How Do You Define ‘Family’? 86. What Have You and Your Family Accomplished Together? 87. What Events Have Brought You Closer to Your Family? 88. What’s Your Role in Your Family? 89. Have You Ever Changed a Family Member’s Mind? 90. How Well Do You Get Along With Your Siblings? 91. What Are Your Family Stories of Sacrifice? 92. What Possessions Does Your Family Treasure? 93. What Hobbies Have Been Passed Down in Your Family? 94. What’s the Story Behind Your Name? 95. What Are Your Favorite Names? 96. How Have You Paid Tribute to Loved Ones? 97. What Do You Know About Your Family’s History? 98. Did Your Parents Have a Life Before They Had Kids? 99. What Family Traditions Do You Want to Carry On When You Get Older?

Parents & Parenting

100. How Close Are You to Your Parents? 101. How Are You and Your Parents Alike and Different? 102. How Much Freedom Have Your Parents Given You? 103. How Permissive Are Your Parents? 104. Do You Have Helicopter Parents? 105. How Do Your Parents Teach You to Behave? 106. How Do You Make Parenting Difficult for Your Parents? 107. How Often Do You Fight With Your Parents? 108. What Advice Would You Give to Your Mom, Dad or Guardian on How to Be a Better Parent? 109. Is Your Family Stressed, Tired and Rushed? 110. Do Your Parents Try Too Hard to Be Cool? 111. Do You Ever Feel Embarrassed by Your Parents? 112. Do Your Parents Support Your Learning? 113. Do You Talk About Report Cards With Your Parents? 114. Do You Want Your Parents to Stop Asking You ‘How Was School?’ 115. How Much Do Your Parents Help With Your Homework? 116. How Has Your Family Helped or Hindered Your Transition to a New School? 117. Have Your Parents and Teachers Given You Room to Create?

Your Neighborhood

118. How Much Does Your Neighborhood Define Who You Are? 119. What’s Special About Your Hometown? 120. What Marketing Slogan Would You Use for Your Town or City? 121. What Would You Name Your Neighborhood? 122. Who Are the ‘Characters’ That Make Your Town Interesting? 123. Who Is the ‘Mayor’ of Your School or Neighborhood? 124. What Would a TV Show About Your Town Spoof? 125. What ‘Urban Legends’ Are There About Places in Your Area? 126. Do You Know Your Way Around Your City or Town? 127. How Well Do You Know Your Neighbors? 128. What Is Your Favorite Place? 129. What’s Your Favorite Neighborhood Joint? 130. What Is Your Favorite Street? 131. Do You Hang Out in the Park? 132. How Much Time Do You Spend in Nature? 133. What Small Things Have You Seen and Taken Note Of Today? 134. What Buildings Do You Love? What Buildings Do You Hate? 135. What Are the Sounds That Make Up the Background Noise in Your Life? 136. What Sounds Annoy You? 137. What Public Behavior Annoys You Most? 138. Have You Ever Interacted With the Police? 139. What Local Problems Do You Think Your Mayor Should Try to Solve? 140. What Ideas Do You Have for Enhancing Your Community? 141. Where Do You Think You Will Live When You Are an Adult? 142. Would You Most Want to Live in a City, a Suburb or the Country?

143. Is Your Bedroom a Nightmare? 144. What is Your Favorite Place in Your House? 145. How Important Is Keeping a Clean House? 146. Do You Need to De-Clutter Your Life? 147. Do You Plan on Saving Any of Your Belongings for the Future? 148. With Your Home in Danger, What Would You Try to Save? 149. What Would You Grab in a Fire? 150. What Would You Put in Your Emergency ‘Go-Bag’? 151. Who Lived Long Ago Where You Live Now? 152. What Would Your Dream Home Be Like?

Childhood Memories

153. What Was Your Most Precious Childhood Possession? 154. What Objects Tell the Story of Your Life? 155. What Do You Collect? 156. What Were Your Favorite Childhood Shows and Characters? 157. Do You Have Childhood Memories of Being Read Aloud To? 158. What Were Your Favorite Picture Books When You Were Little? 159. What Things Did You Create When You Were a Child? 160. What Places Do You Remember Fondly From Childhood? 161. What Food or Flavor Do You Remember Tasting for the First Time? 162. What Do You Wish You Could See, Hear, Read or Experience for the First Time All Over Again? 163. Have You Ever Felt Embarrassed by Things You Used to Like? 164. Do You Wish You Could Return to Moments From Your Past? 165. Was There a Toy You Wanted as a Child but Never Got? 166. What’s the Best Gift You’ve Ever Given or Received? 167. What’s the Most Memorable Thing You Ever Got in the Mail? 168. Have You Ever Lost (or Found) Something Valuable? 169. What Nicknames Have You Ever Gotten or Given? 170. What Are Your Best Sleepover Memories? 171. What Old, Worn Out Thing Can You Just Not Part With? 172. What Is Your Most Prized Possession?

173. What Have You Learned in Your Teens? 174. What Do You Remember Best About Being 12? 175. What Personal Achievements Make You Proud? 176. What Are Some Recent Moments of Happiness in Your Life? 177. What Rites of Passage Have You Participated In? 178. What Are You Grateful For? 179. What Advice Would You Give Younger Kids About Middle or High School? 180. What Have You Learned From Older People? 181. What Can Older People Learn From Your Generation? 182. What Do Older Generations Misunderstand About Yours? 183. Do You Recognize Yourself in Descriptions of ‘Generation Z’?

184. What Ethical Dilemmas Have You Faced? 185. Have You Ever Had to Make a Sacrifice to Help Someone You Care About? 186. Have You Ever Donated Your Time, Talents, Possessions or Money to Support Anyone in Need? 187. When Is the Last Time You Did Something Nice for a Stranger? 188. Have You Ever ‘Paid It Forward’? 189. How Trustworthy Are You? 190. How Comfortable Are You With Lying? 191. When Do You Lie? 192. Have You Ever Lied to Your Parents or Done Something Behind Their Backs? 193. If You Drink or Use Drugs, Do Your Parents Know? 194. Have You Ever Taken Something You Weren’t Supposed To? 195. Do You Ever Eavesdrop? 196. How Much Do You Gossip?

Religion & Spirituality

197. What Is the Role of Religion or Spirituality in Your Life? 198. How Important Is Your Spiritual Life? 199. Do You Believe That Everything Happens for a Reason? 200. How Much Control Do You Think You Have Over Your Fate? 201. Can You Be Good Without God? 202. Are You Less Religious Than Your Parents? 203. Can You Pass a Basic Religion Test? 204. What Can You Learn From Other Religions?

Gender & Sexuality

205. How Do Male and Female Roles Differ in Your Family? 206. Do Parents Have Different Hopes and Standards for Their Sons Than for Their Daughters? 207. How Do Your Parents Share the Responsibilities of Parenting? 208. Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have ‘Perfect’ Bodies? 209. How Much Pressure Do Boys Face to Have the Perfect Body? 210. How Did You Learn About Sex? 211. What Experiences Have You Had With Gender Bias in School? 212. What Have Been Your Experiences With Catcalling or Other Kinds of Street Harassment? 213. What Does it Mean to Be ‘a Real Man’? 214. Do You Consider Yourself a Feminist? 215. What Does Feminism Mean to You?

Race & Ethnicity

216. What Is Your Racial and Ethnic Identity? 217. Have You Ever Tried to Hide Your Racial or Ethnic Identity? 218. How Often Do You Interact With People of Another Race or Ethnicity? 219. Do You Ever Talk About Issues of Race and Class With Your Friends? 220. Is Your Generation Really ‘Postracial’? 221. What’s the Racial Makeup of Your School? 222. Does Your School Seem Integrated? 223. Have You Experienced Racism or Other Kinds of Discrimination in School?

Money & Social Class

224. What Are Your Attitudes Toward Money? 225. Are You a Saver or a Spender? 226. What Have Your Parents Taught You About Money? 227. Do You Expect Your Parents to Give You Money? 228. How Important a Role Has Money, Work or Social Class Played in Your Life? 229. Do You See Great Disparities of Wealth in Your Community? 230. Can Money Buy You Happiness? 231. What Are the Best Things in Life and Are They Free?

232. Are You Distracted by Technology? 233. Are You Distracted by Your Phone? 234. Are You ‘Addicted’ to Texting? 235. Do You Always Have Your Phone or Tablet at Your Side? 236. Do Screens Get in the Way of the Rest of Your Life? 237. Do You Experience FOMO When You Unplug? 238. Does Your Digital Life Have Side Effects? 239. Do You Spend Too Much Time on Smartphones Playing ‘Stupid Games’? 240. Do Apps Help You or Just Waste Your Time? 241. What Tech Tools Play the Biggest Role in Your Life? 242. What New Technologies or Tech Toys Are You Most Excited About? 243. To What Piece of Technology Would You Write a ‘Love Letter’?

The Internet

244. What’s So Great About YouTube? 245. What Has YouTube Taught You? 246. What Are Your Favorite Viral Videos? 247. What Are Your Favorite Internet Spoofs? 248. What Would You Teach the World in an Online Video? 249. Do You Ever Seek Advice on the Internet? 250. Would You Share an Embarrassing Story Online? 251. How Do You Know if What You Read Online Is True? 252. What Are Your Experiences With Internet-Based Urban Legends? 253. How Much Do You Trust Online Reviews? 254. How Do You Use Wikipedia? 255. How Careful Are You Online? 256. What Story Does Your Personal Data Tell? 257. Do You Worry About the Lack of Anonymity in the Digital Age? 258. Would You Mind if Your Parents Blogged About You? 259. Do You Wish You Had More Privacy Online? 260. Have You Ever Been Scammed? 261. Whom Would You Share Your Passwords With?

Social Media

262. How Do You Use Facebook? 263. What Is Your Facebook Persona? 264. How Real Are You on Social Media? 265. What Memorable Experiences Have You Had on Facebook? 266. Does Facebook Ever Make You Feel Bad? 267. Would You Consider Deleting Your Facebook Account? 268. Do You Have ‘Instagram Envy’? 269. Do You Use Twitter? 270. Why Do You Share Photos? 271. How Do You Archive Your Life? 272. Have You Ever Posted, Emailed or Texted Something You Wish You Could Take Back? 273. Have You Ever Sent an Odd Message Because of Auto-Correct? 274. Would You Want Your Photo or Video to Go Viral? 275. Do You Worry Colleges or Employers Might Read Your Social Media Posts Someday? 276. What Advice Do You Have for Younger Kids About Navigating Social Media?

277. What Are You Listening To? 278. What Songs Are on Your Favorite Playlist? 279. What Musicians or Bands Mean the Most to You? 280. What Music Inspires You? 281. Who in Your Life Introduces You to New Music? 282. How Much Is Your Taste in Music Based on What Your Friends Like? 283. What Role Does Hip-Hop Play in Your Life? 284. Which Pop Music Stars Fascinate You? 285. Who Is Your Favorite Pop Diva? 286. What’s Your Karaoke Song? 287. Which Artists Would You Like to See Team Up? 288. How Closely Do You Listen to Lyrics? 289. What Are Your Earliest Memories of Music?

290. What Are the Best Things You’ve Watched, Read, Heard or Played This Year? 291. What Are Your TV Habits? 292. Do Your Television Viewing Habits Include ‘Binge-Watching’? 293. What Role Does Television Play in Your Life and the Life of Your Family? 294. What Television Shows Have Mattered to You? 295. How Often Do You Watch a Television Show When It Originally Airs? 296. Have You Fallen Into ‘Friends’ or Any Other Older Television Shows? 297. What Old Television Shows Would You Bring Back? 298. Why Do We Like Reality Shows So Much? 299. What Ideas Do You Have for a Reality Show? 300. What Reality TV Show Would You Want to Be a Guest Star On? 301. What Are Your Favorite Cartoons? 302. What Are Your Favorite Commercials? 303. How Much Are You Influenced by Advertising?

Movies & Theater

304. What Are Your Favorite Movies Ever? 305. What Were the Best Movies You Saw in the Past Year? 306. What Movies Do You Watch, or Reference, Over and Over? 307. What Movies, Shows or Books Do You Wish Had Sequels, Spinoffs or New Episodes? 308. Do You Like Horror Movies? 309. What Is Your Favorite Comedy? 310. Who Are Your Favorite Movie Stars? 311. Would You Pay Extra for a 3-D Movie? 312. Where, and How, Do You Watch Movies? 313. What Are the Best Live Theatrical Performances You’ve Ever Seen? 314. Have You Ever Stumbled Upon a Cool Public Performance?

Video Games

315. What Are Your Favorite Video Games? 316. What Have You Learned Playing Video Games? 317. Do You Play Violent Video Games? 318. When Should You Feel Guilty for Killing Zombies? 319. Who Are Your Opponents in Online Gaming? 320. Do You Like Watching Other People Play Video Games? 321. How Excited Are You About the Possibilities of Virtual Reality?

Books & Reading

322. Read Any Good Books Lately? 323. What Are the Best Books You’ve Read This Year? 324. What Are Your Favorite Books and Authors? 325. What Are Your Favorite Young Adult Novels? 326. Do You Read for Pleasure? 327. What Memorable Poetry Have You Ever Read or Heard? 328. What Magazines Do You Read, and How Do You Read Them? 329. Do You Enjoy Reading Tabloid Gossip? 330. When Have You Seen Yourself and Your Life Reflected in a Book or Other Media? 331. Has a Book, Movie, Television Show, Song or Video Game Ever Inspired You to Do Something New? 332. Do You Prefer Your Children’s Book Characters Obedient or Contrary? 333. Do You Read E-Books? 334. Would You Trade Your Paper Books for Digital Versions? 335. To What Writer Would You Award a Prize?

336. Why Do You Write? 337. Are You a Good Storyteller? 338. What’s Your Favorite Joke? 339. Do You Keep a Diary or Journal? 340. Do You Have a Blog? 341. Do You Want to Write a Book? 342. When Do You Write by Hand? 343. Do You Write in Cursive? 344. Do You Write in Your Books? 345. What ‘Mundane Moments’ From Your Life Might Make Great Essay Material? 346. What Is Your Most Memorable Writing Assignment? 347. Do You Ever Write About Challenges You Face in Life?

348. What’s the Coolest Thing You’ve Ever Seen in a Museum? 349. What Are the Most Memorable Works of Visual Art You Have Seen? 350. What Are Your Favorite Works of Art? 351. How Important Is Arts Education? 352. What Has Arts Education Done For You?

Language & Speech

353. What Words Do You Hate? 354. What Words or Phrases Do You Think Are Overused? 355. How Much Slang Do You Use? What Are Your Favorite Words? 356. What Current Slang Words and Expressions Do You Think Will Endure? 357. Why Do So Many People Say ‘Like’ and ‘Totally’ All the Time? 358. Do You Say ‘Kind of, Sort of’ More Than You Realize? 359. How Much Do You Curse? 360. How Good Are You at Coming Up With Witty Comebacks? 361. When Did You Last Have a Great Conversation? 362. How Often Do You Have ‘Deep Discussions’? 363. Do You Wish Your Conversations Were Less Small Talk and More ‘Big Talk’? 364. When Do You Choose Making a Phone Call Over Sending a Text? 365. How Much Information Is ‘Too Much Information’? 366. Do You Sometimes ‘Hide’ Behind Irony? 367. How Good Is Your Grammar? 368. Do You Speak a Second, or Third, Language? 369. When Do You Remember Learning a New Word? 370. What Does Your Body Language Communicate?

371. Do You Like School? 372. Are You Stressed About School? 373. Are High School Students Being Worked Too Hard? 374. What Are You Really Learning at School? 375. What Are You Looking Forward To, or Dreading, This School Year? 376. Would You Want to Be Home-Schooled? 377. Would You Like to Take a Class Online? 378. Would You Rather Attend a Public or a Private High School? 379. How Much Does It Matter to You Which High School You Attend? 380. How Would You Grade Your School? 381. What Can Other Schools Learn — and Copy — From Your School? 382. What Would You Miss if You Left Your School? 383. Is Your School Day Too Short? 384. What Do You Hope to Get Out of High School?

Learning & Studying

385. Do You Have Too Much Homework? 386. Does Your Homework Help You Learn? 387. Do You Participate in Class? 388. What Is Your Best Subject? 389. What’s the Most Challenging Assignment You’ve Ever Had? 390. What Memorable Experiences Have You Had in Learning Science or Math? 391. Are You Afraid of Math? 392. Do We Need a Better Way to Teach Math? 393. What Are the Best Ways to Learn About History? 394. How Would You Do on a Civics Test? 395. Does Your School Offer Enough Opportunities to Learn Computer Programming? 396. Does Your School Value Students’ Digital Skills? 397. Do You Know How to Code? Would You Like to Learn? 398. What Career or Technical Classes Do You Wish Your School Offered? 399. What Was Your Favorite Field Trip? 400. What Are Your Best Tips for Studying? 401. Do You Use Study Guides? 402. Is Everything You’ve Been Taught About Study Habits Wrong? 403. What Would You Like to Have Memorized? 404. How Well Do You Think Standardized Tests Measure Your Abilities? 405. Do Your Test Scores Reflect How Good Your Teachers Are?

406. What Do You Wish Your Teachers Knew About You? 407. When Has a Teacher Inspired You? 408. What Teacher Would You Like to Thank? 409. What Makes a Good Teacher? 410. Have You Ever Been Humiliated by a Teacher? How Did it Affect You? 411. Have Your Teachers or Textbooks Ever Gotten It Wrong? 412. Do Your Teachers Use Technology Well? 413. Do You Have a Tutor?

School Life

414. How Do You Feel About Proms? 415. Do You Want to Be ‘Promposed’ To? 416. Is Prom Worth It? 417. What Role Do School Clubs and Teams Play in Your Life? 418. How Big a Problem Is Bullying or Cyberbullying in Your School or Community? 419. Would You Ever Go Through Hazing to Be Part of a Group? 420. Is Your School a ‘Party School’? 421. Have You Been To Parties That Have Gotten Out of Control? 422. How Common Is Drug Use in Your School? 423. Can Students at Your School Talk Openly About Their Mental Health Issues? 424. How Does Your School Deal With Students Who Misbehave? 425. Do You Know People Who Cheat on High-Stakes Tests? 426. How Much Does Your Life in School Intersect With Your Life Outside School? 427. Do You Ever ‘Mix It Up’ and Socialize With Different People at School? 428. What Fads Are You and Your Friends Into Right Now?

429. Where Do You Want to Go to College? 430. What Are Your Sources for Information About Colleges and Universities? 431. What Role Has Community College Played in Your Life or the Life of Someone You Know? 432. Is College Overrated? 433. How Much Do You Worry About Taking the SAT or ACT? 434. What Personal Essay Topic Would You Assign to College Applicants? 435. What Qualities Would You Look For in a College Roommate? 436. Would You Want to Take a Gap Year After High School? 437. What Makes a Graduation Ceremony Memorable?

Work & Careers

438. What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? 439. Do You Have a Life Calling? 440. What’s Your Dream Job? 441. What Are Your Longtime Interests or Passions? 442. Do You Think You Will Have a Career That You Love? 443. What Do You Want More From a Career: Happiness or Wealth? 444. What Investment Are You Willing to Make to Get Your Dream Job? 445. Would You Consider a Nontraditional Occupation? 446. Would You Rather Work From Home or in an Office? 447. Would You Want to Be a Teacher? 448. What Hidden Talents Might You Have? 449. What ‘Back-to-the-Land’ Skills Do You Have, or Wish You Had? 450. What Skill Could You Teach in Two Minutes? 451. What Have You Made Yourself? 452. Do You Have an Idea for a Business or App? 453. What Would You Create if You Had Funding? 454. How Did You Start Doing Something You Love? 455. Did You Ever Take a Break From Doing Something You Love? 456. What Have You Done to Earn Money? 457. Do You Have a Job? 458. Would You Quit if Your Values Did Not Match Your Employer’s? 459. What Do You Hope to Be Doing the Year After You Graduate From College? 460. Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years?

461. Do You Have a Best Friend? 462. How Often Do You Spend One-on-One Time With Your Closest Friends? 463. How Do You Feel About Introducing Friends from Different Parts of Your Life? 464. Do You Find It Easier to Make New Friends Online or In Person? 465. How Good a Friend Are You? 466. How Have You Helped a Friend in a Time of Need? 467. Do You Like Your Friends? 468. Is Competitiveness an Obstacle to Making or Keeping Friendships? 469. How Should You Handle the End of a Friendship? 470. Have You Ever Felt Left Out?

471. Have You Ever Been in Love? 472. What Are the Most Meaningful Relationships in Your Life? 473. What Advice Would You Give to Somebody Who Just Started Dating? 474. Are You Allowed to Date? 475. Is Dating a Thing of the Past? 476. Is Hookup Culture Leaving Your Generation Unhappy and Unprepared for Love? 477. What Are the Basic ‘Rules’ for Handling Breakups? 478. What’s the Best Way to Get Over a Breakup? 479. What Are Your Beliefs About Marriage?

Sports & Games

480. What’s the Most Impressive Sports Moment You’ve Seen? 481. Who Are Your Sports Heroes? 482. What Sports Teams Do You Root For? 483. Does Being a Fan Help Define Who You Are? 484. How Far Would You Go to Express Loyalty to Your Favorite Teams? 485. Are You a Fair-Weather Fan? 486. When Has a Sports Team Most Disappointed You? 487. Do You Watch the Super Bowl? 488. What Fan Memorabilia Would You Pay Big Bucks For? 489. What Extreme Sports Interest You Most? 490. Why Do You Play Sports? 491. What Rules Would You Like to See Changed in Your Favorite Sports? 492. Do You Enjoy Playing Games or Solving Puzzles? 493. What Are Your Favorite Board Games? 494. What Are Your Favorite Games? 495. What Game Would You Like to Redesign?

