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This I Believe

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Celebrating Four Years Of 'This I Believe'

April 27, 2009 • During its four-year run on NPR, This I Believe engaged listeners in a discussion of the core beliefs that guide their daily lives. We heard from people of all walks of life — the very young and the very old, the famous and the previously unknown.

Saying Thanks To My Ghosts

April 26, 2009 • Novelist Amy Tan hasn't always believed in ghosts, but as a writer she's had too many inspirations that she can't fully explain. Now, Tan embraces her belief in ghosts and the messages of joy, love and peace they bring her.

Life Is An Act Of Literary Creation

April 23, 2009 • Mexican-American novelist Luis Urrea used to think that simply being a good observer would make his writing better. But over time, he's come to believe that being a good writer and a good person comes from paying attention to the world around him.

The Art Of Being A Neighbor

April 12, 2009 • A few years ago, Eve Birch was broke and living alone in a dilapidated mountain shack. But a community of people befriended her, shared what little they had with her and showed Birch the value of neighbors uniting to help one another.

Muhammad Ali John Lair/Muhammad Ali Center hide caption

I Am Still The Greatest

April 6, 2009 • To be the "Greatest of All Time," boxing legend Muhammad Ali says you have to believe in yourself. It's a lesson his parents taught him and it has helped him in fighting Parkinson's disease.

Dancing To Connect To A Global Tribe

March 29, 2009 • Matt Harding has been to 70 countries to dance — badly — in front of a camera, and videos of his travels have become an Internet sensation. Harding believes interacting with so many different people challenges him to understand what unites humanity.

My Father Deserves Spectacular Results

March 26, 2009 • Environmental activist Van Jones is a special adviser to the Obama administration. He says his dad, who died last year, would have gotten a kick out of seeing Obama become president. But his dad had high standards, and there is much more work to be done.

The Beatles Live On

March 15, 2009 • Macklin Levine was born more than 25 years after the Fab Four broke up, but at 12, she has a deep appreciation for Beatles music. "As old as the songs are, you can learn a lot about yourself from the lyrics," she says. And the Beatles help her remember her Dad, too.

Finding Freedom In Forgiveness

March 5, 2009 • Jennifer Thompson-Cannino was certain that Ronald Cotton was the man who raped her in 1984. But she was wrong. After Cotton spent 11 years in jail, DNA evidence proved his innocence. Now, the two have a friendship based on their belief in forgiveness.

Work Is A Blessing

March 1, 2009 • When he was 12, Russel Honore got his first job helping a neighbor milk 65 dairy cows twice a day. Fifty years later, the retired Army lieutenant general believes hard work helps build character, strengthen communities and promote freedom.

Seeing Beyond Our Differences

February 26, 2009 • Scientist Sheri White says that despite differences in size, shape and color, all humans are 99.9 percent biologically identical. White believes we should embrace our similarities and honor the differences that make each of us unique.

Historical Archives

Reflections on race: essays from the archives.

February 23, 2009 • Dan Gediman, executive producer of NPR's This I Believe, explores the archives of the original series hosted by Edward R. Murrow in the 1950s. He says the essays shed light on the realities of segregation at the dawn of the civil rights movement.

Gediman explores the 'This I Believe' archives.

The magic of letters.

February 15, 2009 • Chameli Waiba was raised in a village in Nepal and didn't attend school as a child. When she finally learned to read as an adult, Waiba discovered the power words could have to change her life, as well as the lives of others in her rural community.

How To Survive Life's Tests

February 9, 2009 • Kendra Jones assigned her students to write This I Believe essays and decided that she owed it to them to write one of her own. Jones believes toughness, steeliness and even meanness have helped her throughout her life.

Our Awareness Controls Human Destiny

February 8, 2009 • In an essay from 1951 for the original This I Believe series, Margaret Mead says she can't separate the beliefs she has as a person from the beliefs she has as an anthropologist. She says that humans have a responsibility for the entire planet.

A Hope For Bettering Humanity

February 1, 2009 • In an essay from 1953 for the original This I Believe series, Sir Charles Galton Darwin, the grandson of naturalist Charles Darwin, drew on his study of science to say he believed the future of humanity depended on the practice of eugenics.

Listening Is Powerful Medicine

February 1, 2009 • It took a scolding from an elderly patient to get Dr. Alicia Conill to look up from her charts and stop to listen. Conill came to understand the value of listening in the treatment process — especially when she herself became the patient.

America's Beauty Is In Its Diversity

January 29, 2009 • In sixth grade, Alaa El-Saad decided to start wearing the hijab , a religious head covering for Muslim women. Despite some trepidation, she found her classmates supported her choice. Now El-Saad believes being different is part of being American.

