There are many different reasons you might need to write a community service essay. Often when you set out to write this kind of essay, it is in response to a prompt for admission to a school or as part of an application for a scholarship. For this reason, it is important to note that the most important part of a community service essay for these purposes is following any given directions. This includes instructions relating to the length, topic, or even structure of the essay. Beyond these given instructions, there are a number of guidelines that you can follow that are usually appropriate for this type of essay.
A community service essay should address both the philosophical and personal importance of community service. This means that you must think both about the effect that service has on your life and the effect it has on the world. While it is not a good idea to be trite or to use the words of others, doing research on the effects of community service can help build a very persuasive essay. By demonstrating comprehension of complex theories, you can highlight not only your commitment to service, but also your intelligence.
Writing the essay requires the writer to set aside normal standards of modesty when it comes to positive personal traits and accomplishments. It is important to explain your contributions to community service in the best light possible without lying. While working as part of a group is important, many organizations tend to see individual accomplishments as more valuable than being part of a group.
When providing a description of community service that you have done, it is important to make sure that these claims can be verified. Usually, you do not need to list addresses and contact information in the essay itself, but it is a good idea to be specific about the name of the organization you have done service with and where it is located. This information is usually enough for any interested party to find the organization if necessary. Moreover, listing this information makes the essay sound more professional than referencing the organization informally.
It can sometimes be difficult to find a suitable ending for a community service essay. One way to end such an essay is to explain how you hope to provide community service in the future. Another good way to end a community service essay is by discussing a single poignant anecdote that sums up the value of community service as a whole. Finishing the essay on a strong note can often make the entire essay more memorable, although it is important to keep the reader's attention throughout the paper.