496. Where in the World Would You Most Like to Travel? 497. What Is Your Fantasy Vacation? 498. What Would Your Fantasy Road Trip Be Like? 499. What Crazy Adventure Would You Want to Take? 500. What Local ‘Microadventures’ Would You Like to Go On? 501. What’s Your Perfect Family Vacation? 502. How Has Travel Affected You? 503. What Kind of Tourist Are You? 504. What Are the Best Souvenirs You’ve Ever Collected While Traveling? 505. What Famous Landmarks Have You Visited? 506. What’s the Coolest Thing You’ve Ever Seen in Nature? 507. How Much Do You Know About the Rest of the World? 508. Would You Like to Live in Another Country? 509. Would You Want to Be a Space Tourist? 510. If You Could Time-Travel, Where Would You Go?

Looks & Fashion

511. What Is Your All-Time Favorite Piece of Clothing? 512. Do You Have a Signature Clothing Item? 513. What’s Your Favorite T-Shirt? 514. Do You Care What You Wear? 515. Does What You Wear Say Anything About You as a Person? 516. What Does Your Hairstyle Say About You? 517. What’s on Your Fashion Shopping List? 518. How Far Would You Go for Fashion? 519. What Are the Hot Fashion Trends at Your School Right Now? 520. What Current Trends Annoy You? 521. Would You Ever Consider Getting a Tattoo? 522. What Are Your Opinions on Cosmetic Surgery? 523. Do Photoshopped Images Make You Feel Bad About Your Own Looks? 524. Have You Inherited Your Parents’ Attitudes Toward Their Looks? 525. Has Anyone Ever Said That You Look Like Someone Famous?

Exercise, Health & Sleep

526. Do You Like to Exercise? 527. Do You Get Enough Exercise? 528. How Has Exercise Changed Your Health, Your Body or Your Life? 529. How Much Do You Think About Your Weight? 530. How Often Do You Engage in ‘Fat Talk’? 531. Do You Pay Attention to Calorie Counts for Food? 532. Do You Pay Attention to Nutrition Labels on Food? 533. How Concerned Are You About Where Your Food Comes From? 534. Are Your Eating Habits Healthy? 535. Do You Eat Too Quickly? 536. What Are Your ‘Food Rules’? 537. What Are Your Healthy Habits? 538. What Health Tips Have Worked for You? 539. What Rules Do You Have for Staying Healthy? 540. How Careful Are You in the Sun? 541. What Are Your Sleep Habits? 542. How Much of a Priority Do You Make Sleep? 543. Do You Get Enough Sleep?

Meals & Food

544. What Are the Most Memorable Meals You’ve Ever Had? 545. What’s Your Favorite Holiday Food Memory? 546. What’s Your Comfort Food? 547. What Are Your Favorite Junk Foods? 548. What’s Your Favorite Candy? 549. What’s Your Favorite Sandwich? 550. Do You Prefer Your Tacos ‘Authentic’ or ‘Appropriated’? 551. What Food Would You Like to Judge in a Taste-Off? 552. Do You Cook? 553. What Would You Most Like to Learn to Cook or Bake? 554. What Messages About Food and Eating Have You Learned From Your Family? 555. How Often Does Your Family Eat Together? 556. What Are Your Favorite Restaurants? 557. What Restaurant Would You Most Like to Review? 558. What Do You Eat During the School Day? 559. Do You Eat Cafeteria Food? 560. Is School Lunch Really All That Bad?

Holidays & Seasons

561. How Do You Celebrate Your Birthday? 562. Will You Be Wearing a Halloween Costume This Year? 563. Do You Like Scary Movies and Books? 564. Do You Believe in Ghosts? 565. What Are Your Thanksgiving Traditions? 566. What Do You Look Forward to Most – and Least – During the Holiday Season? 567. What Are Your Tips for Enjoying the Holiday Season? 568. How Will You Spend the Holiday Break? 569. What Does Santa Claus Mean to You? 570. Do You Look Forward to New Year’s Eve? 571. Do You Make New Year’s Resolutions? 572. How Do You Fight the Winter Blues? 573. What Would You Do on a Snow Day? 574. What Are Your Experiences With Severe Weather? 575. How Do You Feel About Valentine’s Day? 576. How Do You Celebrate Spring? 577. What Would Your Fantasy Spring Break Be Like? 578. What Are You Looking Forward to This Summer? 579. What Would Your Ideal Summer Camp Be Like? 580. What Are Your Favorite Summer Hangouts? 581. What’s Your Favorite Summer Food? 582. What Is Your Favorite Summer Movie? 583. What’s on Your Summer Reading List? 584. Do You Have a Summer Job? 585. Do You Choose Summer Activities to Look Good on Applications? 586. What Are the Best Things You Did This Summer? 587. How Do You Prepare to Go Back to School? 588. How Can People Make the Most of Long Holiday Weekends? 589. What’s Your Sunday Routine?

590. What’s Your Favorite Store? 591. To What Company Would You Write a Letter of Complaint or Admiration? 592. To What Business Would You Like to Give Advice? 593. Do You Ever Hang Out at the Mall? 594. How Would You Make Over Your Mall? 595. Do You Shop at Locally Owned Businesses? 596. What Are the Best Things You’ve Acquired Secondhand?

Cars & Driving

597. How Important Is It to Have a Driver’s License? 598. Are You a Good Driver? 599. Do You Have a Dream Car? 600. Would You Like to Ride in a Car That Drives Itself?

Animals & Pets

601. What Are the Animals in Your Life? 602. What’s Your Relationship Like With Your Pet? 603. How Well Do You Know Your Pet? 604. What Are Your Thoughts on Cats? 605. Would You Want to Hang Out at a Cat Cafe? 606. Why Do We Love Watching Animal Videos So Much? 607. What Are Your Most Memorable Stories About Wildlife? 608. How Do You Feel About Zoos?

Environmental Issues

609. How Green Are You? 610. How Do You Try to Reduce Your Impact on the Environment? 611. Do You Ever Feel Guilty About What, or How Much, You Throw Away? 612. How Much Food Does Your Family Waste? 613. What Could You Live Without? 614. How Do You Celebrate Earth Day?

Politics & Beliefs

615. How Would You Like to Help Our World? 616. What Cause Would Get You Into the Streets? 617. Have Your Ever Taken Part in a Protest? 618. What Would You Risk Your Life For? 619. When Have You Spoken Out About Something You Felt Had to Change? 620. What Would You Invent to Make the World a Better Place? 621. Given Unlimited Resources, What Scientific or Medical Problem Would You Investigate? 622. What Organizations Do You Think People Should Give to This Holiday Season? 623. Do You Trust Your Government? 624. When You Are Old Enough to Vote, Will You? 625. Do You Consider Yourself a Republican, Democrat or Independent?

History & Current Events

626. What Event in the Past Do You Wish You Could Have Witnessed? 627. What Are the Most Important Changes, in Your Life and in the World, in the Last Decade? 628. What National or International Events That You Lived Through Do You Remember Best? 629. Why Should We Care About Events in Other Parts of the World? 630. What News Stories Are You Following? 631. How Do You Get Your News? 632. Is Your Online World Just a ‘Filter Bubble’ of People With the Same Opinions? 633. Do Your Friends on Social Media All Have the Same Political Opinions You Do?

634. What Would You Do if You Won the Lottery? 635. What Superpower Do You Wish You Had? 636. What Era Do You Wish You Had Lived In? 637. Would You Want to Be a Tween or Teen Star? 638. Would You Want to Be a Child Prodigy? 639. Would You Want to Grow Up in the Public Eye? 640. What Kind of Robot Would You Want? 641. What Would You Outsource if You Could? 642. What Would You Like to Learn on Your Own? 643. What Would You Be Willing to Wait in a Really Long Line For? 644. If You Were a Super Rich Philanthropist, What Causes Would You Support? 645. What Would You Do if You Were President? 646. What Famous Person Would You Like to Visit Your School? 647. Who Would Be the Ideal Celebrity Neighbor? 648. What Do You Want to Be Doing When You’re 80? 649. Do You Want to Live to 100? 650. What Do You Want Your Obituary to Say?

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102 Personal Growth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Personal growth is an essential part of life that allows individuals to become the best version of themselves. It involves self-reflection, self-improvement, and the willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. Writing personal growth essays can help individuals explore their own thoughts and experiences, and can also serve as a tool for self-discovery and growth. If you're looking for inspiration for your next personal growth essay, here are 102 topic ideas and examples to get you started:

  • The importance of setting and achieving personal goals
  • Overcoming fear of failure
  • Learning to embrace change
  • The power of positive thinking
  • How to cultivate a growth mindset
  • Dealing with setbacks and challenges
  • The benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone
  • Finding your passion and purpose in life
  • Building self-confidence and self-esteem
  • The role of self-care in personal growth
  • Practicing gratitude and mindfulness
  • Learning to forgive yourself and others
  • Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome
  • Developing healthy habits and routines
  • The importance of self-reflection and introspection
  • Cultivating resilience and perseverance
  • Embracing vulnerability and authenticity
  • Finding balance in your personal and professional life
  • The impact of positive relationships on personal growth
  • How to overcome procrastination and improve productivity
  • The benefits of seeking out feedback and constructive criticism
  • The role of mentorship and guidance in personal growth
  • Learning to let go of perfectionism and control
  • Exploring your values and beliefs
  • The power of self-compassion and self-acceptance
  • Overcoming negative self-talk and limiting beliefs
  • The importance of continuous learning and growth
  • Finding meaning and fulfillment in your work
  • Cultivating empathy and compassion for others
  • The impact of gratitude journaling on personal growth
  • How to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors
  • The benefits of practicing mindfulness meditation
  • Learning to set boundaries and prioritize self-care
  • The role of resilience in overcoming adversity
  • Developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness
  • Overcoming perfectionism and fear of failure
  • The importance of self-compassion in personal growth
  • Cultivating a growth mindset in the face of challenges
  • The benefits of seeking out new experiences and opportunities
  • Learning to embrace uncertainty and take risks
  • Overcoming limiting beliefs and self-imposed barriers
  • The power of visualization and goal-setting
  • Finding inspiration and motivation in your daily life
  • How to overcome self-doubt and build self-confidence
  • The impact of positive affirmations on personal growth
  • Learning to practice self-care and prioritize your well-being
  • Cultivating a sense of purpose and direction in life
  • The role of resilience in bouncing back from setbacks
  • Overcoming fear of rejection and failure
  • The benefits of practicing gratitude and mindfulness
  • How to develop a growth mindset and embrace challenges
  • Finding balance and harmony in your life
  • Learning to overcome negative self-talk and self-limiting beliefs
  • Embracing vulnerability and authenticity in your relationships
  • Building resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity
  • The role of positive relationships in personal growth
  • Overcoming perfectionism and the need for control
  • The impact of continuous learning and growth on personal development
  • Developing healthy habits and routines for success
  • Learning to let go of past mistakes and regrets
  • The power of positive thinking and visualization
  • How to cultivate a growth mindset and embrace change
  • Practicing gratitude and mindfulness in your daily life
  • Overcoming fear of failure and rejection
  • The importance of self-care and prioritizing your well-being
  • Cultivating resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges
  • Finding balance and harmony in your personal and professional life
  • How to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors and negative habits
  • The power of positive affirmations and self-talk
  • Cultivating a growth mindset and embracing challenges
  • The importance of self-compassion and self-acceptance
  • Overcoming negative self-talk and self-limiting beliefs
  • How to let go of past mistakes and regrets
  • Cultivating empathy and compassion for yourself and others

These are just a few examples of personal growth essay topics that you can explore. Feel free to mix and match ideas, or come up with your own unique topics based on your own experiences and interests. Remember, personal growth is a lifelong journey, and writing about it can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation. Happy writing!

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680 Personal Essay Topics & Free Ideas

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  • Icon Calendar 1 October 2024
  • Icon Page 7297 words
  • Icon Clock 33 min read

Colleges and high schools require students to complete personal essays. Basically, personal memoirs aim to stimulate readers to act in a specific way. In this case, students can use unique examples of personal essay topics for starting, organizing, and writing their papers. Personal compositions include real stories, involvements, and individual opinions. Besides, authors should give an account of their responsibilities and express thoughts on assigned subjects. Further on, there are two types of personal essay topics, which include secret lives and defining moment narratives. In particular, a first type focuses on essential but mysterious experiences where learners give stories that concentrate on infrequent life tracking down. Moreover, a second type of individual essay theme focuses on a critical moment in a person’s life. In turn, one should follow specific schemes to write personal papers by considering two types of topics. As a result, such aspects make essays outstanding for readers.

General Guidelines

A personal essay topic refers to a typical assignment for high school and college students, while they can use many examples of personal essay topics for their writing assignments provided in this article. Basically, personal memoirs exist as two major types. In principle, a first type focuses on secret lives, where learners provide stories that focus on unusual life pursuits. Basically, this composition takes writers behind specific scenes of their unique experiences in odd jobs. Then, a second type of personal essay theme focuses on defining moments in a person’s life. Hence, personal essay topics resemble not only some secrets of life but also focus on one crucial moment that explains how authors think about their occupation or a unique situation. However, people should not limit their ideas and themes to these two types since other topics also work with writing interesting papers.

What Is a Personal Essay Topic and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a personal essay topic is a specific subject or theme that invites students to explore their individual experiences, thoughts, and emotions, offering a glimpse into their personal lives. For example, the main purpose for selecting a personal essay topic is to connect with readers on a deeper level, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences and feelings (Aronie, 2024). Unlike academic or formal writing, personal essay topics prioritize introspection and subjective storytelling, allowing authors to convey their unique perspectives. Further on, by sharing personal narratives, students can illustrate broader themes, such as identity, resilience, love, or loss, making their stories relatable and impactful (Hilvert et al., 2020). In principle, important ideas and experiences serve as a means of self-exploration and help authors to clarify their beliefs and values while fostering empathy among readers. Moreover, these themes not only enhance people’s understanding of themselves but also engage audiences by inviting them to consider their own life stories and shared human experiences (D’Souza, 2021). Hence, through authenticity and vulnerability, personal essay topics can inspire, provoke thought, and stimulate emotional connections, establishing a profound dialogue between writers and their audiences.

Personal essay topics

How to Choose

Selecting a compelling personal essay topic requires careful consideration and introspection. For example, a good starting point is to reflect on significant life experiences, such as challenges faced, pivotal moments, or transformative relationships, as these ideas can provide rich material for exploration (Driscoll et al., 2022). In principle, students should choose themes that resonate deeply with them, ensuring an entire narrative is both authentic and engaging. Further on, people should consider an emotional weight of themes that evoke strong feelings and resonate more profoundly with readers (Wiesner, 2021). As such, they should identify a central message or insight that can be derived from a selected experience because this feature adds depth to a whole narrative and enhances its relatability. Moreover, students may benefit from brainstorming a list of potential personal essay topics and evaluating each for their relevance and potential for storytelling (Hake & Timmerman, 2024). Basically, engaging in freewriting exercises can facilitate a valid discovery of unexpected themes and ideas. In turn, some steps for picking a good personal essay topic include:

  • Reflect on Personal Experiences: Consider significant moments in your life, such as challenges, achievements, or turning points, that have shaped your perspective.
  • Identify Emotional Resonance: Choose ideas that evoke strong emotions, as this aspect will help to create a more compelling and relatable narrative for readers.
  • Determine a Central Theme: Think about an overarching message or insight you want to convey through your paper because this idea will provide an entire direction and purpose to your writing.
  • Brainstorm and List Potential Topics: Write down a variety of topic ideas to explore, allowing for creativity and flexibility in identifying the most engaging subject matter.
  • Evaluate Relevance and Relatability: Consider how your chosen personal essay topic resonates with universal themes and experiences, ensuring such a subject will engage and connect with your intended audience.

Best Personal Essay Topics

  • The journey to mastering my favorite hobby.
  • Overcoming a fear that changed my life.
  • An unforgettable encounter with a stranger.
  • Travel experiences that changed my perspective.
  • Realizing the importance of mental health.
  • My most significant failure and what I learned.
  • Living through a natural disaster: My story.
  • Memories of my first best friend.
  • Growing up in a multicultural household.
  • How has volunteering shaped my character?
  • Conquering the fear of public speaking.
  • Adapting to life after moving to a new city.
  • The time I confronted my biggest critic.
  • Experiences that taught me the value of time.
  • A passion that’s not popular among my peers.
  • Lessons learned from an unexpected source.
  • The moment I stood up for what was right.
  • How I cope with stress: My personal methods.
  • Going against societal norms: A personal account.
  • Balancing dreams with reality: My experience.
  • The importance of self-care in my life.
  • Complexities of cultural identity in a multicultural environment.
  • Significant failure on personal growth and resilience.
  • Lessons learned from an unexpected friendship.

Easy Personal Essay Topics

  • Experiences that shaped my political views.
  • The journey to accepting my sexuality.
  • Unraveling my unique talent.
  • Achieving my most ambitious goal.
  • My favorite childhood memory and its impact.
  • The role of spirituality in my life.
  • Navigating through a major life transition.
  • Learning to appreciate my heritage.
  • The influence of art on my personal growth.
  • Overcoming a personal health challenge.
  • An event that triggered personal growth.
  • How I managed a personal conflict?
  • A time when I had to forgive someone.
  • Finding happiness in the little things.
  • My journey toward body positivity.
  • Experiencing a unique cultural event.
  • Lessons I learned from my first job.
  • A hobby that helps me relax.
  • Reflections on my time in high school.
  • The impact of technology on my life.
  • A trip that ignited a newfound passion.
  • Handling a financial crisis: A personal tale.
  • Challenges of mental health in daily life.
  • Passion through a transformative travel experience.
  • Roles of family traditions in shaping values.
  • Self-acceptance after a major life change.

Interesting Personal Essay Topics

  • Perspectives on global citizenship.
  • My journey with mental health.
  • Overcoming the fear of failure.
  • The impact of family traditions.
  • Being an introvert in an extroverted world.
  • How minimalism simplified my life.
  • Reading books versus eBooks: A personal preference.
  • The role of music in my life.
  • Unusual habits that keep me sane.
  • Body positivity and self-love.
  • Finding courage in vulnerability.
  • The influence of a favorite teacher.
  • Digital detox: My experience and insights.
  • Reflecting on a childhood ambition.
  • Coping with loss: A personal journey.
  • Living a sustainable lifestyle.
  • Pets and their effect on our well-being.
  • My experience with a unique hobby.
  • Choosing passion over a paycheck.
  • Embracing change: My personal experience.
  • The importance of setting boundaries.
  • How have my parents shaped my worldview?
  • Volunteering and the act of giving back.
  • Influence of a mentor on career aspirations.
  • Fears and stepping outside of comfort zones.
  • Volunteering in understanding community dynamics.

Academic Level Difference

Academic level differences significantly influence a whole complexity and depth of personal essay topics. At an undergraduate level, personal essay themes focus on foundational experiences, such as transitions to college, formative relationships, or early encounters with independence (Aronie, 2024). Basically, common ideas tend to emphasize personal growth and self-discovery, enabling students to reflect on their identities in a relatively straightforward manner. In contrast, graduate-level personal essay topics demand a more nuanced exploration of complex themes, often intertwining personal experiences with broader societal issues or academic pursuits (Hake & Timmerman, 2024). At this level, main subjects may encompass challenges faced within a professional context, transformative educational experiences, or ethical dilemmas encountered in the field. Moreover, graduate students are expected to analyze their experiences critically, drawing connections between their narratives and theoretical frameworks or disciplines relevant to their studies (Driscoll et al., 2022). In principle, personal essay subjects at a Ph.D. level may involve profound introspection, addressing pivotal moments that have shaped their research interests or professional aspirations, thereby contributing to an academic discourse. As a result, this distinction underscores an entire evolution of personal essay topics as students progress through their academic journeys, highlighting an increasing demand for analytical depth and thematic complexity that resonates with their advanced studies.

Personal Essay Topics About You

  • Discovering my hidden talents: A journey of self-exploration.
  • How has adopting a pet changed my life?
  • Overcoming personal fears: My story of growth.
  • The role of music in my personal development.
  • A significant moment of failure that shaped me.
  • My experience with cultural diversity and what I learned.
  • Navigating through life with a rare medical condition.
  • Dealing with loss: How has grief transformed my perspective?
  • Lessons learned from my first job experience.
  • My lifelong passion for cooking and how it is influenced me.
  • Confronting my anxieties: The path toward mental well-being.
  • Balancing academics and sports: My high school experience.
  • Embracing solitude: The importance of being alone.
  • How has volunteering shaped my worldview?
  • Reflections on a family tradition that means a lot to me.
  • Making a difference: My journey into activism.
  • How has moving to a new city opened my mind?
  • My evolution as an artist: From doodles to masterpieces.
  • Personal growth through the lens of travel experiences.