Thirty Things I Believe

January 18, 2009 • When Tarak McLain's kindergarten group celebrated their 100th day of class, some kids brought 100 nuts or cotton balls. Tarak brought a list of 100 things he believes. Now a first-grader, Tarak shares his top beliefs about God, life, nature and war.

Inviting The World To Dinner

January 12, 2009 • Every Sunday for 30 years, Jim Haynes has welcomed complete strangers into his Paris home for dinner. By introducing people to each other and encouraging them to make personal connections, Haynes believes he can foster greater tolerance in the world.

Pathways Of Desire

January 4, 2009 • Gina Parosa believes in letting her kids, pets and livestock make their own paths in life. But she also realizes that as a farmer and parent, she sometimes has to step in and set good boundaries — while still being flexible enough to change them.

This Is Home

January 1, 2009 • Majora Carter believes you don't have to move out of your old neighborhood to live in a better one. Carter was raised in the South Bronx and spent years trying to leave. But when the city proposed a waste facility there, she was inspired to fight for her community.

Health Is A Human Right

December 21, 2008 • As an infectious disease specialist, Dr. Paul Farmer has traveled the planet to organize and provide medical treatment for people living in poverty. He believes good health care is vital but just the first step in creating a world free of all human suffering.

Listen... a sound collage from This I Believe from NPR

About this i believe.

This I Believe was an international project engaging people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values that guide their daily lives. These short statements of belief, written by people from all walks of life, are archived online in perpetuity. Selected essays aired on National Public Radio from 2005 to 2009, and were collected in a New York Times bestselling book; further collections of NPR-aired essays were also published.

Atlantic Public Media served as the independent production team for the long-running and acclaimed NPR series, This I Believe .

Jay Allison was the curator. Viki Merrick was editor. The series also produced best-selling books which are still used in schools and colleges today.

Listen... Eboo Patel on This I Believe

In 2005 and 2006, USA Weekend invited its readers to participate in the project and published selected essays from their readers. Numerous local public radio stations, newspapers, and magazines have featured essays from citizens in their communities. In 2008 Atlantic Public Media helped Madhu Acharya create a Nepali version of This I Believe .

The series spawned an outreach structure to bring this program to the attention of schools and other community groups, and the books have become popular with “one book, one community” projects.

The project was based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow.

Listen... Dennis Downey on This I Believe

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39 “This I Believe” Essay

The history of ‘this i believe’.

by Tanya Matthews

This I Believe is an exciting media project that invites individuals from all walks of life to write about and discuss the core beliefs that guide their daily lives. They share these statements in weekly broadcasts on NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered .

The series is based on the 1950’s radio program This I Believe , hosted by acclaimed journalist Edward R. Murrow. Each day, some 39-million Americans gathered by their radios to hear compelling essays from the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Robinson, Helen Keller and Harry Truman as well as corporate leaders, cab drivers, scientists and secretaries — anyone able to distill into a few minutes the guiding principles by which they lived. Their words brought comfort and inspiration to a country worried about the Cold War, McCarthyism and racial division.

Eventually, the radio series became a cultural phenomenon. Eighty-five leading newspapers printed a weekly column based on This I Believe . A collection of essays published in 1952 sold 300,000 copies — second only to the Bible that year. The series was translated and broadcast around the globe on the Voice of America. A book of essays translated into Arabic sold 30,000 copies in just three days.

[The NPR series This I Believe can be read and heard here . In addition, the website and organization This I Believe houses thousands of essays written by famous people, such as the ones mentioned above, and everyday people like you and me.]

As a college student in 2020, you are faced with turbulent politics, socioeconomic issues, and ethical dilemmas that will challenge you to take a stand and contribute to the local, national, and global conversation around you. The purpose of this writing task is not to persuade you to agree on the same beliefs. Rather, it is to encourage you to begin the much more difficult task of developing respect for beliefs different from your own. Fifty years ago, Edward R. Murrow’s project struck such a chord with millions of Americans. It can do so again today…with you.

Video Resources for Generating Ideas

Dan gediman on writing a “this i believe essay”.

Read Cecelia Munoz’s essay “Getting Angry Can Be a Good Thing” referred to in the previous video here .

“This I Believe” Essay with Animation

“This I Believe” Essay Ideas

Prewriting Activity

1) analyze others’ statements.

Consider the following statements, written in response to the question What Have You Learned About Life? Highlight any sentences that resonate with you. Talk about them with a partner or group, explaining why. 1. I’ve learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. – Age 9 2. I’ve learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. – Age 14 3. I’ve learned that although it’s hard to admit it, I’m secretly glad my parents are strict with me. – Age 15 4. I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. – Age 39 5. I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don’t know how to show it. – Age 42 6. I’ve learned that you can make someone’s day by simply sending them a little note. – Age 44 7. I’ve learned that the greater a person’s sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. – Age 46 8. I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. – Age 48 9. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. – Age 53 10. I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. – Age 58 11. I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. – Age 62 12. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. – Age 66 13. I’ve learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I’ve seen several. – Age 75 14. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. – Age 82 15. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch—holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. – Age 85 16. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. – Age 92

2) Compose Your Own Statement

Write down a sentence that expresses what YOU have learned about life. Maybe it is similar to one of the statements above; maybe it’s completely different. Whatever it is, write it down.

