We studied the construction of a non-fiction essay : claim, reasons, evidence, and conclusion. I then addressed how a personal experience can act as evidence, not just experts and statistics. Next, we read a narrative essay by NY Times columnist David Brooks. I noted how his entire claim that relationships are critical to adolescent development is proven by his personal experiences. David then answered a series of comprehension questions based on the reading. Tomorrow, David will begin working on an essay based on claim supported by his personal experiences or experiences of others with which he is familiar .