Personal Essay Topics About Your Experiences

  • Unraveling the knots: The toughest challenge I faced in my past relationship.
  • How has my first vacation with my ex shaped my understanding of compatibility?
  • The subtle art of compromise: Learning to balance my needs with my ex’s.
  • Discovering personal growth: What breaking up taught me about myself?
  • The day we adopted a pet: Learning about responsibility and care in a relationship.
  • When culture clashed: Navigating differences in our backgrounds.
  • Chasing dreams: Supporting my ex in their professional journey.
  • Navigating long-distance: The trials and triumphs of our virtual relationship.
  • Managing conflict: How have we tackled our first major disagreement?
  • In pursuit of trust: Mending our relationship after a breach of faith.
  • Lessons learned from cooking together on Sundays.
  • Cherished holidays: Creating traditions in our shared life.
  • Rebuilding bridges: Reconciling after a painful breakup.
  • A shared love of music: How have concerts become our refuge?
  • Exploring fitness together: How has working out affected our relationship?
  • Meeting the parents: The fear, excitement, and aftermath.
  • Understanding sacrifice: The most significant compromise I made.
  • The joy of shared hobbies: Learning to sail together.
  • Fostering independence: Finding personal space in a committed relationship.
  • Adapting to change: When my ex’s career shift uprooted our life.

Personal Essay Topics About Relationships

  • Discovering love in the unlikeliest places.
  • When do friendships turn into romantic relationships?
  • Balancing individuality and unity in a relationship.
  • Healing after a devastating breakup.
  • The silent language of long-term relationships.
  • Navigating the challenges of long-distance love.
  • The beauty and hardship of platonic love.
  • Mending broken bridges: Reconciliation in familial relationships.
  • Lessons learned from failed relationships.
  • The role of vulnerability in strengthening bonds.
  • Being single: A journey of self-love and exploration.
  • Age differences and their impact on relationships.
  • Integrating cultural backgrounds in relationships.
  • Living with your partner: A test of compatibility.
  • The intricacies of dating in adulthood.
  • Childhood friendships that have stood the test of time.
  • The emotional roller coaster of unrequited love.
  • Understanding the role of trust in relationships.
  • Adapting to change: The evolution of relationships over time.

Personal Essay Topics About Dreams

  • Exploring the world through my dreams.
  • How do my dreams influence my creative process?
  • A specific dream that changed my perspective on life.
  • The connection between dreams and subconscious thoughts.
  • Lessons I have learned from my recurring dreams.
  • Overcoming fears: The role dreams play.
  • Nightmares and what they teach us about ourselves.
  • Can dreams predict the future? My experience.
  • Analyzing the symbolism in my dreams.
  • The role of dreams in different cultures: A personal perspective.
  • Discovering personal growth through dream journaling.
  • How has lucid dreaming expanded my self-awareness?
  • Dreams and their impact on my mental health.
  • My journey with dream interpretation: Successes and challenges.
  • Unforgettable dream experiences that have left lasting impressions.
  • The relationship between my dreams and my waking life.
  • Dealing with loss and grief through dreams.
  • Diving into the science of dreams: A personal inquiry.
  • My personal endeavors in dream incubation: Seeking solutions in sleep.
  • Revisiting childhood through dreams: A voyage of self-discovery.

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

  • My journey through learning a new language.
  • Overcoming the biggest challenge in my life.
  • The day I stood up for what was right.
  • An unforgettable experience with a stranger.
  • Exploring my heritage during a visit to my ancestral homeland.
  • A life-changing experience on my first solo trip.
  • Memories from my favorite childhood place.
  • My perspective on life after a near-death experience.
  • How has my favorite book shaped my personality?
  • Understanding the meaning of friendship from a surprising source.
  • My transformative experience while volunteering at a shelter.
  • The incident that made me a more compassionate person.
  • Becoming a pet parent: Joy and responsibilities.
  • Experiencing a culture shock on my exchange program.
  • Navigating through life with a unique hobby.
  • Lessons learned from a devastating failure.
  • Discovering my passion in an unlikely way.
  • How has a single book shaped my worldview?
  • The role of a mentor in my personal growth.
  • The unforgettable journey to my ancestral home.
  • Discovering strength in my weakest moment.

Personal Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Online education is superior to traditional schooling.
  • Mandatory voting will improve democratic participation.
  • Self-driving cars should replace human-operated vehicles.
  • Adoption of plant-based diets is necessary for global sustainability.
  • Privacy concerns outweigh the benefits of surveillance technologies.
  • Animal testing is unacceptable in modern scientific research.
  • Artificial intelligence poses more threats than benefits to society.
  • Corporations should have stricter regulations to prevent climate change.
  • Countries should open their borders to all immigrants.
  • All schools should implement mental health education in their curriculum.
  • Society benefits more from arts education than from sports programs.
  • Public spaces should always offer free Wi-Fi.
  • Parental consent is necessary for minors to access social media.
  • Health insurance should be a fundamental right, not a privilege.
  • Single-use plastic items must be banned globally.
  • Personal finance courses should be a mandatory part of high school education.
  • Social media platforms need stricter measures against cyberbullying.
  • Humanity should prioritize colonizing other planets.
  • Excessive screen time is detrimental to children’s development.

Personal Cause and Effect Essay Topics

  • Volunteering at a local shelter and its impact on my worldview.
  • The effect of social media detox on my mental health.
  • Experiencing failure and its role in shaping my resilience.
  • The consequences of procrastination on my academic performance.
  • Moving to a new city and the unexpected outcomes.
  • Practicing mindfulness and its effect on my stress levels.
  • The implications of becoming a vegetarian on my health and lifestyle.
  • Embracing minimalism and its transformative impact on my life.
  • How has learning a new language influenced my cultural understanding?
  • A significant childhood event and its long-lasting effects.
  • The repercussions of taking a gap year after high school.
  • Committing to regular exercise and its impact on my self-esteem.
  • Cultivating a hobby and how it altered my leisure time.
  • Learning to play a musical instrument and its influence on my cognitive abilities.
  • A health scare and its effect on my life priorities.
  • Pursuing a passion and the subsequent changes in my career path.
  • Joining a book club and its impact on my intellectual growth.
  • Undertaking a solo travel adventure and the resulting self-discovery.
  • Coping with a significant loss and its effect on my emotional growth.
  • Incorporating meditation into my daily routine and its influence on my concentration.
  • Deciding to live abroad and the resulting changes in my worldview.

Personal Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Impacts of social media on personal relationships.
  • Remote work is more efficient than traditional office work.
  • The necessity of financial literacy in the modern world.
  • Veganism: A healthier choice or a passing trend?
  • Online dating: Are the risks worth the rewards?
  • Is maintaining personal privacy possible in the digital age?
  • Standardized tests do not accurately reflect a student’s abilities.
  • Living abroad can broaden your perspective on life.
  • Fast fashion and its effect on individual purchasing behavior.
  • Personal growth: Is it essential to experience failure?
  • Meditation as a powerful tool for stress relief.
  • Self-driving cars: Safer or riskier than human drivers?
  • Online influencers: Are they shaping or harming our society?
  • The role of pets in enhancing mental health.
  • Renewable energy at home: Is it a practical choice?
  • How important is physical exercise for mental health?
  • Continuous learning: A key to success or a source of stress?
  • The effectiveness of mindfulness practices in daily life.
  • Decluttering: A path to mental clarity or a trendy illusion?
  • Gap years: Are they beneficial for personal growth?

Examples of Personal Essay Topics

Note: One can write about different personal essay topics for two types of personal memoirs identified above. Hence, some unique types of personal essay topics are:

Personal Essay Topics on Secrets of Life

  • The confession of a failed help mission.
  • The disclosure of searching for a soul mate.
  • The secret life of a rescue volunteer.
  • A detailed account of obesity caused me to develop joint problems.
  • Secrets of a successful learner.
  • Unveiling the beauty of everyday moments.
  • The healing power of laughter in life’s journey.
  • Nature’s wisdom: How do the outdoors teach us to live?
  • Lessons learned from unexpected friendships.
  • Adapting to change: Life’s only constant.
  • The transformative power of love and kindness.
  • Harnessing the strength within: Self-discovery in times of turmoil.
  • Serenity in solitude: A journey toward self-love.
  • Perseverance and hope: A tale of personal growth.
  • Mysteries of the subconscious mind: Dream interpretations and their impact on life.
  • Simplicity, minimalism, and the quest for a meaningful existence.
  • Understanding the role of failure in the pursuit of success.
  • Life’s hidden messages in seemingly mundane routines.
  • Endurance and resilience: Learning to dance in the rain.
  • Reflections on wisdom: What have elders taught me about life?
  • Connections and coincidences: A contemplation on fate and destiny.
  • Cherishing the transient: An essay on life’s fleeting moments.

Note: Personal essay topics above may vary from one discipline to another, depending on a writer’s focus and life experiences. In turn, possible topics for different subjects that one may consider when writing a personal essay about a secret life are:

Examples of Personal Topics on Art and Culture

  • An account of a failed social media relationship.
  • The confession of my experience with native communities.
  • The impact of street art on urban development.
  • My first experience with classical music.
  • The evolution of pop art and its impact on my artistic vision.
  • How do different cultures influence contemporary fashion?
  • My personal connection with abstract expressionism.
  • The cultural significance of traditional folk music in my life.
  • Understanding the power of photography: Capturing moments that matter.
  • The intersection of technology and art: My experience with digital art.
  • The role of theatre in shaping cultural perspectives.
  • How has anime influenced my appreciation of Japanese culture?
  • My journey with literature: The books that have changed my perspective on life.
  • The confession of how I used to copy a colleague’s work.
  • An account of how my choice of college promoted learning skills.
  • My confession with a haunting artwork.
  • Why graffiti is more than just vandalism: My personal perspective.
  • My account of how I faced the law due to throw-away culture.
  • Cultural celebrations: A deeper look at their artistic components.
  • My secret account with a haunting experience with my cultural identity.

Samples of Personal Topics on Economics

  • Effects of global financial influence on my life.
  • Impacts of consumerism on my economic status.
  • Balancing a personal budget: A journey to financial independence.
  • The influence of global economic events on local economies.
  • Lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis.
  • Microfinance: Transforming lives and communities.
  • Effects of Hurricane Katrina on my school life.
  • Influence of tariffs on my consumption behaviors.
  • How does politics influence my relationship with natives?
  • Exploring the concept of “money” in the digital age.
  • How does my understanding of supply and demand influence daily decisions?
  • Sustainability and economics: Can they coexist harmoniously?
  • Unraveling the impact of inflation on my purchasing power.
  • Capitalism vs. socialism: My personal perspective.
  • How do economic policies influence my poverty levels?
  • The role of government in my economic life.
  • Demystifying the complex world of stock markets.
  • Evaluating the pros and cons of consumerism.
  • How did my father’s choices influence my behavior?
  • My experience with cryptocurrency: A gamble or a wise investment?
  • Effects of monetary policies undermined my business.

Examples of Personal Essay Topics on Education

  • An account of how standardized testing influenced my high school performance. 
  • The role of technology in modern education.
  • My journey toward understanding the value of inclusive education.
  • An account of how my indigo identity ruined my life.
  • Navigating the educational system as a first-generation student.
  • Benefits of extracurricular activities for holistic development.
  • ADHD and dyslexia damaged my education.
  • An account of how internal and external factors make my learning experience boring.
  • How has homeschooling changed my perspective on learning?
  • The importance of language learning in global citizenship.
  • Parent involvement: A critical aspect of educational success.
  • Lessons learned from my first teaching experience.
  • An account of how technologies weakened my learning abilities
  • My horrific account with e-books and collaborative boards in class 
  • An account of how homeschooling caused social distress
  • My experience with student-led learning initiatives.
  • Emotional intelligence: An overlooked aspect in classrooms.
  • Benefits and challenges of studying abroad.
  • Experiencing cultural diversity in the school environment.
  • My horrific experience in charter schools

Sample Topics for Personal Papers on Ethics

  • My negative perception of genetic engineering.
  • Exploring the role of personal integrity in decision-making.
  • My journey toward understanding the essence of truthfulness.
  • Altruism and its impact on my life choices.
  • My negative perception towards the legalization of marijuana.
  • How marijuana legalization increased my juvenile delinquency.
  • A personal account of cultural imperialism.
  • The ethical dilemma I faced in the digital age.
  • Personal reflections on the ethics of non-violence.
  • The influence of empathy on my ethical framework.
  • Standing up against groupthink: A story of moral courage.
  • An account of how cultural imperialism ruined my life.
  • An account of globalization influenced my lifestyle.
  • Living green: The ethical considerations of environmental responsibility.
  • My experience with ethical consumerism and its impact.
  • The morality of forgiveness: Lessons from my personal life.
  • How has practicing fairness reshaped my outlook on life?
  • Understanding the significance of justice in everyday situations.
  • Balancing personal gain and ethical responsibility.
  • Uniquely personal experience as a global citizen.
  • An account of how traditions affected my ethics.

Examples of Personal Topics on Government and Politics

  • The United States’ invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan affected my family life.
  • An account of how the Community Reinvestment Act (RCA) influenced my lifestyle.
  • How has the increasing homeownership in the United States affected my life as a low-income earner?
  • The balance between freedom and security in modern society.
  • Why trust in government is essential for social progress?
  • The role of media in shaping political views.
  • Influences of political ideologies on personal lives.
  • Ethical dilemmas in government surveillance.
  • How has the growing debt in the United States impacted my life?
  • Our evolving understanding of democracy in the digital age.
  • Deciphering the complexity of immigration policies.
  • How is my life affected by international politics?
  • How the tariffs made by President Trump impacted my life?
  • Impacts of decreased military activity in my family life.
  • An account of how historical injustices undermines my family life.
  • Decoding political propaganda in the 21st century.
  • Understanding the link between politics and education reform.
  • My journey into grassroots activism.
  • A personal account of how the constitution undermines my employability.

  Sample Personal Topics on Health

  • An account of how emotional problems lowers my body’s immunity.
  • Exploring my journey through recovery from addiction.
  • How has adopting a vegan diet transformed my health?
  • Navigating the complex world of mental health stigmatization.
  • Life lessons learned from my experience with chronic pain.
  • My personal insights into battling and overcoming obesity.
  • Unraveling the mystery of my rare genetic disorder.
  • An account of the excessive consumption of junk food increases my body’s energy levels.
  • Self-care: My key to managing stress effectively.
  • An account of how emotional eating causes indigestion.
  • The struggle and victory: My tale of beating cancer.
  • Walking the tightrope: Balancing health and career ambitions.
  • An account of how a lack of moral support causes anorexia and bulimia.
  • Reflections on my experience with gender dysphoria and mental health.
  • An account of how positive life changes stressed me.
  • Embracing the unexpected: How has yoga changed my perspective on health?
  • An account of how I discovered that ozone in the air leads to respiratory diseases.
  • My adventure into the realm of holistic healing.
  • An account of how high blood pressure caused me to develop cardiovascular disease.
  • Decoding the enigma of sleep disorders: A personal perspective.
  • An account of how social media increases my psychological challenges.

Examples of Personal Essay Topics on History

  • How has World War I separated my family?
  • How did the continued effects of slavery affect my family life?
  • An account of how my interest in women’s movement affects my thoughts on racism.
  • How has my family weathered the Great Depression?
  • Personal reflections on the fall of the Berlin Wall.
  • Discovering my roots: Tracing my lineage to the American Revolution.
  • Living in a post-9/11 world: My perspective.
  • Interpreting the French Revolution through my ancestor’s letters.
  • An account of how World War II influenced my family.
  • Visiting historic sites: My journey through the Civil Rights Movement landmarks.
  • The legacy of the Vietnam War in my family.
  • How has studying the Holocaust shaped my worldview?
  • An account of how the Holocaust affected my education and career path.
  • How religion influences my delinquency levels?
  • Personal experiences in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse.
  • My pilgrimage to the landmarks of the Women’s Suffrage Movement.
  • Historical epidemics and their relevance to modern-day pandemics.
  • A reflection on the Rwandan Genocide through the lens of a humanitarian worker.
  • The Arab Spring and its significance in my life.
  • British imperialism and its negative impacts on my life.

Sample Topics for Personal Essays on Science

  • Effects of global warming on my health and social well-being.
  • Results of excessive temperature on metabolism.
  • Discovering the beauty of fractals in nature.
  • Life under a microscope: The unseen world.
  • How does the study of genetics shape our self-perception?
  • Results of sunlight on my skin.
  • From science fiction to reality: The progress of artificial intelligence.
  • The lure of space exploration: A personal perspective.
  • Journey toward sustainable living through science.
  • Evolutionary biology and its impact on my worldview.
  • Effects of ambient temperature on my pet’s feeding habits.
  • How does temperature influence my daily routine?
  • Human interaction with technology: A blessing or a curse?
  • Grappling with the ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering.
  • Neuroscience and the mystery of human consciousness.
  • How do scientific findings affect my food consumption?
  • How do research methods influence my health outcomes?
  • Impacts of my scientific knowledge on my social behavior.

Examples of Personal Essay Topics on Sports

  • Workouts enhance my immunity.
  • Regular workouts strengthened my bones.
  • An account of how physical exercise relieves my stress.
  • Participating in sports lowered my juvenile delinquency.
  • How has paying college athletes promoted my talent development?
  • A narrative of how workouts boost my memory, yield, and intelligence.
  • Overcoming obstacles in sports: A journey of perseverance.
  • The role of sports in shaping my character.
  • Lessons learned from teamwork in sports.
  • The psychology of sports: Understanding the mindset of athletes.
  • The importance of sportsmanship in competitive athletics.
  • A narrative of how children who take part in sports developed my peer relationships.
  • How have sports taught me the value of discipline?
  • The joys of playing sports: Finding happiness on the field.
  • A sports injury and its impact on my life.
  • The relationship between sports and academic success.
  • Sports as a medium for cultural exchange.
  • Exploring the connection between sports and leadership.
  • The evolution of sports: From ancient times to modern day.
  • The intersection of sports and technology.
  • An account of how regular exercise enhanced my communication skills.

Personal Essay Topic Samples on Technology

  • An account of how increased internet accessibility increased my cyber-bullying.
  • My cyber-bullying increased my rate of juvenile delinquency.
  • A narrative of how the state control of the internet pushed me into cyber-bullying.
  • Ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering.
  • Roles of technology in enhancing communication.
  • How has technology revolutionized the music industry?
  • Future of robotics and its implications.
  • Influence of social media on personal relationships.
  • An account of how social networking influences my ways of life.
  • Social networks influence my collective behaviors.
  • An account of how social media affects my overall well-being.
  • My personal beliefs that facial recognition technologies undermine human rights.
  • Benefits and drawbacks of cryptocurrency.
  • Power of big data analytics in business.
  • Roles of technology in improving healthcare.
  • Exploring the ethics of biometric technology.
  • Evolution of e-commerce and its effect on traditional retail.
  • Impacts of augmented reality in education.
  • Roles of technology in addressing climate change.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing.
  • My views on how artificial intelligence enhances active learning.

Personal Essay Ideas on Defining Moments

  • I was a police officer for thirty years, which is an experience that continues to haunt me.
  • Every individual has a moment that changes his or her life.
  • How has a trip to New York changed my family life forever?
  • Obesity has led to joint problems.
  • Influence of adults on my life choice.
  • Discovering my true passion in a hidden hobby.
  • The unexpected encounter that altered my perspective on life.
  • A turning point: Embracing vulnerability in a moment of strength.
  • Embracing failure experiences as a stepping stone to success.
  • A single moment of kindness that changed everything.
  • Finding beauty in the midst of chaos.
  • The bittersweet taste of saying goodbye for the last time.
  • Lessons from a near-death experience.
  • How have I found hope in the darkest hour?
  • Transformation through a moment of silence.
  • The day I chose to break free from societal norms.
  • Healing through unexpected friendships.
  • Lessons learned from my first heartbreak.
  • Navigating through life after a life-changing diagnosis.
  • Understanding the importance of mental health after a personal crisis.

Note: Personal essay topics above may vary from one discipline to another, depending on a writer’s focus and life experiences. Hence, examples of possible topics for different subjects that one may consider when writing a personal essay about a secret life are:

Examples of Personal Essay Ideas on Art and Culture

  • How have social media relationships influenced my social behavior?
  • My experience with native communities influenced social behaviors.
  • From viewer to creator: My personal journey into filmmaking.
  • The power of poetry: How did it allow me to express myself?
  • Art as a tool for activism and peace: How do artists reflect social issues in their works?
  • The influence of hip-hop culture on contemporary society.
  • The artistic beauty of architectural landmarks: How do they reflect a city’s culture?
  • How has reading graphic novels expanded my perspective on storytelling and culture?
  • My experience of learning a foreign language was momentous.
  • Copy a colleague’s work changed my attitude towards education.
  • My choice of college transformed my career goals.
  • Exploring body art: A personal narrative on tattoos and piercings.
  • The art of cooking: How has cultural cuisine shaped my culinary skill?
  • The emotional power of music and sound: How does it shape our mood and behavior?
  • The influence of indigenous art on modern design trends.
  • An interaction with a haunting artwork changed my attitude toward employment.
  • The increased levels of throw-away culture motivated me to become an environmental activist.
  • A haunting experience with my cultural identity encouraged me to become an activist.

Sample Ideas for Writing Personal Papers on Economics

  • The global financial crisis influenced me to embrace a saving culture.
  • Consumerism encouraged me to embrace financial savings.
  • Effects of Hurricane Katrina influenced my thoughts about humanity.
  • The current tariffs in the United States forced me to change my business strategies. 
  • Transition from a traditional economy: A personal story.
  • From scarcity to abundance: Understanding the economic principle in personal life.
  • Implementing cost-benefit analysis in everyday life decisions.
  • How does a deeper understanding of economics affect voting choices?
  • Reflections on wealth distribution and income inequality.
  • The domino effect of oil price fluctuations on my living expenses.
  • Facing the student loan crisis: My personal story.
  • The current politics influence me to develop a positive relationship with natives. 
  • Economic policies imposed in 2023 contributed to my poverty.  
  • My father’s choices motivated my delinquent levels.
  • Navigating through the gig economy: Opportunities and challenges.
  • A personal account of living through a recession.
  • Encountering and overcoming wage stagnation in the 21st century.
  • The power of compound interest: A pathway to financial freedom.
  • Various monetary policies forced me to make the wrong choices.

