I need to write an essay about Mexican culture without sounding like a research paper. I'm not sure how far in depth I should go. I'm Mexican...

Depending on the course you are writing this essay for, you may have to do a little research. Sharing your own experiences as a Mexican-American can really give this paper a personal tone and prevent it from sounding like a research paper.

My first suggestion is to begin making some notes- either on paper or in a word document which you could later use to help write the drafts of your paper. Consider the following questions:

• How do you experience Mexican culture? What traditions does your family have to re-affirm your culture? 


• What lessons or histories have your family shared with you about being Mexican-American?


• What do you already know about Mexican and Mexican-American culture?


• What would you like to know about Mexican and Mexican-American culture?


• How does your experience as a Mexican-American fit into the narrative of Mexican identity? 

Answering these questions can get you started in the right direction. You have the potential to craft an interesting and honest essay, here. When you do some research to find out what you want to know about Mexican (American) culture, try to relate it to what you already know or experience as a Mexican-American person.

You may also find it helpful to create a timeline, detailing your family's history. You should include points like your birth, the birth of your parents, and any dates relevant to when your family's identity as Mexican-Americans was established. Many Mexican-American people have difficulty finding continuity in their family's ethnic identity, as the border for Mexico (and the United States) has moved around throughout history. Did your family become American when they crossed the border, or did the border move to integrate them as Americans? When did this happen?

While some writers find it more natural to develop a thesis for their paper after writing the body, perhaps you have already thought of a thesis or theme. If so, what is it? Try to make the body of your paper relate to your thesis. If you haven't thought of one yet, no worries! Developing the body of your essay will help to create a comprehensive theme for your paper. Remember to introduce your thesis in the introduction, and recall it in your conclusion.

I hope that these questions help you to begin building some content for your essay. Good luck!