This document discusses various topics related to essay writing, including the purpose of essays, elements of effective essays, and tips for writing strong college admission essays. Several passages discuss Annie Dillard's purpose in writing "The Chase" which was to highlight differences between children and adults and entertain readers. Another passage explains the purpose of E.B. White's "Once More to the Lake" was to illustrate how returning to a childhood vacation spot evoked powerful sensations. The document also addresses the role of functional paragraphs in essays and what admissions officers look for in exceptional essays.