Opening an essay on [topic] with
[a personal story]. Use only the part
that carries the argument, and tell
me where the line is between
illustrative and self-indulgent.

Use a Personal Story Without Oversharing

Only the part that does argumentative work.

Prompt

I want to open an essay about [topic] with something from my own life: [describe it]. Help me use only the part that carries the argument, and tell me where the line is between illustrative and self-indulgent.