Examples of Personal Essay Ideas on Education

  • Standardized testing changed my high school performance. 
  • My indigo identity changed my attitude toward other aboriginals.
  • ADHD and dyslexia changed my education perception.
  • Experiencing internal and external factors encouraged me to adopt a negative attitude toward education.
  • Interacting with technologies weakened my learning abilities.
  • The use of e-books and collaborative boards affected my attitude toward education.
  • The transformation of education through online learning.
  • Vocational education: A path less traveled.
  • Attaining equality in education: My personal experience.
  • Lifelong learning: The key to personal and professional growth.
  • My unforgettable experience with collaborative learning.
  • Bullying in schools: A personal encounter.
  • My encounter with the arts in education.
  • Grappling with the reality of educational disparities.
  • Integrating environmental education into the curriculum: A personal perspective.
  • The influence of positive reinforcement on academic performance.
  • How do study habits shape academic success?
  • The adoption of homeschooling caused me social distress.
  • Joining charter schools caused a negative attitude toward education.

Sample Ideas for Personal Essays on Ethics

  • Experience with genetic engineering changed my attitude toward ethics.
  • Legalization of marijuana forced me into drugs.
  • Marijuana legalization was the cause of my juvenile delinquency.
  • Corporate social responsibility: A personal perspective.
  • The intersection of culture and ethics in my life.
  • Reflecting on the ethical aspects of animal rights.
  • Dealing with biases: My journey towards ethical awareness.
  • Grappling with the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
  • Transparency and honesty in the era of fake news.
  • Learning to respect diversity: An ethical obligation.
  • Cultural imperialism led to negative attitudes toward other people.
  • Globalization motivated me to live abroad.
  • Being a global citizen influenced my charity levels.
  • Cultural traditions affected my attitude toward ethics.
  • My ethical stance on wealth inequality and poverty.
  • How has ethics shaped my perspective on privacy in the digital age?
  • The struggle with ethical choices in a globally interconnected world.
  • Balancing the scales: A personal tale of justice and mercy.

Examples of Personal Ideas on Government and Politics

  • The impact of political polarization on friendships and family.
  • Navigating through the maze of bureaucracy.
  • Climate change policy: A personal perspective.
  • Reflections on the current state of political discourse.
  • Gun control and the politics of fear.
  • From apathy to advocacy: My political awakening.
  • Money, power, and politics: A critical look.
  • The psychology of voting behavior.
  • The United States’ invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan encouraged me to join the armed forces.
  • The Community Reinvestment Act (RCA) changed my attitude toward communal unity.
  • Increasing homeownership in the United States forced me to move from my motherland.
  • The increasing debt in the United States ruined my economic progress.
  • The tariffs made by President Trump ruined my business. 
  • Health care reform: A personal journey through the political maze.
  • Observations on political activism in the social media era.
  • Living under the shadow of nuclear diplomacy.
  • The impact of gender politics on my worldview.
  • Human rights in foreign policy: A personal narrative.
  • Navigating partisan politics in a divided nation.
  • The decreased military activity led to a stabilized life in my family.
  • Historical injustices separated me from my family.
  • The constitutional amendments undermined my employability as an illegal immigrant.

Samples of Personal Essay Ideas on Health

  • The beginning of emotional problems lowered my body’s immunity.
  • The excessive consumption of junk food affected my sugar level balance.
  • Emotional eating led to indigestion.
  • My lack of moral support led to Anorexia and bulimia.
  • Trapped in my own body: The trials and triumphs of living with paralysis.
  • Experiencing life through the lens of color blindness.
  • The silent fight: My personal struggle with an invisible illness.
  • Aging gracefully: Accepting and embracing the golden years.
  • The long road to acceptance: My personal struggle with body image.
  • A new lease on life: Surviving a near-death experience.
  • Learning to fly: How has disability shaped my worldview?
  • Making positive life changes was the source of my distress.
  • My discovery of the importance of the ozone layer increased my interest in respiratory problems.
  • The promise of tomorrow: Living with a terminal illness.
  • When food became my enemy: My battle with an eating disorder.
  • Living in the shadows: My journey with depression.
  • From victim to victor: Overcoming the trauma of domestic abuse.
  • Dance as therapy: How has movement healed my soul?
  • My high blood pressure led to cardiovascular disease.
  • Using social media increased my psychological challenges.

Examples of Personal Ideas on History

  • The emergence of World War I led to my family’s separation.
  • A journey back in time: My visit to the historic Underground Railroad sites.
  • My experience researching the Arab Spring for a school project.
  • Indian partition: Stories passed down through generations.
  • Unearthing my family’s connection to the Spanish Civil War.
  • A reflection on my ancestral ties to the transatlantic slave trade.
  • The development of slavery affects my family life.
  • My interest in the women’s movement led to my activism against racism.
  • The emergence of World War II led to my family’s breakup.
  • Tracing my heritage back to the Irish Potato Famine.
  • Learning about my family’s involvement in the Korean War.
  • Interpreting the impact of the Industrial Revolution on my hometown.
  • South African apartheid: Understanding its impact through my parents’ eyes.
  • Artifacts of history: My personal collection of World War I memorabilia.
  • The lasting effect of the Cuban Missile Crisis on my community.
  • The emergence of the Holocaust ruined my education and career path.
  • Joining religion reduced my delinquency levels.
  • The Arab Spring improved my quality of life.
  • British imperialism reduced my employment opportunities.

Samples of Personal Essay Ideas on Science

  • Global warming undermined my social well-being.
  • Excessive temperature reduced my digestion strategies.
  • The art and science of brewing coffee: A personal journey.
  • Why am I fascinated by the science of sleep?
  • My journey toward understanding the interconnectedness in ecology.
  • The personal impacts of living in the Anthropocene era.
  • Experiencing awe: The cosmos through an amateur astronomer’s lens.
  • The inspiration behind my interest in forensic science.
  • Exposure to excessive sunlight was the cause of my skin cancer.
  • Ambient temperature threatened my pet’s feeding habits.
  • High temperature threatens my daily routine.
  • Scientific findings undermined my food consumption.
  • Reflections on my first science experiment failure.
  • The deep sea: A realm of science still largely unknown.
  • Balancing faith and science: A personal exploration.
  • The fascinating world of microbiomes and their impact on health.
  • Appreciating the subtle science in everyday life.
  • Various research methods undermined my health outcomes.
  • My scientific knowledge promoted my social behavior.

Examples of Personal Essay Ideas on Sports

  • Embracing workouts enhanced my immunity.
  • Exploring the mental and emotional challenges of sports.
  • Sports and identity: How do they shape who we are?
  • The cultural significance of sports in different societies.
  • Ethics of sports: Fair play and integrity.
  • Embracing regular workouts strengthened my bones.
  • The role of sports in reducing stress and promoting well-being.
  • Sports and the pursuit of excellence: Striving for greatness.
  • The legacy of sports heroes: Their impact on society.
  • The intersection of art and sports: Capturing the beauty of movement.
  • Embracing physical exercise relieved my stress.
  • Sports and empowerment: How do athletics inspire confidence?
  • Sports and social change: Breaking barriers and challenging norms.
  • The impact of sports on mental health and well-being.
  • Sports and time management: Balancing athletics and responsibilities.
  • Embracing sports lowered my juvenile delinquency.
  • Participating in college athletes led to talent development.
  • Engaging in workouts boost my memory.
  • Taking an active part in sports improved my peer relationships.
  • Embracing regular exercise enhanced my communication skills.

Samples of Personal Ideas on Technology

  • Internet accessibility increased my cyberbullying.
  • Increased cyberbullying increases juvenile delinquency.
  • Effects of technology on mental health.
  • Impacts of technology on sustainable energy solutions.
  • Evolution of wearable technology.
  • Benefits and drawbacks of internet censorship.
  • Roles of technology in enhancing personal productivity.
  • Influence of technology on travel and tourism.
  • Challenges and opportunities of 5G technology.
  • Pros and cons of biometric identification systems.
  • Future of work: Automation and job displacement.
  • Influence of technology on the entertainment industry.
  • Roles of virtual assistants in modern living.
  • Implications of quantum computing on society.
  • The emergence of state control of the internet pushed me into cyberbullying.
  • Embracing social networking influences my ways of life.
  • Embracing social media influenced my overall well-being.
  • The emergence of facial recognition technologies undermined my human rights.
  • Adoption of artificial intelligence that enhanced my active learning.
  • Roles of technology in promoting accessibility and inclusion.

Creating a Topic for a Personal Essay

Students need to identify essential and exciting life experiences. In this case, they create exciting themes about their thought-provoking essay topics (Aronie, 2024). Basically, they must create a topic that interests readers. However, authors must ensure they use real-life experiences. Hence, a scheme template to develop a unique item for a personal essay topic is:

  • For essays on secrets of life, one should use a scheme: “secret events and its consequences.”
  • For papers on defining moments, one should use a format: “momentous events and their influence on one’s life.”

Personal essay topics refer to a typical assignment that high school and college students must develop. Basically, the primary goal of writing about personal paper topics is to stimulate readers to act in a specific way. In this case, authors can use different writing styles to complete this type of arrangement. Then, personal writing includes real stories, involvements, and individual opinions. Besides, authors should give an account of their involvement and express thoughts on subjects. In turn, there are two types of personal essay topics. A first type focuses on some secrets of life, whereas learners represent stories that focus on unusual life pursuits. A second type of personal themes focuses on defining moments in a person’s life. Hence, one should follow examples of template schemes for two types of personal essay topics:

  • Secret events and their consequences.
  • Momentous events and their influence on one’s life.

Aronie, N. S. (2024). Seven secrets to the perfect personal essay: Crafting the story only you can write . New World Library.

D’Souza, R. (2021). What characterises creativity in narrative writing, and how do we assess it? Research findings from a systematic literature search.  Thinking Skills and Creativity , 42 , 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100949

Driscoll, D., Heise, M., & Stewart, M. (2022). Writing spaces: Readings on writing (Vol. 4). Parlor Press.

Hake, K., & Timmerman, P. (2024). Their stories, their voices: Using personal narrative to empower student writers, grades 6-12 (a step-by-step framework for personal narrative writing) . Solution Tree.

Hilvert, E., Davidson, D., & Gámez, P. B. (2020). Assessment of personal narrative writing in children with and without autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders , 69 , 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2019.101453

Wiesner, A. (2021). Introduction: Autoethnography, personal narrative and reflexive writing as a method of inquiry. Human Affairs , 31 (3), 249–251. https://doi.org/10.1515/humaff-2021-0020

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242 Personal Persuasive Essay Topics and Ideas

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Personal essays are some of the most diverse assignments you can receive. Whether you’re a student in middle school or university, the best personal essay will highlight an individual’s personal views and unique experience. They’re not confined by the restrictions of literary essays and give plenty of opportunity for introducing the writer’s personality. The key here is selecting the right topics to talk about in a personal essay. Usually, this is the toughest part. After all, it’s the emotional core of your text. A lot of people also struggle to write about themselves and their experience as subjects of the text. Where does one start? Essay topics in general are frustrating to formulate so if you need help with some inspiration, take a look at some more ideas here ! And if you’re wondering what some good personal essay topics are, you’ll find a lot of sample ideas here as well as a guide on how to write a persuasive text.

In this article:

How to Write Personal Essays

Personal narrative essay topics, personal experience essay topics, personal argumentative essay topics, personal cause-and-effect essay topics, personal persuasive essay topics, personal essay topics for middle school, personal essay topics for high school students and college students.

Start by taking a trip down memory lane. The most gripping stories come from personal experience, especially if you’re thinking of writing a personal narrative essay. Think about a memory from your past that includes some inciting incident. If this is the first time you come across this phrase, inciting incidents are typically the metaphorical “ hooks ” of the story that have the audience interested in your text.

You could talk about your experience working as a volunteer, for example, or if you aren’t the volunteering type, you can write about some exciting memories from your childhood and summer vacations. Have you taken a trip abroad that has really left an impression on you? Are you drawn to different cultures because of that exotic trip? Maybe you went to visit a museum of your favourite artist, and this has inspired you to become an artist yourself. Perhaps you were immersed by the sound of a different language and decided to have a go at it. What have you enjoyed the most in the process? What did you hate about it? Perhaps you tried acquiring a new skill, but it went completely the wrong way for you. The list goes on and on.

There’s something there. Just remember the golden rule: always be honest in your personal essays . Trying to change your viewpoint on a subject so that it fits the masses’ opinion won’t make your personal essay enticing. The topic you’ll talk about in your personal essay is extremely important and so is the first sentence. Writing phrases such as “ever since I was a baby, I wanted to become a doctor” isn’t convincing or truthful. Try not to stick to clichés. You want to make an impression with your text, so ask yourself: What would grab your attention if you were reading your persuasive essay? I always think of Charles Dickens’ first sentence from A Christmas Carol : “Marley was dead: to begin with.” It begs for explanation and resolve, and it’s short and simple. The same should go for the personal essay entry sentence.

Why Choose Personal Persuasive Topics for Your Essay

If you’re wondering why you should choose personal persuasive topics for your essay, the answer lies in the question. We are a narrative-oriented society, and much of our relatability comes from convincingly expressing to others our individual, personal experience. What better way to let your personality shine than through conveying your emotions and adventures in a gripping story?

Personal experience essay topics vary depending on your age, and it’s quite likely that a story that worked for a high school assignment won’t have the same effect in your university days. That’s why in the sections below, we have divided the best personal essay topics into different categories. That way, you can easily navigate across all topics (and there’s quite a lot of them – a total of 242 ), but don’t let that restrict you. If you’re confident, you can always choose a topic from any of the categories.

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Of course, there are other important takeaways from writing a great personal essay. Usually, your teacher or admissions officer will look out that you have successfully done the following:

  • Communicated and implemented your critical thinking skills
  • Spoken convincingly and from experience about challenging themes that make you stand out from the crowd
  • Demonstrated your creativity and unique voice all the while applying persuasive techniques in your writing

With all this in mind, you can now start by selecting the right type of personal essay topic from our categories. We have included everything from personal essay topics for middle school to personal essay topics for high school, as well as narrative essay topics and many more. Go on, what are you waiting for?

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

Personal narrative essays are a great way to tell your unique take on a personal story. You just have to choose a project you feel passionate about. Typically, choosing a story involving your success and personality growth is your best bet, but of course, always make sure to check that your topic is suitable for the task given by your tutors. If you’re wondering what topics are suitable for a great personal narrative essay, check out the following ideas:

  • Starting your first job
  • Volunteering for the first time
  • A memorable teacher that made an impact on you
  • A dangerous experience
  • Your first journey abroad/to the countryside
  • An experience that changed your behavior
  • An experience that made you gain/lose religious faith
  • A comedic situation based on some misunderstanding
  • Events from your summer vacation that changed your life
  • The first time you got a pet
  • The experience of meeting your little sibling for the first time 
  • A time when you decided what your future job will be 
  • The change of a relationship with some you didn’t expect you’d like
  • The first time you experienced a dangerous event of some kind 
  • The first time you won something
  • Your experience participating in a sport/political/environmental design
  • A story about a teacher who inspired you
  • A story about a family member who is dear to you
  • Your experience of being in charge of something for the first time
  • Your experience traveling on your own for the first time 
  • How a book you read changed your life 
  • How the most exciting subject in school changed your life
  • How technology changed the way you access information
  • The first time you experienced an earthquake or tornado
  • A story about someone who has become your patron/idol 
  • Your reaction/opinion on an event that influenced your country 
  • A moment you caught someone in a lie
  • An episode that changed your relationship with your parents
  • An event which showed you taking responsibility and leadership 
  • An event in which you face discrimination 
  • An experience of successfully fighting procrastination 
  • A time when you helped people in a crisis
  • The experience of creating secret places in your childhood
  • An experience playing your favorite game
  • A time you got lost 
  • Your first time going on a trip by yourself 
  • The influence of technology on your younger siblings vs you
  • What you would do if you won the lottery for the first time 
  • Your best childhood memory
  • Your experience of discovering a disability for the first time 
  • A secret talent you have 
  • Your experience learning a musical instrument
  • Your experience with an inexplicable event that happened to you
  • A story about the greatest fear you have 
  • How your favorite work of art inspires you
  • The best advice you have heard in your life 
  • A place you would go to if you could travel in time 
  • A story about the most beautiful place you have visited
  • Something you witnessed in your lifetime that you will never forget
  • Your favorite holiday experience 
  • Your most awkward moment in college
  • Your biggest fear
  •  The most crucial lesson in your life 
  • Your experience of being betrayed by someone and your response to it 
  • An advice your parents gave you that wasn’t useful
  • Describe your biggest moment of failure 
  • Your biggest argument with a family member
  • A difficult decision you have made 
  • The day you realized you had made a best friend
  • The most interesting dream you have had 

Personal Experience Essay Topics

Personal experience essays aren’t that much different from personal narrative essays. They still have an element of narrative storytelling within them, but this time, they focus more on a level of experience you have gained because of a certain event. Usually, personal experience essay topics are focused around the theme of personal development. Many things can be described and included in a personal narrative essay, and you not only are given the opportunity to demonstrate your personal views on a subject, but you can also have your level of determination and ambition evaluated by a professional teacher or college admissions officer. Usually, personal narrative essay papers are written when submitting a college application, but it’s also possible to receive such an essay in school. In my personal experience, some of the greatest essays presenting an intellectual challenge are in fact the personal experience essays.

Let’s get straight into some essay prompts:

  • How do you handle stress when attending an important exam?
  • Which school subject motivated you to study hard?
  • Did a teacher have a significant influence on your confidence in selecting a career?
  • Is homework a waste of time?
  • How would you go about doing research for an essay?
  • What motivates you to study and pursue your dreams?
  • Everyone has a plan “A” when it comes to choosing a career. What is your plan “B”?
  • How has your biggest failure shaped your personality today?
  • What is your biggest accomplishment outside of college/school, and how did you come to achieve it?
  • What is the difference between female and male roles in your family? In what way would you change them?
  • How did a book/film change your worldview?
  • What role have teams and clubs had in your life?
  • What role has television had in your life? 
  • What is your relationship with social media?
  • How have moments of racial or religious discrimination affected you?

Personal Argumentative Essay Topics

Personal argumentative essay topics are generally given to college students or sometimes to people applying for a degree in Humanitarian Sciences. Such essays are a great way for admission officers to evaluate your knowledge of current events and relevant social discussions. Personal argumentative essay topics are usually considered more difficult than narrative essays, for example. For more argumentative ideas and speech topics , check the guide! Thus, if you’re planning on taking up this challenge, make sure you have enough time to prepare. If you have a whole term to prepare for this personal argumentative essay topic, you’ll surely be able to tackle it. Also, if that sounds too engaging, don’t worry, there are plenty of other, easier essay ideas on our lists!

Check out our example personal argumentative essay prompts for argumentative essay topics:

  • Should prisons be abolished? If so, what is the negative and positive impact of this global decision?
  • How does higher education affect the merit in meritocracy?
  • Should artificial intelligence be applied actively in warfare?
  • Does revolution go hand in hand with violence?
  • Has the COVID-19 pandemic made us more prepared for the prevention of future epidemics occurring worldwide?
  • In what way has the instant gratification of social media changed our relationship to technology?
  • How has the digital age changed children’s relationship to empathy?
  • What would the impact of a potential legalization of productivity drugs look like in current society?
  • Is there a difference in work performance between Ivy League alumni and lower-ranking university students?
  • Is obesity preventable?
  • Is gun control a necessary method for the prevention of shootings?
  • Should everyone have the right to vote?
  • Should the right to vote be exclusively available to people with some form of education?
  • Does the #metoo movement yield meaningful social change?
  • Is knife control a necessary and sufficient method of knife crime prevention?
  • How can the value of digital collectible art be accurately determined?
  • Is fan fiction writing real writing?
  • Do all students need to learn a foreign language?
  • Should students take a gap year between high school and university?
  • Why should universities teach financial literacy?
  • Should students participate in the maintenance of school property?

Personal Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics

Personal cause-and-effect essay topics are pretty self-explanatory. You’re aiming to express your opinion on a subject that has a cause, for example, supposedly, school uniforms are meant to cause discipline among students. Exercising and backing up your opinion on this essay idea will make it personal. Here is a detailed guide on how to write a great cause and effect essay . Think of a topic that excites you. It could be something you’re unhappy with or something you think is unjust.

