What makes a good Essay?

Or "How do you make a subject yours?

I think, since there aren't any real definitions of "The Essay" I will go ahead and make my own definition or criteria. I think a good essay is one where the author takes the subject and makes it his own by adding discussion, reflection and opinions of his own on the subject. The essay doesn't have to have a specific format, and may have digressions throughout. Really, an essay can be rated on how well the author blends facts, opinions and personal experiences.

The thing to find, after you write your first draft, is to find why you wrote something that may not make sense. I find as I write a first draft I end up with sentences that seem totally unrelated. These may end up being your most personal opinions an a subject so find out why you put it, where the connection is, and what the train of thought was that led you to that conclusion. Find this and you can make that connection in the essay and make the paper something that is truly your own.