Order 1248697: This I Believe

This I Believe Essay (#1) for ENG 111

Based on a 1950s radio program of the same name, Americans from all walks of life share the personal philosophies and core values that guide their daily lives. Hear previous features and read more from the archives from this NPR WEBSITE.

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-wrenching—it 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. Be brief: Your statement should be between 800 and 1000 words.

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.

Be positive: Please avoid preaching or editorializing. Tell me 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. I recommend you 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.

Check out this website on NPR.

All writing begins with an idea. SO - Just start writing. This is called prewriting. I would like for you to have a prewriting draft (what I like to call a “Discovery” draft) for next class. It should be about 2 pages. Typed, double spaced, etc.

Begin with this phrase if it helps: I believe in . . .

This should be at least 2 pages. MLA format. No sources needed but if used they should be MLA formatted. Size 12 font, Times New Roman or Ariel Font.