Here are personal cause-and-effect essay topics we came up with:

  • How can video games boost people’s IQ?
  • Can a personal relationship in a family improve with phone use?
  • Can going to college make for happier marriages?
  • How can the involvement of a parent change a child’s education?
  • How have smartphones impacted general communication?
  • What is the effect of cookies, and does it make people shop more?
  • What is the effect of tablets on young children?
  • What is the effect of mobile usage during class?
  • Why can’t another popular engine be established in place of Google?
  • What is the effect of the financial success Disney has had in the last 30 years?
  • Should dating in school be banned?
  • Can living together before marriage make a relationship between partners stronger?
  • Can a couple sleeping in separate beds have a healthy relationship?
  • What is the effect of bullying on mental health?
  • What is the cause of bullying behavior?
  • Why shouldn’t women have to work after an abortion or miscarriage?
  • What is the impact of smoking on a pregnant mother ?
  • How can the presence of acne affect the life of a teenager? What about an adult?
  • Why do some people avoid vaccines?
  • What causes a lack of interest in sports?
  • How can teenagers better protect themselves against cyberbullies?
  • What causes certain social media apps to lose popularity?
  • Can continuous sporting activities cause character development?
  • Is “cancel culture” sparking meaningful change?
  • What is the root cause of racism?
  • Why is it essential to manage forest fires?
  • What are the harmful effects of antill hunting on the ecosystem? 
  • Why is it important for everyone to conserve water?
  • What is the environmental impact of a single-use plastic ban?
  • Can a long-distance relationship work?
  • What are the causes and effects of cheating during exams?
  • Is it a necessity to have an obligatory Sex Ed class ?
  • How has the Internet changed the public’s sexual education?
  • Should there be student bars on campus?
  • Should work become mandatory for anyone over the age of 18?
  • What causes some sports to be more popular among students than others?
  • What are the effects of using computers and tablets in school? What about university?
  • Have libraries become more popular over the last few years? 
  • What caused the General Data Protection Regulation, and why is it necessary?
  • What are the effects of online dating apps such as Tinder or Grindr?
  • What are the effects of drugs and alcohol on people?
  • Should people be allowed to drive after drinking a single unit of alcohol?
  • What are the effects of a family structure on an individual?
  • Does having a sibling make a person more responsible?
  • Are siblings better at sharing?
  • How has the golden child syndrome affected millennials?
  • How can teachers positively and negatively affect student lives?
  • What are the root causes of commitment phobia in men and women?
  • What is the effect of social media on romantic relationships?
  • How does eating fast food affect the energy levels of an individual?

Personal Persuasive Essay Topics

Unlike personal cause-and-effect essay topics, personal persuasive essay topics aim to convince the reader that your opinion is right. This type of academic writing assignment explains a particular problem and uses research combined with personal experience in order to end up with a powerful persuasive conclusion. Through logic and convincing evidence, as well as always keeping in mind the goal of persuasion, you can write a powerful assignment.

Here are some personal persuasive essay ideas to choose from for your next writing assignment:

  • Is chess considered a sport or a game?
  • How is modern music not as well-composed as music from the past, such as the 1970s?
  • Is it important to put PG labels on music tracks or films?
  • Elaborate on the importance of the right education when playing professional music.
  • Is animal hunting an immoral hobby?
  • Is it a good idea to keep pets indoors?
  • The cruelty behind testing beauty products on animals
  • Is it ethical to breed animals for sale?
  • Schools have to reduce the amount of homework assigned to students.
  • SATs and ACTs are not effective ways of examining the knowledge of students.
  • There should be an Emotional Intelligence mandatory class for all years.
  • Vaccines can lead to autism.
  • Astrology isn’t an effective way of predicting future events.
  • All transport vehicles should be automatic or electric.
  • Can distant online learning replace traditional classes?
  • Working from home is better for finance but worse for mental health.
  • The current taxation system is unfair.
  • Listening to music when writing homework is an effective way of sparking productivity
  • Hustle culture has taxing effects on mental health.
  • People volunteer for their personal benefit, instead of kindness
  • People who have survived a near-death experience have a newfound appreciation for life.
  • Is “fake it until you make it” a healthy way of progressing?
  • Why do people lie on their resumes?
  • Why book reading during summer vacations should become mandatory.
  • Weekends should change from 2 days to 3 days.
  • Why we should be making selective school sports mandatory in school.
  • Cooking and body health classes should be mandatory subjects in school.
  • Can e-books and Kindles replace physical books?
  • Should the death penalty exist?
  • Why should children have chores?
  • Why should it be made mandatory for children to contribute to the overall maintenance, cleanliness, and gardening of schools?

Personal Essay Topics for Middle School

When choosing a personal essay topic, it’s important to take on subjects and ideas related to your age. Some topics require a lot more research, while others can be a little too sensitive for a younger writer. Selecting the right one for you will leave you with less workload and can guarantee you a better grade. Of course, if you feel confident and knowledgeable enough, you can try your skills with a more difficult essay idea. Paper writing can be a difficult intellectual challenge, but we’re sure that with these essay ideas, you’ll be able to tell your personal story and write a great essay:

  • How did you make a best friend?
  • A special top-secret place you have.
  • A story of a time a friend let you down.
  • A time when you disappointed someone.
  • What is your happiest memory?
  • Your first time receiving a pet.
  • Your bravest moment.
  • A time you felt embarrassed.
  • What would you do if you were omnipotent? 
  • What would you do if you could switch lives with someone? Who would it be?
  • How did a book change your life?
  • What would you do if your pet could talk?
  • If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
  • If you could shapeshift into an animal, what would you be? What would you do?
  • If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Would you change anything?
  • What’s your secret talent?
  • The first time you fell in love.
  • An accident that changed your life.
  • Talk about the ugliest thing you have seen.
  • Talk about the most influential family member.
  • Talk about your favorite gift.
  • Talk about something you can’t resist.
  • Talk about a guest you had in your house that you’ll never forget.
  • Talk about the hardest news you’ve had to deliver.
  • Talk about a special gift you have received.
  • Talk about something that if your mum knew, you’d be in a lot of trouble. A lot.
  • If you could volunteer anywhere, where would it be?
  • If you won a million dollars, how would you spend them?
  • What is an unexplained event that stuck with you?
  • The one thing you can’t resist.
  • If you could be a superhero, what power would you have? Why?
  • If you could teleport anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Personal Essay Topics for High School Students and College Students

This list of personal essay topics for high school students will definitely inspire you to practice your personal essay skills. Covering topics like communication, ethical consumption, personal experience and more, you’ll be able to gain new ideas and express your deepest thoughts within the confines of the page. These personal essay topics for high school students are also a great way of reflecting on your growth and personal opinion, while expressing your thoughts and opinions.

  • What inspires you?
  • What inanimate object best embodies you?
  • What’s one thing your parents don’t understand about you?
  • What is the one quality a good person must have?
  • Describe the best decision you ever made
  • What is one thing you would change that you know will make a great difference in your life?
  • How do you respond to criticism? Talk about a time you were critiqued.
  • Do you feel the impact of peer pressure in your life? How is it manifested?
  • Are you religious, an atheist, or agnostic? Why and why not?
  • Do you feel comfortable in your body? Do you feel pressure from the media about how you “should” look?
  • What are your views on ethical consumption? Does it matter to you?
  • What are your views on veganism? 
  • Do you feel like your friends are honest with each other? Why and why not?
  • When you look back on your time in high school, what part will you remember with fondness?
  • If you could tell your 12-year-old self something, what would it be and why?
  • Do you have a dream profession? What is it?
  • If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
  • Do you believe in “soulmates”? Why and why not?
  • What is your dream goal? Do you feel like you’ll ever achieve it?
  • Do you believe in the concept of “best friends”? Why and why not?
  • Do you believe in astrology? Why and why not?
  • What do you think the world will look like in 100 years?
  • If you could bring to life any famous historical figure and spend the day with them, who would you pick, and what would you do?
  • If you could go back in time, would you kill Hitler? 
  • What TV series you saw recently made an impression on you? Why?
  • What part of high school do you wish you could get rid of?
  • If you could start your own business, what would you do?
  • What issues truly motivate you and why?
  • If you were an admissions officer, what positive qualities would you look for in students?
  • What period of school do you think is most important? 
  • What is your dream profession? What are it’s positives and negatives?
  • Do you think the world can function without money? What would that alternative universe look like?
  • Do you think all students should go to college? Why?

Writing essays is a great way to showcase your writing skills, as well as clearly communicate your views and ideas. Personal essay writing improves your debating, logical, and deductive skills, so it’s important that you select a topic you’re passionate about and inspired by. This will give you enough fuel to power through the most difficult essay topics while at the same time enjoy what you’re writing about. We hope you enjoyed our personal persuasive essay topics! Make sure to bookmark and come back to this personal essay ideas list in the future when you’re given an assignment! Here are some more college essay topics , check them out!

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What is Personal Essay

Tips for Writing a Personal Essay

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

Personal essay topics for college students, personal cause and effect essay topics, personal argumentative essay topics, unique personal essay topics.

Crafting personal essay topics is like selecting the perfect brushstroke for a painting. Each topic is a brush dipped in the hues of your experiences, capable of creating a vivid tapestry of emotions and thoughts. Yet, it's a delicate art, for these topics must bridge the gap between your personal narrative and the universal human experience.

In my writing journey, I've discovered that personal essays possess a unique power. They allow us to delve into our innermost thoughts, bringing them to life with words. These essays are a dance between the deeply personal and the universally relatable, offering readers a glimpse into our lives while echoing their own stories.

Personal essays transcend mere storytelling; they carry a message, a lesson, a revelation. They find their way into various aspects of our lives, from college applications to job interviews and writing contests. This article'll explore 110 personal essay topics, each a potential masterpiece waiting for you to paint with your words. Let's embark on this creative journey together and discover the topics that will inspire your storytelling prowess.

A personal essay is my heartfelt story, a window into my world. It's where I share my experiences, thoughts, and emotions, inviting readers to connect with my life's moments. Whether reflecting on personal growth, travel adventures, or social issues, it's my voice, perspective, and chance to convey life's significance through my lens.

Nowadays, with advancements in technology shaping our creative landscape, tools like paper typer AI provide an additional avenue for refining our narratives, assisting in the articulation of thoughts and emotions with greater precision and efficiency.

5 Tips for Writing a Personal Essay

These tips were instrumental in shaping my personal essay: ‍

  • Authentic Voice:  Embrace your unique style and voice; authenticity resonates.
  • Vivid Details:  Paint a vivid picture with sensory details; make readers feel your experience.
  • ‍ Engaging Hook:  Start with a captivating anecdote or question to draw readers in.
  • Reflect & Connect:  Reflect on your experiences and connect them to broader themes or insights.
  • Concise Focus:  Stay focused on a central theme or message to avoid diluting your essay's impact.

100 Personal Essay Topic Ideas

  • My most memorable travel experience.
  • The day that changed my perspective on life.
  • An encounter with a childhood hero.
  • A life-altering decision I made.
  • The role of family in shaping my identity.
  • A moment when I overcame a fear.
  • My first job and the lessons I learned.
  • An unexpected act of kindness I received.
  • A significant friendship that impacted my life.
  • My journey of self-discovery through a hobby.
  • A challenging life lesson learned through adversity.
  • A cultural tradition or celebration that holds personal meaning.
  • The impact of a book or movie on my beliefs.
  • An embarrassing moment that taught me humility.
  • The importance of a personal passion or hobby.
  • A life-changing conversation with a loved one.
  • The influence of a teacher or mentor on my growth.
  • The role of pets in my life and personal development.
  • A personal achievement I am most proud of.
  • The experience of moving to a new place and adapting to change.
  • The transition from high school to college life.
  • Balancing academics and extracurricular activities.
  • My most challenging course and how I coped.
  • The impact of college friendships on personal growth.
  • My aspirations and goals for the future.
  • The significance of internships and career preparation.
  • Overcoming the fear of public speaking or presentations.
  • The role of volunteering in shaping my values.
  • Coping with stress and time management in college.
  • My cultural identity in a diverse college environment.
  • The lessons learned from a gap year experience.
  • The importance of networking and building connections.
  • Coping with homesickness and maintaining relationships.
  • The influence of college extracurriculars on personal development.
  • Navigating the challenges of long-distance relationships.
  • The impact of studying abroad on cultural awareness.
  • The role of technology in college life and education.
  • Coping with academic failures and setbacks.
  • The influence of college professors on my perspective.
  • The significance of graduation and future plans.
  • The effects of childhood trauma on adult relationships.
  • How personal fitness habits impact overall health.
  • The consequences of a particular dietary choice.
  • The impact of social media on mental well-being.
  • The effects of procrastination on academic performance.
  • How volunteering affects personal happiness.
  • The consequences of a specific addiction or bad habit.
  • The impact of positive thinking on personal success.
  • How travel experiences change one's worldview.
  • The effects of peer pressure on decision-making.
  • The consequences of a significant life decision.
  • How financial choices impact personal freedom.
  • The effects of a strong support system on resilience.
  • The impact of self-care practices on stress management.
  • How environmental choices affect personal health.
  • The consequences of a significant career change.
  • The effects of educational choices on future opportunities.
  • The impact of personal belief systems on behavior.
  • How mentorship can shape one's career path.
  • The consequences of embracing a minimalist lifestyle.
  • Is technology making us more or less connected?
  • Should standardized testing be a primary measure of student success?
  • Is social media beneficial or detrimental to society?
  • Should college education be free for all students?
  • Is climate change primarily caused by human activity?
  • Should the legal drinking age be lowered or raised?
  • Is homeschooling a better alternative to traditional schooling?
  • Should animals be used for scientific research?
  • Is the death penalty an effective form of punishment?
  • Should marijuana be legalized for recreational use?
  • Is privacy more important than national security?
  • Should there be stricter gun control laws?
  • Is online learning as effective as traditional classroom learning?
  • Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Is censorship ever justified in the media?
  • Should there be limits on free speech in the digital age?
  • Is genetic engineering ethical for humans?
  • Should fast food restaurants be held responsible for obesity?
  • Is the government's role in healthcare too extensive?
  • Should there be restrictions on the sale of violent video games?
  • The art of finding beauty in everyday moments.
  • The connection between music and my emotional state.
  • A day in the life of a fictional character I created.
  • The symbolism of a recurring dream or nightmare.
  • The impact of a specific smell or taste on memory.
  • The experience of visiting a haunted place.
  • The role of superstitions in my life and decision-making.
  • A conversation with my future self.
  • The journey of learning a unique skill or craft.
  • The experience of living off the grid for a week.
  • A personal philosophy derived from a childhood story.
  • The significance of a lucky charm or talisman.
  • The lessons learned from a failed creative project.
  • The exploration of lucid dreaming and its possibilities.
  • The perspective of an inanimate object in my room.
  • The influence of a specific piece of art or sculpture.
  • The impact of color on my emotions and creativity.
  • The experience of attending an unconventional event or festival.
  • The role of serendipity in shaping my life's path.
  • The insights gained from living through a natural disaster.

In closing, I've journeyed through many personal essay topics, each offering a glimpse into the tapestry of human experiences. These topics are not just subjects for writing; they are gateways to self-discovery and connection. As I've explored them, I've learned that personal essays transcend the boundaries of mere storytelling; they are a medium for sharing the depth of our humanity. So, as you embark on your personal essay writing journey, remember that your unique perspective is a gift. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it flow through your words. Share your stories, connect with others, and enrich the world with your personal essays.

biology ia topics

200 Narrative Essay Topics: Academic, Funny, Personal Life

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A narrative essay tells a story about a specific event or experience. A well-written essay helps readers visualize the exciting story clearly and vividly. However, students often struggle to write a narrative essay because they don’t have the best topic.

To tell the reader an exciting story, first, you must choose good narrative essay topics for your story. Once you select the right idea, it means you are half done with your essay.

Table of Contents

What Is A Narrative Essay

A narrative essay uses primarily descriptive and sensory information to validate the author’s point and story.

In simple words, a narrative essay is all about storytelling from the author’s perspective, which attracts the reader’s attention and helps them create a vivid and exciting image of the story.

According to (Students” writing: 84-91), A narrative essay has three mandatory elements:

  • Character:  The essay has two main characters, the author and some other characters, who relate to each other and the story.
  • Theme:  A theme or motif is always the central point of the narrative essay, primarily portrayed in the thesis statement.
  • Dialogue:  The conversation between the characters is referred to as dialogue.

Whenever you come up with  writing a narrative essay , please consider these elements to make it perfect.

How Do We Make A List of Top Narrative Essay Topics?

To create lists, we start by brainstorming our experiences, emotions, and situations that happen most often. Then, we note our ideas by focusing on which are most common in other students and how they can engage and inspire the readers.

We are sure that our crafted list includes a mix of narrative essay topics, including personal experiences, funny topics, fictional ideas, and sports events. Finally, we develop a wide collection that showcases our creativity and connects with our audience on a deeper level.

Our efforts are the key to your solution to the narrative essay topic. With that in mind, let’s begin.

Choose Topics For A Narrative Essay In 4 Simple Steps

Choosing a narrative essay topic can be straightforward if you follow these four simple steps:

Recall Your Personal Experiences

Think about the critical events, challenges, and moments of joy in your life. Consider the moments that have shaped you and left a lasting impression. Using this practice, you can choose a specific moment of your life from the narrative essay topics below.

Identify Themes and Emotions

Determine the central theme or emotion you want to convey in your essay. Every student has their own emotional state, allowing them to write about their interests. Choose a topic that matches your desired message, whether you want to talk about personal growth, school life, or sharing a funny incident.

Keep your audience in mind

Think about what would engage and resonate with your readers. For example, pick a motivational incident from your life if your target audience is broader. Furthermore, if your target audience is just a class of teenagers, try to choose funny topics for a narrative essay.

Narrow Down Your Choices

Make a list of top narrative essay topics and check out each one by one based on their significance and the details you can provide. Select a topic on which you have a lot of information, offer the wealthiest narrative, and allow you to tell a compelling story.

By following these steps, you can select a  narrative essay writing  topic that is meaningful and engaging.

70 Most interesting and trendy Narrative topics for Students

Interesting and trendsetter narrative essay topics always remain the top priority for students. What sets these ideas apart from others? The topics were primarily adopted from everyday student life, and after brainstorming, we evaluated 70 mostly relatable issues.

We have further categorized these topics on different academic levels in the section below. Read further and find a suitable topic of interest from the lists below.

Narrative Essay Ideas for Middle School

  • Things to do when bored in the classroom
  • A funny classroom incident that makes us laugh
  • The day when I met my best friend for the first time
  • A unique family tradition that inspires me a lot
  • Why did I learn to play a musical instrument
  • A Christmas day I will never forget
  • Riding a bike for the first time: my review
  • The time I got lost in the jungle
  • Helpful advice from my Grandparents
  • My first sports game in school
  • It was the best summer vacation I spent
  • A time when I stood up for my rights
  • My experience in solving mathematical problems in fun ways
  • A school trip to a historical place
  • The most exciting book I’ve read
  • A time I got in trouble
  • Making new friends in school
  • The best gifts I’ve ever received
  • What I learn from a challenging school project
  • I learn to perform publicly

Narrative Essay Topics for High School

  • My experience with high school bullying
  • My major academic achievement
  • A mentor helps me in creative learning
  • My experience with peer pressure
  • How do I manage to overcome school obstacles
  • The moments when I make the difficult decision
  • How I prepare myself for future career
  • The Impact of social media on my life
  • My challenge in sports
  • Volunteering myself for student councils
  • The Importance of friendship in my life
  • My tricks to balance school and extracurricular activities
  • A book or movie that inspired me a lot
  • My plans to get admission to college
  • How do I overcome my lack of confidence
  • I set myself aside from school violence activities
  • How do I manage my expenditure with an online paying job
  • The moment when I discovered my passion
  • Powerful quotations that I read for self-motivation.

Choosing a topic is a little bit easy, but writing a narrative essay is a little bit hard. To overcome writing barriers, we have compiled some  examples of a narrative essay , which will ultimately help you out in writing a compelling essay on your own.

Narrative Essay Topics Ideas for College

  • How do I find the best college for my study
  • A significant turning point in my life
  • What challenges do I face in living away from home
  • A time when I failed and bounced back
  • My life-changing Internship experience
  • My personal experiences of studying abroad 
  • Excitement of the day when I got my driver’s license
  • My favorite subject in college and why
  • My efforts in time management
  • An Inspirational guest lecture 
  • A significant personal growth moment
  • Dealing with homesickness
  • How my college roommate became my buddy 
  • I tried to manage my budget in college life
  • My tips to avoid distraction

Good Narrative Essay topics on Learning and Education

  • How do I overcome a learning challenge
  • My most memorable school project
  • A field trip to remember in whole life
  • Hurdles I face in learning a new language
  • Positive impacts of technology on my education
  • My experience with remote learning
  • A memorable time I failed and what I learned from the failure
  • The book that inspired me a lot
  • My experience in participating in a Science fair
  • My opinion about extracurricular activities on learning
  • My interesting group study session with friends
  • The Importance of education in my family
  • My passion for reading books
  • An Inspiring educational speaker to which I listen
  • My techniques for preparing for a significant exam

These above-mentioned ideas for narrative essays are common and relatable to every student’s academic life. If you have chosen a topic but don’t know how to write an essay, just read these  tips to improve narrative writing  for your essay.

70 Good Narrative Essay Topics for Students: Personal To Sports Life

Writing an effective narrative essay allows students to explore the depth of their experiences. These essays can range from author reflections to humorous anecdotes. 

Here are 70 narrative essay topics: personal life tales, literary adventures, and funny and thrilling sports moments. Each topic offers a unique opportunity to engage the readers and reflect on the actual factors of life.

