NAME ______

This I Believe

Honor Code Level 3

The This I Believe series on NPR (National Public Radio) is a revival of a series broadcast in the early 1950s. In introducing the original series, host Edward R. Murrow said, "Never has the need for personal philosophies of this kind been so urgent." NPR revived the series for the past four years because of the many connections between past and present. Many of the same fears, hopes, and joys unite the people who came before us and who we are today. The best essays from the 1950s found a way, at least in part, to tell a story. The writers grounded their beliefs in the specifics of their lives, sometimes writing of moments when belief was formed or tested or changed. They wrote about the source of belief, how it was formed and those who influenced it.

Your Assignment:

Write a 1 - 2 page, typed essay that explains a belief that you have. You can explain how the belief formed, how it was tested, or times when it was reinforced.

Use the introduction above and the tips below to guide you. Also, look at the websiteat the bottom of the page for more examples and helpful ideas. We will share these in class starting on the due date, Tuesday, September 21, 2010.

Please turn in this sheet with your assignment because it has the rubric on the back.

Helpful hints:

  • Tell a story: Be specific. Take your belief 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 1 - 2 pages. That's about three minutes when read aloud at your natural pace.
  • 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 a core belief, because three minutes is a very short time.
  • Be positive: Please avoid preaching or editorializing. Tell us 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.

NAME ______

  • Be personal: Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. We 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 some more examples:

This assignment corresponds with the Colorado State Content Standards for History, H1c: Construct and defend a written historical argument using relevant primary and secondary sources as evidence and English Reasoning, 2e: Monitor and assess the extent to which your own beliefs and biases influenced your reactions to the viewpoints and logic of others.

Student focus should be on using first-hand experiences to explain a belief.

Advanced Proficient
4 / Proficient
3 / Partially Proficient
2 / Needs more evidence
MUST REVISE
Belief is clearly stated and specific personal details and first-hand examples are consistently included to vividly illustrate.
Appropriate length. Submitted on time. / Belief is stated and personal details and first-hand examples are usually included to illustrate.
Appropriate length. Submitted on time. / Belief is somewhat stated but personal details and examples are not consistently present.
May not be appropriate length. Not submitted on time. / Belief is not stated or personal examples and first-hand details are not present.
Inappropriate length. Not submitted on time.

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