Get-It-Down-Draft

Task:

Write a This I Believe Essay about a belief and/or life philosophy that guides your life and that you feel comfortable discussing with your peers. Select a clear belief statement and use narrative techniques such as stories and anecdotes to explain and analyze the belief and how it influences your life. Consider the following guidance as you compose your essay:

1. While the mentor texts we’ve examined can serve as models, it is essential that you write about a personal belief or philosophy that you feel strongly about.

2. Tell a story: Be specific. Take your belief out of the ether and ground it in the events of your life. Consider moments when belief was formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience, work, and family, and tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenchingit can even be funny but it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your daily life philosophy and the shaping of your beliefs.

3. Be concise: Avoid repetition. This essay should be between 500-650 words. When read aloud, it should take roughly four minutes when read at a natural pace.

4. Name your belief: It is essential that you can name your belief in a sentence or two. If you cant name it in a sentence or two, your essay might not be about belief. Focus on one belief only; rather than writing a list, consider focusing on one core belief, because 500-650 words is very short!

5. Be positive: Avoid preaching or persuading. You arent trying to change the way others think or act. Write about what you believe, not what you dont believe.

6. Use the first person. Speak for yourself. Avoid using we or you.

7. Let your voice shine. Use language that sounds like you. Read it aloud as your revise. Keep making changes until your essay sounds like you and captures the essence of your belief.

Audience:

Your classmates and myself are your audience for this piece. You will potentially be able to submit this piece for publication to a more public audience as well.

Submission Guidelines:

Submit a link to your google document in which you have composed and revised your This I Believe Essay. Be sure you update the sharing settings to “All with the link can edit.”