Personal Narrative Essay Topics About Life

  • What happens to me on my first day at school
  • It was a memorable birthday that gave me a lot of surprises
  • A family vacation in beautiful mountains
  • My first day in learning to ride a bike
  • My favorite pet, which is no longer with us
  • My feeling when I Win a competition at school
  • A day at the beach with my friends
  • Funny moments in my first time cooking
  • A surprise gift that I got from my father
  • A visit to the zoo for the first time
  • My academic journey with my best friend
  • How I overcome my fear of dogs
  • Challenges in moving to a new house
  • A holiday tradition in my village
  • A time when I got lost
  • A remarkable achievement in my career
  • Helping a stranger was the best moment in my life
  • Crying on my last day at school
  • A day well spent in the park with school friends
  • How did I develop my interest in literature 

Literacy Narrative essay topics

  • What I feel when someone motivates me
  • My personal opinions towards book reading
  • Learning to write essays is easy for me: you know why?
  • Discovering a new genre of literature helps me
  • I learned a way to write assignments that leave a positive impact
  • Why my teachers love me more than others in school
  • Assisting others in hardships makes me feel proud
  • Influence of my favorite author and why?
  • The best advice that I have ever got from parents
  • Online gaming helps me a lot with critical thinking
  • A collection book of poems which I gave to my little sister
  • How I benefit from the writing guide 
  • The first time I wrote a story
  • A literary character I relate to myself
  • Why do I not watch horror movies?
  • The first time I enjoyed poetry.
  • My favorite science fiction novel
  • How reading helps me in overcoming a challenge
  • My poor writing skills make me feel embraced in class
  • My recommendations on books to read about religion 

Funny Narrative Essay topics

  • The day I wear mismatched shoes
  • Prank my friend once, which goes wrong
  • An experience when I got stuck in the elevator
  • A hilarious miscommunication moment occurred during my presentation
  • A disaster happens to me at a costume party
  • The worst haircut makes my friends laugh at me
  • The time I got lost in my neighborhood
  • A funny camping experience with my friends
  • My first and probably last dance experience in school
  • The funny moment when my cell phone got caught in the classroom
  • My pet caused chaos on the day of my brother’s wedding
  • The funniest mistakes I have made in my science project
  •  The Day I Played a Joke on My Teacher
  • My Funniest Social Media Mishap
  • The moment when I tried to speak a foreign language for the first time

Bonus tip:  Funny narrative essay writing is sometimes hard for students because of its limited humorous nature. To overcome this issue we have developed a free  AI essay writer  tool which will add fun and humor in your essay.

Ideas for Narrative Essay about sports

  • My first sports team experience
  • How do I heal from a bad injury in sports
  • Cheering moments when I scored the winning goal
  • Why do I always try to learn new sports?
  • Sports helped me build confidence
  • The most challenging game I have ever played
  • My relationship with a coach
  • My major sports rivalry, which ends up with a fight
  • My team-building experience
  • Personal recommendation to deal with sports pressure
  • Sports helped me develop discipline
  • Share your first childhood sports mishap
  • Motivate my friends to get involved in sports
  • The Impact of sports on my life
  • My funniest sports moment

Blunders while narrative writing happens when you choose a topic on your own without preparation. Worry not, just pick the best topic from the above list and then follow these common  mistakes to avoid in narrative essay  to make it error free.

60 Unique Topics about Narrative Essay

If your narrative essay is unique compared to the others, then it is a win-win situation. In the lists below, you will find unique topics, whether you want to write about a fictional story, hobbies, motivational stories, or say something about some cultural and societal issues. 

Fictional Narrative Essay Ideas

  • A mysterious package arrives at my door
  • The night when I dream about time travel
  • My survival on a deserted island for months
  • It’s a story about my four friends and a magician.
  • My childhood dream was to become a professional athlete.
  • A World Where Animals Can Talk
  • Living in a world without electricity
  • I discover a portal in my backyard
  • Dreaming about being friends with an alien, which turns out to be true
  • A tale about a person who walks on water with superpowers
  • A secret behind the haunted house in my neighborhood
  • Imagining a school where children have magical capabilities
  • My opinion on the diary of a Pirate Captain 
  • A day when everyone speaks the truth
  • A robot becomes my best friend

Best Narrative Essay Ideas On Hobbies and Interests

Every student has a natural instinct to develop hobbies and interest in their lives. Below are some narrative essay topics which primarily focus on hobbies and interests.

  • My love for painting makes me feel proud
  • My journey in learning a new language
  • I found pleasure in planting trees in my garden
  • My friend’s passion for hiking
  • My thrill for collecting vintage items
  • Creating my first DIY project
  • My love for playing chess
  • My passion for cooking and trying new recipes
  • My collection of books, which I read a lot
  • Hearing birds chirp in the morning gives me a boost
  • Writing my first short story
  • Why I volunteer myself at an animal shelter
  • Learning to dance: my first class
  • My passion for traveling to discover new cultures
  • Benefits of creating my blog on the Internet

Narrative Essay Topics Related To Culture And Society

  • My experience of a cultural festival for the first time
  • Growing up in a multicultural family makes your experience more enjoyable
  • A tradition that has been passed down in my family
  • The positive effect of my cultural heritage on my identity
  • Why I found it challenging to adapt to a new cultural environment
  • Learning about my ancestry and heritage
  • My experience in participating in a traditional ceremony
  • The role of food in my culture
  • My experience with cultural exchange programs
  • A memorable visit to a historical, cultural site
  • The Influence of Media on Cultural Perceptions, in my opinion
  • My recommendations on how to preserve cultural heritage
  • The challenges of being bilingual
  • The role of religion in my society
  • Positive impacts of social media on society, according to my opinion

Best Motivational Ideas for Narrative Essay

  • A story of personal growth
  • Rebuilding my life after a significant loss
  • It was a precious time when I made a difference in my community
  • How do I conquer my biggest fear of life
  • The power of positive thinking in shaping your life
  • My strategy to turn failure into success
  • A journey of self-discovery
  • How do I find inspiration in unlikely places 
  • How I stay motivated during tough times
  • The influence of a mentor in my life
  • Finding a way to utilize my inner strength
  • Family support in my achievements
  • Random acts of kindness return with a big reward in my life
  • My motivation to stay strengthened in hardships
  • My secret ways to appreciate the little things

Writing a narrative essay is a daunting task for many students. To understand the reason behind why it is hard to write you must go through these  examples of narrative essay types  and find out the differences for each one.

Questions to help you choose a narrative essay topic

If you still need clarification about selecting the best topics for a narrative essay even after watching out from the above list. Just stay calm and think about these questions mentioned in the list below, and you will find a solution to choosing a topic.

Focusing on these questions will help you uncover the best moments in your life. These questions are most common and generic in every student’s life.

Use our words as your narration

Writing a narrative essay to express your experiences is difficult, as it requires words that show emotions and feelings to engage the reader. Consider using our  professional essay writing service  to make the process easier and more helpful. Our skilful and experienced team will provide a polished, well-structured essay that effectively communicates your narrative to your audience.

No Confusion Left In Your Mind Now

You can now easily choose suitable narrative essay topics from the above lists. These rewarding topics allow you to explore and share meaningful experiences with the readers.

Whether you write about personal narrative essay topics, educational journeys, funny incidents, or memorable sports events, we have covered each aspect. Take out your pen, choose a topic, and begin writing down your experiences and thoughts to make the reader remember your words.

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100+ Personal Essay Topics For College And Writing Tips

Jared Houdi

Table of Contents

70 Great Personal Essay Topics for College

Looking for interesting personal essay writing ideas? We’ve got a bunch…

A personal essay is a typical assignment for high-school and college students. It’s a type of non-fiction that incorporates a variety of writing styles. Personal essay topics usually include real stories, experiences, and opinions of people.

Writers need to give an account of their own experience and express their thoughts on the subject of a paper. The key to success is to make an attempt to combine narration and opinion together. In this article, you will find a short writing guide and 100+ engaging personal essay topic ideas.

How to write personal essays?

Keep in mind that personal writing is always subjective. It is based on the writer’s observation, feelings, opinion, and experience. You are the speaker, so it’s quite natural to use such pronouns as I, my, me, we, and our.

First of all, most essay writing websites will say that you need to find a compelling topic. College personal essay topics include a lot of things.

Students may be asked to

  • state their opinion about an issue
  • document what they observed
  • share a story
  • give a description of an object, event, place, person
  • relate a specific subject to their own life

Whatever theme you choose, it’s crucial to start an introduction of your paper with a strong hook to capture the audience’s attention. Introduce the subject in the first paragraph. Think about the main idea you want to communicate.

In the body of your paper, inform readers about the subject. It’s better to create an outline before to start writing. It will help you organize your thoughts, stay focused, and write clearly and concisely. Start each paragraph with a new idea. Show, don’t tell. Use strong verbs and include a lot of sensory details.

End with a thought-provoking conclusion. You need to explain what lesson you have learned, how your experience contributed to your development as a person and shaped your personality.

Why choose personal persuasive essay topics for writing

When writing on personal persuasive essay topics, writers must state their position or opinion on an issue and try to persuade people to accept their point of view, telling stories and appealing to their feelings and emotions.

That differs from elaborating on personal argumentative essay topics, when students have to support their point of view with strong arguments, reasons, relevant examples, appropriate illustrations, etc.

These types of papers are not easy to write as well as papers on personal cause and effect essay topics.

But there are important reasons why you may want to do that.

  • You’ll improve communication and critical thinking skills .
  • Challenging themes can help you stand out from the crowd.
  • You will be able to demonstrate your creativity and ability to apply persuasive techniques.

… Can’t decide what idea to choose?

Here we have gathered a wide variety of moving ideas for your inspiration. Whether you need personal experience essay topics or personal narrative essay topics, we’ve got you covered.

Personal essay topics: what are they about?

You may write on any subject. Popular themes include hobbies, nature, childhood, illness, travel, making a difficult choice, learning something new, friends, family, and relationships.

You may use some personal challenge essay ideas and tell about overcoming an obstacle. Or you can buy argumentative essay if you don’t have time to work on college tasks tonight.

Actually, the subject is not as important as you think. Readers want to see your point of view that reveals your unique personality.

  • How you met a special person in your life?
  • A person you admire most.
  • The best place in the local area.
  • A place where you would like to live your whole life.
  • Works of art you admire.
  • The job of your dream.
  • Your biggest disappointment.
  • Books that made a great impression on you.
  • What annoys you?
  • Your family traditions.
  • Are you addicted to technology?
  • What modern songs inspire you?
  • Could you live without money?
  • Do you like commercials?
  • What is your best method of studying?

Personal narrative essay topics

  • Tell about your first trip abroad.
  • The most unfortunate event ever happened to you.
  • What happened during your first day at school?
  • What is your first childhood memory?
  • What is your most memorable family event?
  • Did you experience failure?
  • What games did you play when you were a child?
  • The biggest challenge you have overcome.
  • Do you remember your first birthday party?
  • Tell how you learn something new.
  • Have you ever encountered a wild animal?
  • Tell about the first time you were home alone.
  • How you cooked a meal for the first time?
  • Tell how you helped someone.
  • How you overcame fear?

Personal experience essay topics

  • What things make you feel happy?
  • How you came to healthy eating habits?
  • How did you celebrate Christmas?
  • Did you bring a stray animal home?
  • How did you learn to drive?
  • How you met a famous person?
  • How did you learn something from enemies?
  • Describe the accidents you witnessed.
  • How you got hurt?
  • Describe disastrous trips or vacations.
  • Fantastic concerts you attended.
  • Describe terrifying nightmares.
  • Your reaction when provoked.
  • Experience of being a leader.
  • A friendship breakup experience.

Personal argumentative essay topics

  • What could you live without?
  • Why are you concerned about environmental issues?
  • How much money do you need for happiness?
  • What does your ethnic identity mean to you?
  • Significance of personal growth.
  • Male and female roles in your family.
  • Your attitude to feminism.
  • Explain what does it mean to be a Human.
  • Most precious moments of your life.
  • What is more critical: wealth or happiness?
  • Your attitude to getting a tattoo.
  • Is it important to be crazy about fashion?
  • Your opinion on cosmetics surgery.
  • Significance of healthy lifestyle choices.
  • Your favourite holiday destinations.

College personal essay topics

  • Have you been in love with someone?
  • What is your life’s goal?
  • What does success mean to you?
  • How freedom matters in your life?
  • How you leave the comfort zone?
  • Things you appreciate in life.
  • What things do you hate?
  • How you met college roommates?
  • Your plans on spending a gap year.
  • How you got your first job?
  • Describe intellectual challenges you would like to solve.
  • What did you learn from failures?
  • Outdoor activities you like most.
  • Explain your commitments.
  • What motivates you?

Personal persuasive essay topics

  • Your opinion of distant learning and online education.
  • Can listening to music help complete your homework faster?
  • Can hobbies help in a future career?
  • Is it ethical to buy products tested on animals?
  • Why is volunteering important?
  • Should drugs be banned?
  • Your favourite restaurant everyone should visit.
  • Things to do to help our world survive.
  • How can we make the world a better place?
  • Is it possible to avoid stress?
  • Should zoos be forbidden?
  • How online shopping makes me spend more money?
  • Why I don’t smoke.
  • Things I want to be doing when I become 85.
  • Why do I recommend students to study abroad?

Personal cause and effect essay topics

  • Why I don’t watch TV.
  • Reasons I go in for sports.
  • Effects of social media on the daily routine.
  • How my failures make me stronger?
  • Books that changed my world view.
  • Reasons why I study computer science.
  • Influence of my parents on my life choices.
  • Importance of learning math for my future career.
  • Effect of being a single child.
  • How my pets make me a better person?
  • Influence of regular exercise on my health and wellbeing.
  • What makes me rebel against my parents?
  • How did my parents help me to study?
  • Why going to college made me an independent person?
  • What caused my burn out?

Feel free to use our good personal essay topics for creating amazing pieces that will make a powerful impression on your readers and get you high grades.

Can’t grab your thoughts together and come up with a perfect personal essay? No worries! Our writers will do all the writing, while you enjoy your free time. Psst, it takes a few clicks only…

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Best Tips on How to Write a Descriptive Essay

How to check for plagiarism, covering the basics when writing a gender inequality essay.

250+ Opinion Essay Topics to Write About

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Table of contents

  • 1 How to Select the Best Opinion Essay Topic?
  • 2 Opinion Essay Writing Tips
  • 3 Opinion Essay Topics for High School
  • 4 Opinion Essay Topics for College Students
  • 5 Personal Opinion Essay Topics
  • 6 Public Opinion Essay Topics
  • 7 Nursing Opinion Essay Topics
  • 8 Opinion Essay Topics on Culture
  • 9 Social Media Opinion Essay Topics
  • 10 Sports Opinion Essay Topics
  • 11 Psychology Opinion Essay Topics
  • 12 Political Science Opinion Essay Topics
  • 13 Thought-Provoking Opinion Writing Topics
  • 14 History Opinion Essay Topics
  • 15 Environment Opinion Essay Topics
  • 16 Education Opinion Essay Topics
  • 17 Literature Opinion Essay Topics

Opinion essay topics and ideas are a great way to share your thoughts and opinions on various subjects. These essays let you explore topics like current events, social issues, and political debates. Choosing a topic that you care deeply about helps you express and support your viewpoint.

It is crucial to write your essay in a clear and concise manner. Make sure your arguments are straightforward and backed by reliable evidence. It’s also essential to consider other people’s opinions with respect. This approach not only enriches your essay but also demonstrates your critical thinking skills and deep understanding of the topic.

How to Select the Best Opinion Essay Topic?

When you choose an opinion essay topic, consider the purpose of the essay and who will read it. Select a topic that will capture and hold your readers’ interest. Focus on topics you feel passionate about and have strong opinions on. It’s important to check how much research you need for the topic.

After you narrow down your list, research the topic well to make sure you understand it thoroughly. Also, think about different viewpoints and prepare to address them in your essay. Finally, ensure the topic is relevant and timely. If you follow these steps, you can choose the best topics for your opinion essay.

  • Consider the purpose of your essay. Do you want to inform, persuade, or entertain? Knowing this will help you choose a suitable topic.
  • Think about the audience. Are you writing for a general audience or a specific group? Knowing your audience helps you pick a topic that will interest and engage them.
  • Consider the scope of your essay. Will it be short or long? Will you discuss one issue or many? This knowledge will guide you to select a suitable topic.
  • Research your potential topics. Find reliable sources and look at different perspectives on the issue. This will help you make an informed decision about which topic is best for your essay.
  • Choose a topic you are passionate about . A topic you care about makes the opinion paper process easier and more enjoyable.

Opinion Essay Writing Tips

We’ve created some steps for you to follow to select the perfect topic for your opinion paper:

essay topics on personal life

Opinion Essay Topics for High School

There is a variety of opinion writing ideas that high school students can choose from. Some popular opinion topics, for example, include the significance of staying physically fit, the importance of eating habits, the implications of eating disorders, how government controls religious practices, etc. The important point to note while selecting an opinion essay topic is to consider your personal beliefs and interests.

  • The benefits of a college education
  • Impact of social media on adolescent growth
  • The pros and cons of standardized testing
  • The importance of physical education
  • The benefits of extracurricular activities
  • The effects of bullying on teen development
  • Why are family bonds important?
  • An opinion essay on the benefits of positive self-esteem
  • The effects of teenage pregnancy on teen development
  • The pros and cons of co-ed schooling
  • The importance of volunteer work
  • The benefits of a healthy diet
  • The effects of teenage drinking and drug use
  • Is time management suitable for students?
  • The importance of a good education
  • Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school?
  • Should students have to wear uniforms?
  • Should students be required to take physical education classes?
  • Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
  • Should students be required to do community service?
  • Should students be allowed to pray in school?
  • Should students be allowed to eat during class?
  • Should students be allowed to listen to music during class?
  • Should students be allowed to use social media in school?
  • Should students be allowed to have part-time jobs?

Opinion Essay Topics for College Students

A college student usually navigates through a plethora of different controversial issues and dilemmas during his/her education. Students who want to express their thoughts and ideas while also engaging in meaningful debate can use opinion essay writing as an opportunity. From campus violence related issues to gun laws, students get the chance to express their views and beliefs. Some good opinion essay topics that are relevant to the experiences are as follows:

  • The impact of social media on the development of teenage social skills
  • The benefits of studying abroad for college students
  • The effects of a college education on future income potential
  • The importance of internships for college students
  • The value of a liberal arts education
  • How to choose the right college for you
  • How to pay for college
  • The role of college athletics in the educational experience
  • How to balance work and school
  • The challenges of returning to school as an adult
  • The impact of technology on the college experience
  • The changing role of the professor in the classroom
  • The benefits of study groups
  • How to stay motivated in college
  • The importance of college graduation

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Personal Opinion Essay Topics

Topics for personal opinion essays can encompass everything from current events to personal experiences. When selecting a topic for an opinion essay, it’s crucial to ensure that you have a strong stance and can back it up with solid evidence. Opinion topics provide an opportunity to persuade others and introduce them to a diverse range of perspectives.

  • The impact of social media on personal relationships
  • The dangers of smoking
  • The importance of regular exercise
  • The effects of stress on the body
  • The benefits of getting a good night’s sleep
  • The dangers of drinking alcohol
  • The importance of staying safe online
  • The effects of technology on the brain
  • The benefits of meditation
  • The dangers of using too much screen time
  • The benefits of a positive outlook on life
  • The effects of gratitude on happiness
  • The importance of spending time with loved ones
  • The importance of taking time for oneself
  • Should parents be allowed to choose their children’s education?
  • Should the government impose stricter gun control laws?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should the voting age be lowered?
  • Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
  • Should marijuana be legalized?
  • Should the government provide free healthcare?
  • Should the government provide free college tuition?
  • Should the government increase taxes on the wealthy?
  • Should the government invest more in renewable energy sources?

Public Opinion Essay Topics

Public opinion refers to the attitudes and views held by a substantial segment of society regarding a specific issue. These opinions are typically impacted by a range of factors, such as government policies, personal experiences, and cultural values. Here are some ideas for public opinion essay topics to consider:

  • How does the media shape public opinion?
  • Are there any benefits to having a public opinion?
  • How much impact do social networking platforms have on us?
  • Does the public have a right to know everything?
  • How can we ensure that the public’s opinion is heard?
  • How does angry parenting affect children?
  • The pros and cons of health insurance
  • Modern pop stars and their influence on the youth
  • Does the government have a responsibility to act on the opinion of the public?
  • Is it possible to have a collective opinion?
  • How can we ensure that public opinion is not impacted by fake news?
  • Who should be responsible for shaping the opinion of the common man?
  • Analysing the impact of media coverage on public
  • The effectiveness of military training programs
  • The pros and cons of using medical marijuana

Nursing Opinion Essay Topics

  • What are the benefits of a career in nursing?
  • What challenges do nurses face in the healthcare system?
  • How can nurses best advocate for their patients?
  • What role does technology play in modern nursing?
  • How can nurses help to reduce medical errors?
  • How can nurses help to improve patient satisfaction?
  • What is the impact of nurse-patient ratios on patient care?
  • How can nurses help to reduce healthcare costs?
  • What ethical considerations are important for nurses to consider?
  • How can nurses help to reduce health disparities?

Opinion Essay Topics on Culture

  • The Impact of Social Media on Culture
  • The Role of Religion in Society
  • The Impact of Technology on Culture
  • The Influence of Music on Culture
  • The Impact of Immigration on Culture
  • The Role of Education in Shaping Culture
  • The Impact of Media on Culture
  • The Influence of Art on Culture
  • The Impact of Language on Culture
  • The Role of Family in Shaping Culture
  • The Impact of Social Class on Culture
  • The Role of Gender in Society
  • The Impact of Globalization on Culture
  • The Influence of Pop Culture on Society
  • The Role of Tradition in Culture

Social Media Opinion Essay Topics

Online social platforms have become a significant part of our daily existence. They affect various aspects of our lives in various ways. Hence, there are a multitude of potential essay topics to consider.

  • How have online social platforms changed the way we communicate?
  • Online social platforms shaping the way we think
  • Influence of social media on human behaviour
  • How can we use online social platforms for our benefit?
  • Drawbacks of using digital social platforms
  • Ways how online social platforms impact mental health
  • Is your physical health impacted by the excessive use of online social apps?
  • Influence of social media platforms on relationships.
  • How does excessive use of social media affect our productivity?
  • Is it ethical for parents to have access to social media control tools?
  • How are political leaders using online social apps for their own benefit?
  • How is social media shaping our societal norms?
  • Unleashing the power of social media platforms and online communication
  • Do online social platforms affect our control over privacy?
  • Navigating the dark side of online social platforms and their threat to our society

Sports Opinion Essay Topics

If you’re a sports fan, there are many aspects of sports that make for great opinion essay topics. Whether you choose to write about the impact of sports on youth growth or the evolving nature of the sports world, make sure to present a clear, well-supported opinion backed by relevant research and data.

