Final answer:
A personal essay differs from an autobiography and a memoir in length and in the amount of life it covers, concentrating on a specific event or a short period. The correct answer is option Option 1: in length and in the amount of life it covers.
Step-by-step explanation:
A personal essay differs from an autobiography and memoir in length and in the amount of life it covers, which corresponds with Option 1.
Whereas autobiographies typically cover a substantial span of the author's life, sometimes up to the entire life up until the point of writing, and memoirs cover certain incidents or a specific period of time, personal essays concentrate on a particular event or a short period and reflect on the emotional and intellectual impact of that event or time.
Personal essays, autobiographies, and memoirs share the similarity of being based on the author's experiences and are recounted from a first-person perspective. However, personal essays and memoirs tend to be more focused and concise compared to the broader and more comprehensive scope of an autobiography. The personal essay offers a snapshot of a significant moment or theme, providing a deep dive into the thoughts and emotions during that time.