This I Believe
English 8CP
This I Believe: Writing Instructions [modified from: http://www.thisibelieve.org]
The This I Believe essay form is based on a 1950’s radio program of the same name, where Americans from all walks of life shared their personal philosophies and core values that guided their daily lives. In your essay, you will narrow this focus, writing only a statement of personal religious belief. Below are some suggestions to guide you through this process.
Name your belief: If you can't name it in a sentence or two, your essay might not be about belief. Also, rather than writing a list, consider focusing on one core belief.
Tell a story: Be specific. Take your belief out of personal experiences and ground it with specific events of your life. Consider moments when religious beliefs were formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience and family, and tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenching; but it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your religious philosophy and the shaping of your personal beliefs.
Be brief: Your statement should be between 350 and 500 words. That's about three minutes when read aloud at your natural pace.
Be positive: Please avoid preaching or editorializing. Tell what you do believe, not what you don't believe. Avoid speaking in the editorial "we." Make your essay about you; speak in the first person.
Be personal: Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. Read your essay aloud to yourself several times, and each time edit it and simplify it until you find the words, tone, and story that truly echo your belief and the way you speak.
English 8CP
This I Believe: Writing Instructions [modified from: http://www.thisibelieve.org]
The This I Believe essay form is based on a 1950’s radio program of the same name, where Americans from all walks of life shared their personal
This I Believe: Writing Instructions [modified from: http://www.thisibelieve.org]
The This I Believe essay form is based on a 1950’s radio program of the same name, where Americans from all walks of life shared their personal philosophies and core values that guided their daily lives. In your essay, you will narrow this focus, writing only a statement of personal religious belief. Below are some suggestions to guide you through this process.
Name your belief: If you can't name it in a sentence or two, your essay might not be about belief. Also, rather than writing a list, consider focusing on one core belief.
Tell a story: Be specific. Take your belief out of personal experiences and ground it with specific events of your life. Consider moments when religious beliefs were formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience and family, and tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenching; but it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your religious philosophy and the shaping of your personal beliefs.
Be brief: Your statement should be between 350 and 500 words. That's about three minutes when read aloud at your natural pace.
Be positive: Please avoid preaching or editorializing. Tell what you do believe, not what you don't believe. Avoid speaking in the editorial "we." Make your essay about you; speak in the first person.
Be personal: Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. Read your essay aloud to yourself several times, and each time edit it and simplify it until you find the words, tone, and story that truly echo your belief and the way you speak.
English 8CP
This I Believe: Writing Instructions [modified from: http://www.thisibelieve.org]
The This I Believe essay form is based on a 1950’s radio program of the same name, where Americans from all walks of life shared their personal