  • The impact of sports on society
  • An opinion essay on the business of sports
  • Sports and its contribution to national identity
  • The impact of sports on individual development
  • The positive and negative effects of sports on mental health
  • Sports and the media
  • Sports and gender
  • Sports and disability
  • Elite sports and the exploitation of athletes
  • Amateur sports and the benefits for participants
  • Sports and obesity
  • Sports and violence
  • Sports and gambling today and in the past decades
  • The impact of sports on international relations
  • Envisioning the future of sports, trends and predictions

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Psychology Opinion Essay Topics

Psychology is a captivating field of study that has sparked numerous opinions and debates for years. If you’re seeking thought-provoking topics for your opinion essay within psychology, there are many fascinating options to choose from:

  • How does the human brain process information?
  • How do different cultures perceive mental illness?
  • How does the media affect the way people view mental illness?
  • What are the benefits of therapy?
  • What are the different types of therapy?
  • Assessing the Efficiency of Various Therapeutic Approaches
  • How do family dynamics affect mental health?
  • An opinion essay on stress and its effect on mental health?
  • How does trauma affect mental health?
  • How does poverty affect mental health?
  • How does immigration affect mental health?
  • How does discrimination affect mental health?
  • How does social media affect mental health?
  • Do Internal online platforms affect mental health?
  • Technological advancement in the field of psychology
  • The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
  • The Role of Genetics in Personality Development
  • The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
  • The Impact of Technology on Human Behavior
  • The Relationship Between Stress and Mental Health
  • The Impact of Substance Abuse on Mental Health
  • The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Mental Health
  • The Role of Attachment Theory in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Culture on Mental Health
  • The Role of Exercise in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Parenting Styles on Mental Health
  • The Role of Nature vs. Nurture in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Social Support on Mental Health
  • The Role of Gender in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Religion on Mental Health
  • The Role of Self-Esteem in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Media on Mental Health
  • The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health

Political Science Opinion Essay Topics

The study of politics provides numerous opportunities for crafting thought-provoking opinion essays. There is a range of topics to choose from, covering everything from local politics to international governance and political control instruments.

  • The impact of social media on political participation
  • The impact of campaign finance on the political process
  • The role of the media in shaping public opinion
  • How does the voting system impact the political outcomes
  • The impact of political polarisation on legislative productivity
  • The impact of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes
  • The impact of term limits on the quality of representation
  • The impact of redistricting on political representation
  • Campaign advertising and its effect on voter behaviour
  • Political dynasties and how they shape political competition
  • The role and effect of youth engagement in the political process
  • The impact of women’s participation in politics
  • Does ethnic diversity contribute to political outcomes?
  • Religious diversity and how it shapes political outcomes
  • The influence of social media on political division

Thought-Provoking Opinion Writing Topics

A powerful way to communicate and engage your perspective with society is by opinion writing For instance, you can write about artificial intelligence, the slavery controversy, global warming, any philosophy essay topics , or modern society. In all cases, a successful opinion essay resonates with you on a personal level.

  • What is the key to academic success?
  • Does Asian culture dominate the business world?
  • Eating disorders—is the media to blame?
  • Vulgar power display and its impact on society – is this a good thing?
  • Is the current drinking age too high?
  • Are angry parents to blame for behavioral problems in children?
  • What are your personal views on domestic violence?
  • Is modern culture based on the ideology of feminism?
  • Do we need to rethink the way we approach education?
  • Is the internet a positive or negative force in our lives?
  • Should we be worried about the rise of artificial intelligence?
  • How do we deal with the challenges of globalization and economic inequality?
  • What is the future of the human race?
  • Should we be more environmentally conscious and take steps to help with global warming?
  • How can we create a better world?

History Opinion Essay Topics

History is a realm that lets you get a glimpse of the past and understand how events of the past shaped the world of today. There are many opinion essay topics that you can choose from, including the events leading up to World War, civil wars, and colonialism.

  • How has the role of women changed in society over the past few decades?
  • How has modern culture affected the way we view traditional values?
  • How do different cultures view slavery and the slave trade?
  • How does the rest of the world view our country and its politics?
  • How did World War II affect the entire world?
  • How has the internet changed the way we research and learn about history?
  • How do different cultures celebrate holidays and traditions?
  • What are some lesser-known historical facts about your own country?
  • What are some controversial topics in history that are still debated today?
  • How do we remember and commemorate historical events?
  • How do we balance historical accuracy with artistic license when telling historical stories?
  • What is the future of historical research and scholarship?
  • How do we ensure that the lessons of history are not forgotten?
  • What is the impact of historical revisionism on our understanding of the past?
  • How does history shape our understanding of the present and future?
  • The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Society
  • The Legacy of the American Revolution
  • The Role of Women in Ancient Civilizations
  • The Influence of Religion on Politics
  • The Causes of the French Revolution
  • The Impact of Imperialism on Colonialism
  • The Significance of the Cold War
  • The Legacies of the Civil Rights Movement
  • The Impact of the Scientific Revolution
  • The Role of Technology in Modern Society

Environment Opinion Essay Topics

We cannot deny the fact that the environment is an important part of our planet, and it has a paramount impact on all of us. If you are an environment enthusiast, then you must be searching for an opinion essay topic that translates your beliefs.

  • What are the most effective ways to reduce air pollution?
  • Should governments impose stricter regulations on companies to reduce their environmental impact?
  • Should the use of plastic be banned?
  • Is nuclear energy a viable alternative to fossil fuels?
  • What are the most effective ways to reduce water pollution?
  • Should governments invest more in renewable energy sources?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of using genetically modified crops?
  • Should the use of pesticides be banned?
  • How can we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels?
  • What are the most effective ways to reduce deforestation?

Education Opinion Essay Topics

There are several opinion essay topics that can be explored in the field of education. This can include the role of technology in the education system, gender bias faced by students, and unequal access to quality education.

  • How can academic writing help students achieve academic success?
  • What are the benefits of distance learning for high school students?
  • Personal skills that students develop in single-gender schools.
  • Is sex education necessary in the school curriculum?
  • How effective is home-schooling as an educational option?
  • Is it a challenging task to educate modern children?
  • What are the flaws in the current educational system?
  • How can the school curriculum be improved?
  • What is the impact of age differences on the educational process?
  • How do modern children spend their free time?
  • What are the benefits of challenging tasks for students?
  • How can students balance their academic and personal lives?
  • Is there a way to reduce stress in the educational process?
  • What are the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for students?
  • Should standardized tests be abolished?
  • Should college tuition be free?
  • What is the best way to teach a foreign language?
  • Should the education system be more flexible?
  • Should online education be more widely available?
  • Should schools prioritize STEM education?
  • Should schools provide more vocational training?
  • Should schools have uniforms? Should schools have a longer school day?
  • Should schools have a longer school year?
  • Should schools have more extracurricular activities?
  • Should schools provide more mental health services?
  • Should schools provide more career guidance?
  • Should schools be more culturally inclusive?
  • Should schools provide more financial literacy education?
  • Should schools provide more technology education?
  • Should schools have more parental involvement?
  • Should schools have more community involvement?
  • Should schools have more global awareness education?
  • Should schools have more environmental education?

Literature Opinion Essay Topics

Literature is a landscape that is rich and offers the opportunity to explore the intangible, such as human experience and emotions.

  • Is there a universal classic book that everyone should read?
  • Is there a difference between classic literature and modern literature?
  • How has literature changed over the years?
  • What is the most important element of a successful novel?
  • What is the most important thing a reader should look for in a book?
  • Is there a difference between reading a book and watching a movie based on the book?
  • What is the most important lesson that literature can teach us?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about life?
  • How has literature influenced society?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about ourselves?
  • How has literature changed over time?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about the world?
  • How has literature shaped our culture?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about justice?
  • How has literature impacted our understanding of history?
  • How has literature shaped our understanding of morality?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about love?
  • How has literature helped to shape our understanding of gender roles?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about democracy?
  • How has literature helped to shape our understanding of race and ethnicity?

Opinion topics are not easy to decide on. But if you want to write a winning essay, you need to pick a topic that you have a good understanding of. No matter if you’re writing about education, politics, or sports, it’s important to have solid evidence and examples to back up your opinion. This way, you can write an interesting and convincing essay that will have a lasting impact on your reader.

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169 Personal Essay Topics & Ideas

Published by Ellie Cross at June 21st, 2022 , Revised On November 3, 2023

As the name suggests, a personal essay relates to the author’s personal life experiences. A personal essay is perhaps the most unique and common essay assignment at colleges and universities. 

It is a non-fiction style of essay combining multiple genres of writing. This task is invariably challenging, be it for accreditation or to pass certain coursework because you are required to use narrative and descriptive approaches to your essay writing. 

In most cases, you cannot retell a story or depict a person or an incident in a personal essay with 100% accuracy. Instead, you have to frame whatever occurred under a grander context. 

In a personal essay, you must express your experiences and thoughts about the paper’s topic. Here, the key to success is to make an effort to merge narrative and viewpoint. 

For many students, choosing a topic for their personal essay is the first step of the process. So we have provided many free personal essay topics for you to consider. Choose a topic that relates to your real-life experience. 

A personal essay is a truly creative way of speaking your feelings. If you choose an appropriate topic, it is a great exercise for learning to build a narrative.

To give you a head start, we have compiled a list of hundreds of personal essay topics and ideas. 

Personal Essay Topics about Personal Experiences

  • Tell us about your first international journey.
  • The worst thing that has ever occurred to you.
  • How did your first day of school go?
  • What is your favourite recollection of childhood?
  • What is your favourite memory with the family?
  • Have you had a nervous breakdown?
  • When you were a kid, what games did you enjoy playing?
  • The most difficult situation you’ve ever encountered.
  • How did you meet someone special in your life?
  • One of the people you admire the most.
  • What are some of the things that bring you joy?
  • How did you get into eating healthy in the first place?
  • What did you do for the holidays?
  • Did you carry a stray home with you?
  • What method did you use to learn to drive?
  • How did you meet the well-known figure?
  • What did you learn from your adversaries?
  • Describe the collisions you saw.
  • A spot where you’d prefer to spend the rest of your life.
  • When you’ve found the job of your dreams.
  • Your most heartbreaking disappointment.
  • Books that left an indelible mark on you.
  • What irritates you the most?
  • Your family’s customs.
  • Do you have a technological addiction?
  • What songs from today inspire you?
  • What did you do to injure yourself?
  • Describe a trip or vacation that went wrong.
  • You’ve attended some fantastic concerts.
  • Describe the terrifying nightmares you’ve had.
  • Would you be able to survive if you didn’t have any money?
  • Are you a fan of commercials?
  • Tell me about a time when you were able to assist someone.
  • How did you get over your apprehension?
  • When you’re provoked, this is how you react.

Personal-Argument Essay Topics

  • What do you have to spare?
  • What drew you to environmental issues in the first place?
  • What is the minimum amount of money needed to be content?
  • What does it mean to you to be of a certain ethnicity?
  • The significance of personal growth.
  • In your family, there are male and female duties.
  • Explain your perspective about feminism
  • What does it take to be a good human?
  • These are the most priceless moments in your life.
  • Which is more important: money or happiness?
  • Your perspective on the tattoo.
  • Is it necessary to be fashion-obsessed?
  • Your thoughts on cosmetic surgery.
  • What a crucial decision it is to live a healthy lifestyle.
  • Your most preferred holiday destinations.

Also Read: Controversial Essay Topics

Personal Cause-effect Essay Topics

  • I don’t watch television for a variety of reasons.
  • The impact of social media on my daily life.
  • What motivates me to enrol in this particular college course?
  • What inspired me to learn to play the guitar?
  • Why do I participate in sports?
  • What effect does frequent travel have on my personality and personal qualities?
  • Why do I have a cat, and why would any other animal be able to take its place?
  • Why is it so tough to solve math problems?
  • What impact did this book (movie) have on my worldview?
  • Why should I look up to my father as a role model?
  • Why do I enjoy watching cartoons so much?
  • What is the impact of being a twin on my brother and me?
  • How did my parents instil in me a dislike for extracurricular activities?
  • How does overscheduling negatively impact a child’s life?
  • What impact did our annual family vacations have on our family relationships?
  • What made me stronger as a result of my illness?
  • What impact did attending church have on my life objectives and preferences?
  • Why aren’t my parents on board with my life plans?
  • How did my parents assist me in my studies?
  • Why did going to college make me more self-reliant?

Also Read: Analytical Essay Topics

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Personal-Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Listening to music might help you finish your homework faster?
  • Is it true that hobbies might help you advance in your career?
  • Is it ethical to purchase things that have been tested on animals?
  • What is the significance of volunteering?
  • Should drugs be made illegal?
  • What are your thoughts on distance learning and online education?
  • Everyone should go to their favourite restaurant.
  • Things to do to assist in the survival of our globe.
  • What can we do to improve the world?
  • Is it possible to be stress-free?
  • Is it necessary to prohibit zoos?
  • How does online buying cause me to overspend?
  • I don’t smoke for a variety of reasons.
  • Things I’d like to be doing when I’m 70 years old.
  • Why do I think students should go abroad for higher education?

Also Read: Criminal Law Essay Topics

Personal Essay Topics for College Students

  • Have you ever had a crush on someone?
  • What is your long-term professional goal?
  • What does it mean to you to be successful?
  • What role does freedom of expression have in your life?
  • How would you leave your comfort zone if it became necessary?
  • People you admire in your life.
  • What do you despise the most?
  • What did you like about your roommates?
  • You intend to take a gap year.
  • What was your first job like?
  • Describe the philosophical problems you’d wish to overcome.
  • What did you take away from your setbacks?
  • You prefer outdoor activities.
  • Describe your responsibilities.
  • What inspires you to choose this specific course?

Also Read: Culture Essay Topics

Personal Essay Topics about Education

  • How can a professor inspire you to improve as a person?
  • What are the most effective strategies for giving a speech?
  • Do you enjoy doing homework or think it is a waste of time?
  • The most important lesson you learned at school or college.
  • Do you find it difficult to study for school exams? 
  • How do you deal with stress during exams?
  • What’s your biggest fear about failing in exams?
  • What was your second language, and how did you learn it?
  • What drives you to work hard in school and pursue your goals?
  • What good and bad decisions have you made regarding your subject choice in college?

Also Read: History Essay Topics

Personal Essay Topics about Relationships and Dreams

  • Give an example of someone who taught you how not to do something by doing it badly.
  • Write about the first person you ever became a friend with. 
  • Do you have your criteria for the selection of your friends?
  • On a fantasy vacation, who would you invite?
  • Consider someone you see frequently but with whom you do not work or live. What lessons can you learn from them?
  • What would you do if you could have any job in the world?
  • In three months, where do you want to be? Is it six months? Is it a year?
  • If money were no object, how would you spend a weekend?
  • Who began as a stranger and evolved into a close friend in your life?
  • Write about a time when you had a houseguest who you didn’t appreciate.
  • Talk about someone you’ve lost in your life. What has changed in your life?
  • Which celebrity would you most like to meet? What kind of advice would you like to get from them?
  • What did you wish for as a child but never got?
  • What kind of pet would you like to have?
  • Who would you choose if you could live the life of any film or literary character?

Also Read: Expository Essay Topics

Easy and Good Personal Essay Topics

  • What qualities do you possess that make you a good coworker or friend?
  • Which location would you like to spend a thunderstorm?
  • Could you go a week without using technology? 
  • Is 2021 a year? What would it resemble?
  • What personality traits would you trade with someone if you could?
  • When you were younger, where did you like to go? What made it unique?
  • Write about an instance when you thought you were correct but were proven to be mistaken.
  • When you were a kid, what was your favorite thing to do?
  • What would you do with a million dollars if you were only allowed to spend half of it on yourself?
  • What do you consider to be the most important object in your home? Why?
  • Write about a time when you learnt something unique from someone.
  • What is the easiest way to learn bike riding?
  • What portion of the 2020-2021 quarantine was the toughest for you?
  • Is your current situation what you had hoped for?
  • What was the first time you heard of a major news story?
  • Write about a dish that transports you to another era.
  • What was the most recent challenging issue you had to cope with?
  • In a TED Talk or podcast, what could you want to learn?

Also Read: Law Essay Topics

Interesting Personal Essay Topics

  • What brought you and your best friend together?
  • The most courageous act you’ve ever done
  • What distinguishes your parents?
  • Overcoming fear is a life-changing experience.
  • You’ve had a failure. You’ve had a disappointment.
  • You encountered a surprising turn of events.
  • Your favourite period
  • A place you aim to avoid at all costs
  • What would you do if you had unlimited power?
  • Which superpower would you like to have?
  • What would you do if you could change someone’s life?
  • Where would you seek refuge?
  • The most devastating loss you’ve ever suffered
  • If you could go back in time, what would you change?
  • Words that irritated me
  • A book that has had a significant impact on your life
  • When you have a strong desire to flee,
  • Your best achievement in life
  • One thing about the world you’d change
  • If you could alter one thing about yourself, what would it be? What kind of teacher would you like to be?
  • If you could live anywhere, which country you would go?
  • Which museum would you prefer to visit if you are ever given a chance?
  • Something a robot would never be capable of.
  • An animal with the potential to rule the world
  • The most important discovery of your life
  • What is your hidden talent?
  • Have you ever proposed to your crush?
  • An event that altered everything in your life
  • If you could create a charity, what would you do?
  • When you needed love.

When writing a personal essay, you can certainly write on whatever topic you desire. The subject is probably not as important as you may imagine. What interests the audience is discovering your perspective, which can be seen as an illustration of your distinct personality. Please make the most of our great essay ideas list to start writing your essay and achieve your desired grade.  Also Read: Nursing Essay Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Essays and Personal Essay Topics

Can i get unique essay topics from your experts.

At EssaysUK, we believe in adding value to the field of education. We put students above monetary gains; therefore, we are providing free essay topics service where you can claim 1 free essay topic and a thesis statement for your essay. Our experts offer unique, interesting, specific, and manageable topics. 

How to structure a personal essay?

The structure of a personal essay, like other essay types , consists of an introduction , the main body and a conclusion. Start your personal essay with a strong opening statement and set up the narrative. End your essay by providing the story’s moral – how the experience (s) will help you improve your response to a particular situation in the future. Learn more about how to write a personal or narrative essay here . 

Do you provide a personal essay writing service?

At Essays.UK , our experts can deliver all types of essays, including personal essays. No matter how quickly you need the essay, just place your order on our website to start the process. We are capable of delivering urgent essays within 4 hours. Yes, you heard that right. More about our essay writing service here . 

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This article presents many good mental health essay topics for your argumentative essay that you can use right away. These unique ideas will make it easier for students to address unique mental health issues through their arguments. 

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Narrative Essay Topics: TOP 200 Choices for Students

essay topics on personal life

Imagine yourself facing a blank page, ready to fill it with your memories and imagination. What story will you tell today?

As students, you often have to write narratives that capture people's attention. But with so many stories to choose from, where do you start? How do you find the perfect topic that will grab our readers' interest and make them think?

Join our essay service experts as we explore 200 topics for college where stories are waiting to be told, and experiences are ready to be shared. From everyday events to unforgettable moments, each topic is a chance to connect with your readers and make them feel something.

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Ideas for Narrative Essay Topics

After exploring how students write narrative paragraphs, we've put together a list of narrative essay topics designed specifically for college and school students. This list covers a wide range of subjects, so pick one that speaks to you!

Literacy Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

How about delving into captivating literacy narrative essay topics designed specifically for college-level writing? Exciting, isn't it?

  • How did a childhood book shape your view of the world?
  • What challenges did you face when learning to read in a second language?
  • How has storytelling within your family influenced your literacy journey?
  • Can you recall a pivotal moment that ignited your love for reading?
  • How did a specific teacher inspire your passion for literature?
  • Have you ever encountered a character in a book who profoundly impacted your perspective on life?
  • What role did writing play in helping you navigate a difficult period in your life?
  • How has your relationship with technology affected your reading habits?
  • What cultural or historical event sparked your interest in a particular genre of literature?
  • How has poetry shaped your understanding of language and emotion?
  • Have you ever experienced a breakthrough moment in your writing process?
  • How has reading aloud impacted your comprehension and enjoyment of literature?
  • Can you recall a time when a book challenged your beliefs or worldview?
  • How has participating in a book club enriched your reading experience?
  • What strategies have you developed to overcome reading difficulties or distractions?

Personal Narrative Essay Topics on Relationships

Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences and craft compelling personal narratives with these essay ideas.

  • How did a specific friendship shape who you are today?
  • Can you recount a moment that strengthened your bond with a family member?
  • What challenges have you faced in maintaining a long-distance relationship?
  • How has a mentor influenced your personal and professional development?
  • Have you experienced a betrayal in a relationship? How did it impact you?
  • Can you describe a memorable conflict resolution process within a relationship?
  • How has your relationship with a pet affected your emotional well-being?
  • What lessons have you learned from navigating a romantic relationship?
  • How has your relationship with a sibling evolved over time?
  • Can you recall a time when you had to set boundaries in a friendship?
  • How has volunteering or community involvement enriched your relationships?
  • What cultural differences have influenced your relationships with others?
  • Can you share a moment when you felt truly understood by someone?
  • How has technology affected the dynamics of your relationships?
  • Have you ever experienced a reconciliation that transformed a strained relationship?

