According to the authors, an essay is far to broad to set specific standards on or be defined. Both authors attempt to depict what an essay is by example, or listing off types of writing that could be included under the heading essay. Such works include reviews, newspaper entries, and scientific papers. From the authors I got that the essay should get a point across to the reader....that it should have something to prove or show. The essay needs to take the reader along and reveal something to them, whether objectively or through a shared personal experience. I think that a good essay can't be based on set standards. Rather, the type of essay should be considered when determining whether or not it is good. A good objective essay is informative, includes specifics, is concise and does not include too much "fluff". A good personal essay is well...personal, emotional, vivid, and captivating. All essays should inform.
For my essay to be "good" I think I need to include more details to grab the readers attention. I need to spice it up and make the details and sentences really jump off the page. I think this means I am going to have to add more emotional diction to my paragraphs to achieve my purpose of "sparking an interest in prospective members".