Best Narrative Essay Topics on Education and Learning

Consider the beauty of sharing your personal experiences and emotions in a captivating manner through these ideas for personal narrative essays.

  • What was the most valuable lesson you learned outside of the classroom?
  • Can you recount a moment when a teacher's unconventional method transformed your understanding of a subject?
  • How has a field trip or experiential learning opportunity impacted your education?
  • What challenges have you faced in balancing extracurricular activities with academics?
  • Have you ever had a "Eureka!" moment while studying? Describe it.
  • How has learning a new skill outside of school influenced your academic performance?
  • Can you recall a time when a peer's perspective challenged your own understanding of a topic?
  • How has technology enhanced or hindered your learning experience?
  • What role does creativity play in your approach to learning?
  • Have you ever experienced a setback that ultimately propelled you forward academically?
  • How has your cultural background influenced your learning style?
  • Can you describe a time when you had to advocate for yourself within an educational setting?
  • How has mentorship shaped your educational journey?
  • What strategies have you employed to overcome academic challenges or obstacles?
  • Can you reflect on a time when failure taught you a valuable lesson about learning?

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Personal Narrative Essay Ideas on Reflection on Life

Why not ignite your creativity with a range of narrative essay topics, from extraordinary moments to everyday experiences?

  • How has a moment of failure ultimately led to personal growth and resilience?
  • Can you recount a pivotal decision that significantly altered the course of your life?
  • What lessons have you learned from navigating a crossroads or major life transition?
  • How has your perspective on success evolved over time?
  • Can you reflect on a time when you had to confront and overcome a deeply held fear?
  • What role has gratitude played in shaping your outlook on life?
  • How have your values and beliefs been influenced by significant life experiences?
  • Can you describe a moment when you found clarity and purpose amidst chaos or uncertainty?
  • What impact has traveling to a new place had on your understanding of the world and yourself?
  • How has adversity strengthened your character and determination?
  • Can you recall a time when a random act of kindness profoundly impacted your life?
  • What lessons have you learned from embracing vulnerability and authenticity in relationships?
  • How has practicing mindfulness or self-reflection enhanced your well-being and happiness?
  • Can you reflect on a period of personal transformation or self-discovery?
  • How have you found meaning and fulfillment in pursuing your passions and interests?

Ideas for a Narrative Essay on Culture and Society

Engaging your readers with narrative essays on culture and society is a great way to spark interest, offering captivating ideas for exploration.

  • How has your family's unique culinary heritage influenced your cultural identity?
  • Can you reflect on a specific cultural artifact or heirloom that holds deep significance for your family?
  • What challenges have you faced in preserving traditional customs while adapting to modern societal expectations?
  • How has a local festival or celebration revealed the intricacies of your community's cultural tapestry?
  • Can you recount a moment when you navigated a cultural clash between your upbringing and the dominant culture?
  • How has your experience as a first-generation immigrant shaped your understanding of cultural assimilation?
  • What lessons have you learned from participating in intercultural exchange programs or initiatives?
  • Can you describe a unique cultural practice or tradition within your community that outsiders might find intriguing or misunderstood?
  • How has the revitalization of indigenous languages contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage in your region?
  • Can you reflect on a personal journey of reconnecting with your cultural roots after a period of assimilation or disconnection?
  • What role does storytelling play in passing down cultural wisdom and values within your family or community?
  • How has the portrayal of your culture in mainstream media affected your sense of belonging and self-perception?
  • Can you recount a moment when you challenged cultural stereotypes through creative expression or advocacy?
  • How has the migration of a specific cultural group enriched the social fabric and economic landscape of your community?
  • What initiatives or grassroots movements are currently underway to promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation in your society?

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Narrative Writing Topics on Hobbies and Interests

Wow your readers by turning your passions and hobbies into compelling narrative essay topics that will get them thinking.

  • How has your passion for urban gardening transformed neglected spaces in your community?
  • Can you recount a thrilling adventure from your hobby of urban exploration?
  • What lessons have you learned from restoring vintage motorcycles in your spare time?
  • How has your fascination with birdwatching deepened your connection to nature and conservation efforts?
  • Can you describe a memorable moment from your hobby of foraging wild edibles in the wilderness?
  • What unique skills have you developed through your hobby of beekeeping, and how have they impacted your daily life?
  • How has your interest in historical reenactment brought the past to life in unexpected ways?
  • Can you reflect on a transformative experience from your hobby of landscape photography?
  • What insights have you gained from practicing the art of bonsai cultivation and nurturing miniature ecosystems?
  • How has your passion for stargazing inspired awe and wonder in the vastness of the universe?
  • Can you recount a challenging project from your hobby of woodworking and the satisfaction it brought upon completion?
  • What cultural connections have you discovered through your hobby of traditional folk dancing?
  • How has your interest in sustainable fashion influenced your consumer habits and environmental awareness?
  • Can you describe a moment of serenity and mindfulness experienced while practicing the art of tea ceremony?
  • How has your hobby of letterpress printing preserved the tactile beauty of handmade craftsmanship in a digital age?

Narrative Essay Titles on Life-Changing Moments

Life is full of unexpected twists that can lead to life-changing moments. Take a look at these narrative essay titles for stories that have had a lasting impact on your life.

  • How did surviving a natural disaster reshape your perspective on life?
  • Can you recall a single conversation that drastically altered the course of your life?
  • What was the pivotal moment that inspired you to pursue your dreams against all odds?
  • How did a chance encounter lead to a life-changing friendship or partnership?
  • Can you reflect on the decision that transformed your career trajectory?
  • What profound lesson did you learn from facing a life-threatening illness or injury?
  • How did traveling to a new country open your eyes to new possibilities and opportunities?
  • Can you recount the moment when you discovered your true passion or calling in life?
  • What was the turning point that allowed you to break free from a toxic relationship or environment?
  • How did experiencing failure or rejection ultimately lead to personal growth and resilience?
  • Can you describe the moment when you found the strength to overcome a deep-seated fear or insecurity?
  • What life-changing realization did you have while experiencing a period of solitude or introspection?
  • How did a profound act of kindness from a stranger restore your faith in humanity?
  • Can you reflect on the moment when you forgave someone who had deeply hurt you, and how it changed your perspective on forgiveness?
  • What pivotal decision did you make that allowed you to reclaim control over your own happiness and destiny?

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Good Narrative Topics on Travel and Adventure

Consider creating intriguing titles for your narrative essay ideas by exploring thrilling travel adventures.

  • Can you recount a memorable encounter with wildlife during your solo hiking adventure?
  • How did a spontaneous decision to explore an unfamiliar city lead to unexpected discoveries?
  • What lessons did you learn from navigating a foreign country with only a map and your instincts?
  • Can you describe the exhilaration of conquering a challenging mountain peak for the first time?
  • How did immersing yourself in a local culture during your travels broaden your perspective on the world?
  • What unexpected obstacles did you encounter while embarking on a backpacking journey through rugged terrain?
  • Can you reflect on the transformative experience of volunteering abroad in a community-driven project?
  • How did getting lost in a labyrinthine city alleyway lead to serendipitous encounters and newfound friendships?
  • What was the most memorable meal you had while sampling street food in a bustling market abroad?
  • Can you recount the adrenaline rush of participating in an extreme sports activity in a foreign land?
  • How did witnessing a breathtaking natural phenomenon during your travels leave a lasting impression on you?
  • What cultural traditions or rituals did you participate in during a homestay experience with a local family?
  • Can you describe the sense of wonder and awe you felt while exploring ancient ruins or historical sites?
  • How did navigating a language barrier challenge and ultimately enrich your travel experience?
  • What valuable life lessons did you learn from the mishaps and misadventures encountered during your journey off the beaten path?

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas on Career and Work Experience

College students can uncover captivating narrative essay ideas by exploring potential career paths or reminiscing about past job experiences.

  • How did a challenging project at work showcase your problem-solving skills and resilience?
  • Can you reflect on a pivotal mentorship experience that guided your career trajectory?
  • What valuable lessons did you learn from a career setback or failure, and how did it shape your future success?
  • How did a workplace conflict lead to personal growth and improved communication skills?
  • Can you recount a moment when taking a professional risk paid off in unexpected ways?
  • What insights did you gain from transitioning to a new industry or career path?
  • How did participating in a cross-functional team project enhance your collaboration and leadership abilities?
  • Can you describe the satisfaction of achieving a long-term career goal after years of hard work and perseverance?
  • What impact did a meaningful recognition or award have on your motivation and sense of accomplishment?
  • How did volunteering or pro bono work contribute to your professional development and sense of purpose?
  • Can you reflect on the decision to leave a stable job in pursuit of passion or fulfillment?
  • What strategies did you employ to navigate a toxic work environment and maintain your well-being?
  • How did a career setback lead to unexpected opportunities for personal and professional growth?
  • Can you describe a moment when mentorship or sponsorship played a crucial role in advancing your career?
  • What lessons did you learn from a challenging client or customer interaction, and how did it shape your approach to customer service and relationship-building?

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics about Challenges and Obstacles

If you're not sure what to write about for your narrative essay, think back to the tough times you've had and how you managed to get through them.

  • How did you conquer a once-paralyzing fear to chase your dreams?
  • What new strengths did you discover while adapting to a physical challenge?
  • Can you recall a creative solution you used during a tough financial period?
  • When did you bravely stand against injustice, despite opposition?
  • How did overcoming a language barrier broaden your horizons?
  • What key lessons did you learn from a major setback in your life?
  • How did you manage overwhelming stress and responsibilities?
  • What inner reserves of resilience did you draw upon after personal loss?
  • Describe a time when you defied societal norms to pursue your goals.
  • Reflect on a moment when failure fueled your determination for success.
  • When did you find the courage to leave your comfort zone behind?
  • How did community support bolster you through a challenging time?
  • Share a time when self-doubt led to newfound confidence.
  • Can you recount a tragedy that spurred your personal growth?
  • What insights did overcoming a monumental obstacle reveal about life?

Best Narrative Essay Topics: How to Choose the One That Resonates 

A narrative essay is a type of writing that tells a personal story, including characters, plot, setting, and the order of events. Its main goal is to connect with readers emotionally and share a specific message or insight through the retelling of a meaningful experience.

Students write narrative essays as part of their studies for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to express themselves creatively by sharing their unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Secondly, it helps them develop important writing skills like organizing ideas and thoughts effectively.

Narrative Essay topics

Choosing good narrative essay ideas involves looking at personal experiences, interests, and the potential for engaging storytelling. Here's a simple guide to help you pick the right topic:

  • Think about significant moments in your life that had a lasting impact, such as personal growth or overcoming challenges.
  • Choose topics related to your hobbies, interests, or areas of expertise to make your story more engaging.
  • Consider what your audience would be interested in and choose topics that resonate with them.
  • Focus on a specific event or detail to make your narrative more focused and impactful.
  • Look for universal themes like love or personal transformation that connect with readers on a deeper level.
  • Brainstorm ideas and write freely to uncover compelling topics.
  • Decide on storytelling techniques like flashbacks or foreshadowing and choose a topic that fits.
  • Get feedback from friends, peers, or instructors to see if your topics are interesting and impactful.
  • Choose topics that evoke strong emotions for a more compelling narrative.
  • Select a topic that you personally connect with to make your story authentic.

Once you've chosen a topic, brainstorm ideas and create an outline for your essay. Follow your professor's instructions carefully and consider seeking help from our narrative essay writing service if needed.

Bring your stories to life with EssayPro. Select from a vast array of narrative essay topics and let our professionals help you weave your tales into captivating essays. Whether it's adventure, reflection, or imagination, we're here to assist.

Final Remarks

As we wrap up, our list of 200 narrative essay topics is here to fuel your creativity for your next writing project! Whether you're sharing a memorable event, reliving a childhood memory, or expressing a profound insight, crafting a narrative essay can be an uplifting experience that resonates deeply with readers.

And if you're gearing up for college admissions, why not check out our admission essay writing service ? We've already assisted countless students in securing their spots at their dream colleges, and we'd love to help you, too!

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Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

essay topics on personal life

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Essays on Personal Life

Choosing personal life essay topics.

When it comes to writing an essay on personal life topics, there are countless options to explore. From reflections on personal experiences to discussing important life lessons, the possibilities are endless. However, choosing the right topic is crucial for a successful essay. In this article, we will discuss the importance of selecting the right personal life essay topic, provide advice on how to choose a topic, and offer a detailed list of recommended essay topics in various categories.

The Importance of the Topic

The topic of your essay plays a critical role in capturing the reader's interest and conveying your message effectively. A well-chosen topic can make your essay stand out and resonate with your audience. It should be something that you are passionate about and can speak to from personal experience. Additionally, a thought-provoking topic can inspire deep reflection and meaningful discussions, making your essay memorable and impactful.

Choosing a Topic

When it comes to choosing a personal life essay topic, consider what experiences, events, or lessons have had a significant impact on you. Reflect on moments that have shaped your beliefs, values, and perspective on life. Additionally, think about topics that are relevant and meaningful to your intended audience. Whether it's a personal struggle, a life-changing event, or a valuable lesson learned, your chosen topic should be authentic and compelling.

Recommended Essay Topics

Family and relationships.

  • The impact of family dynamics on personal growth
  • Navigating challenges in relationships
  • The role of communication in maintaining healthy relationships
  • Lessons learned from familial experiences

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

  • Overcoming personal obstacles and setbacks
  • Finding purpose and passion in life
  • The importance of self-care and mental well-being
  • Embracing change and personal transformation

Life Lessons and Wisdom

  • The value of resilience and perseverance
  • Learning from failure and turning setbacks into success
  • The impact of gratitude and positivity on one's outlook on life
  • Embracing diversity and embracing different perspectives

Challenges and Triumphs

  • Confronting fears and stepping out of your comfort zone
  • Overcoming adversity and finding strength in difficult times
  • Celebrating personal achievements and milestones
  • The power of resilience and bouncing back from setbacks

Personal Values and Beliefs

  • Exploring cultural identity and heritage
  • The significance of empathy and compassion in personal relationships
  • Navigating ethical dilemmas and making difficult decisions
  • The influence of personal values on decision-making and behavior

Choosing the right personal life essay topic is essential for creating a compelling and impactful essay. By selecting a topic that is authentic, relevant, and meaningful, you can engage your audience and convey your message effectively. Whether it's a reflection on personal experiences, life lessons, or challenges and triumphs, there are countless options to explore when it comes to personal life essay topics. Use the recommended essay topics as inspiration to craft an essay that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression.

My Autobiography and Future Plans

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The Role of Gender in One’s Life

The real meaning of "lessons in life", graduation speech: ahead of us stands life, fake friends experience and my attitude to it, in the honor of my native language, the reasons why i opted for precision in every aspect of my life, factors that played a role in my transition from childhood to adolescent, the benefits of growing up and reading books, life experience that made me who i am, a few words about myself, time management in daily life, i hate to make the bed, describe your day before joining leaving your country, nobody is born to be perfect, me, myself and i: ordinary person, real-life experience, the benefits of playing sports, privileges of living in the united states, fate and the idea of pre-planned life events, description of my family, home, neighborhood, philosophy of the golden rule, relevant topics.

  • Personal Goals
  • Self Assessment
  • About Myself
  • Self Reflection
  • Personal Beliefs
  • Me Myself and I
  • Self Awareness
  • Being Yourself
  • Believe in Myself
  • Finding Yourself

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essay topics on personal life

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  2. FREE 12+ Personal Essay Samples in PDF

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  5. Free Short Essay Examples and Description about Yourself Sample

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  1. Essay on My Life In English

  2. paragraph writing || The person I like most || paragraph on my favourite person || KB Education

  3. Essay on "Personality"

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  6. 100+ topics for everyday life conversations

COMMENTS

  1. Top 135 Personal Essay Topics: Ideas for Motivation

    Good personal essay topics are those that resonate with you and your readers. Here are 15 detailed good personal essay topics: Books that inspired your life path. Stepping outside your comfort zone. Acquiring Intercultural Perspectives. Teachers who influenced your ideas. Victory over fears.

  2. 110 Personal Essay Topics

    Generally, a personal essay will have no less than three body paragraphs that detail your experience in chronological order. Each section should discuss one part of the story, including the events leading up to it, what happened during the experience, and what you learned from it. Body paragraphs may also include examples of feelings, emotions ...

  3. Personal Essay Topics and Prompts

    A personal essay is an essay about your life, thoughts, or experiences. This type of essay gives readers a glimpse into your most intimate life encounters and lessons. There are many reasons you may need to write a personal essay, from a simple class assignment to a college application requirement.You can use the list below for inspiration.

  4. 50 Outstanding Personal Statement Topics for Inspiration

    Think about your life. Even the most boring and monotonous lives have their small tragedies and victories. Start remembering them. Go through key moments and think about details surrounding them. The clearest memories are the best foundation for essay topic. ... 50 Inspiring Topics for Personal Essay. Apart from options we mentioned above ...

  5. 650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

    Here is a PDF of all 650 prompts, and we also have a related lesson plan, From 'Lives' to 'Modern Love': Writing Personal Essays With Help From The New York Times.. Below, a list that ...

  6. 112 Personal Values Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    Identifying and understanding our personal values is crucial for living a fulfilling and authentic life. To help you explore and reflect on your personal values, we have compiled a list of 112 essay topic ideas and examples. These topics cover a wide range of values, from honesty and integrity to compassion and empathy.

  7. 102 Personal Growth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    If you're looking for inspiration for your next personal growth essay, here are 102 topic ideas and examples to get you started: The importance of setting and achieving personal goals. Overcoming fear of failure. Learning to embrace change. The power of positive thinking. How to cultivate a growth mindset.

  8. 680 Personal Essay Topics & Free Ideas

    How to Choose. Selecting a compelling personal essay topic requires careful consideration and introspection. For example, a good starting point is to reflect on significant life experiences, such as challenges faced, pivotal moments, or transformative relationships, as these ideas can provide rich material for exploration (Driscoll et al., 2022).

  9. 242 Personal Persuasive Essay Topics and Ideas

    242 Personal Persuasive Essay Topics and Ideas. Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class. Personal essays are some of the most diverse assignments you can receive.

  10. 100 Creative Personal Essay Topic Ideas for Thoughtful Writers

    The impact of a book or movie on my beliefs. An embarrassing moment that taught me humility. The importance of a personal passion or hobby. A life-changing conversation with a loved one. The influence of a teacher or mentor on my growth. The role of pets in my life and personal development.

  11. 89+ Personal Narrative Ideas To Spark Your Creativity

    A long list of personal narrative ideas. 1. The journey of rediscovering my passion for painting after years of neglect sparked by an unexpected encounter with a street artist. 2. How a single conversation with my grandmother over her old photo album reshaped my understanding of family history and legacy. 3.

  12. 21 College Essay Topics & Ideas That Worked

    Here's a list of essay topics and ideas that worked for my one-on-one students: Essay Topic: My Allergies Inspired Me. After nearly dying from anaphylactic shock at five years old, I began a journey healing my anxiety and understanding the PTSD around my allergies. This created a passion for medicine and immunology, and now I want to become ...

  13. 200 Narrative Essay Topics: Academic, Funny, Personal Life

    Here are 70 narrative essay topics: personal life tales, literary adventures, and funny and thrilling sports moments. Each topic offers a unique opportunity to engage the readers and reflect on the actual factors of life. Personal Narrative Essay Topics About Life. What happens to me on my first day at school

  14. 100+ Personal Essay Topics For College And Writing Tips

    Personal essay topics usually include real stories, experiences, and opinions of people. Writers need to give an account of their own experience and express their thoughts on the subject of a paper. The key to success is to make an attempt to combine narration and opinion together. In this article, you will find a short writing guide and 100 ...

  15. 250+ Opinion Essay Topics to Write About

    4 Opinion Essay Topics for College Students. 5 Personal Opinion Essay Topics. 6 Public Opinion Essay Topics. 7 Nursing Opinion Essay Topics. 8 Opinion Essay Topics on Culture. 9 Social Media Opinion Essay Topics. 10 Sports Opinion Essay Topics. 11 Psychology Opinion Essay Topics.

  16. 169 Personal Essay Topics & Ideas

    169 Personal Essay Topics & Ideas. Published by Ellie Cross at June 21st, 2022 , Revised On November 3, 2023. As the name suggests, a personal essay relates to the author's personal life experiences. A personal essay is perhaps the most unique and common essay assignment at colleges and universities. It is a non-fiction style of essay ...

  17. How to Write a Personal Essay: Tips, Structure, and Examples

    Editing and Proofreading Tips. Before submitting your personal essay, run through this quick checklist: Grammar and spelling: Correct any grammatical errors and typos to ensure professionalism. Flow and structure: Ensure that your essay follows a clear, logical progression, with smooth transitions between paragraphs.

  18. 200 Best Topic Ideas for Narrative Essay

    Focus on a specific event or detail to make your narrative more focused and impactful. Look for universal themes like love or personal transformation that connect with readers on a deeper level. Brainstorm ideas and write freely to uncover compelling topics. Decide on storytelling techniques like flashbacks or foreshadowing and choose a topic ...

  19. Meaningful Personal Essay Topics

    Help your reader get to know you better with these personal essay prompts. Write about your experiences, your relationships, your dreams, and yourself.

  20. ≡Essays on Personal Life. Free Examples of Research Paper Topics

    Choosing Personal Life Essay Topics. When it comes to writing an essay on personal life topics, there are countless options to explore. From reflections on personal experiences to discussing important life lessons, the possibilities are endless. However, choosing the right topic is crucial for a successful essay.