3) Freewrit e

Now free-write about your sentence. Include at least two examples / experiences that you have had that support why you think this way.

Personal Statement/Philosophy: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Why do you believe in this statement? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name two experiences that you had that would support the statement: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What does this say about yourself or your personality? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ After your life experience, how have you come to the conclusion that this should be your statement? How have your beliefs changed, if at all? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How has the event effected your relationship with a person, place, or object? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How does your statement apply to you today? (How you view yourself & society) ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SAMPLE STUDENT ESSAYS

Sample #1: america’s beauty is in its diversity.

written by Alaa El-Saad, high school student, as heard on NPR’s Tell Me More (2009)

America is built on the idea of freedom, and there is no exception for Muslim women. I believe in the freedom of religion and speech. But mostly, I believe it’s OK to be different, and to stand up for who and what you are. So I believe in wearing the hijab.

The hijab is a religious head covering, like a scarf. I am Muslim and keeping my head covered is a sign of maturity and respect toward my religion and to Allah’s will. To be honest, I also like to wear it to be different. I don’t usually like to do what everyone else is doing. I want to be an individual, not just part of the crowd. But when I first wore it, I was also afraid of the reaction that I’d get at school.

I decided on my own that sixth grade was the time I should start wearing the hijab. I was scared about what the kids would say or even do to me. I thought they might make fun of me, or even be scared of me and pull off my headscarf. Kids at that age usually like to be all the same, and there’s little or no acceptance for being different.

On the first day of school, I put all those negative thoughts behind my back and walked in with my head held high. I was holding my breath a little, but inside I was also proud to be a Muslim, proud to be wearing the hijab, proud to be different.

I was wrong about everything I thought the kids would say or even do to me. I actually met a lot of people because of wearing my head covering. Most of the kids would come and ask me questions—respectfully—about the hijab, and why I wore it.

I did hear some kid was making fun of me, but there was one girl—she wasn’t even in my class, we never really talked much—and she stood up for me, and I wasn’t even there! I made a lot of new friends that year, friends that I still have until this very day, five years later.

Yes, I’m different, but everyone is different here, in one way or another. This is the beauty of America. I believe in what America is built on: all different religions, races and beliefs. Different everything.

Sample #2: The Essentials to Happiness

written by Alexxandra Schuman, high school student, as heard on The Bob Edwards Show (2013)

As a child, I was generally happy; singing and dancing to my favorite songs; smiling and laughing with my friends and family. But as far back as second grade, I noticed a “darkness,” about me. I didn’t enjoy engaging in many things. I didn’t relate to my peers in elementary school because they appeared so happy, and I didn’t have that ability to achieve happiness so easily.

In middle school things in my life began to get even worse. I began withdrawing from everything I once enjoyed; swimming, tennis, family. I hated going to sleep knowing I had to wake up to another day. I was always tired. Everything was horrible. Finally, midway through eighth grade, I was told I had a chemical imbalance; diagnosed with clinical depression and put on medication. It took months for me to feel the effects of the medication.

When I began to feel happy again, is when I realized that I had to take the responsibility for getting better myself, rather than relying on medication and therapy alone. Aristotle said, “To live happily is an inward power of the soul,” and I believe that this quote describes what I had to do to achieve happiness. Happiness is a journey. Everyone seems to need different things to be happy. But I believe people are blinded from what truly makes one happy.

Growing up, we’re encouraged to be successful in life; but how is success defined? Success and happiness are imagined now as having a lot of money. It is so untrue. Recently I went to Costa Rica and visited the small town of El Roble. I spent the day with a nine-year old girl named Marilyn. She took me to her house to meet her parents. It was obvious that they were not rich; living in a small house with seven children. The house was cluttered but full of life. Those who have decided that success and happiness comes from having money and a big house would be appalled at how utterly happy this family from El Roble is. People say that seeing things like that make you appreciate what you have, but for me, it made me envy them for being so happy without all the things I have.

“The essentials to happiness are something to love, something to do, and something to hope for,” a quote from William Blake sums up what I believe people need to realize to be truly happy in life. People need love; I feel they need their family and their friends more than anything in the world. People need work to do, something to make them feel they are making a difference in the world. People need to know that more good is to come in the future, so they continue to live for “now” instead of constantly worrying about the bad that could come. And most importantly people need to know that happiness is not something that happens overnight. Love and hope is happiness.

Sample #3: Find a Good Frog

written by Delia Motavalli, high school student, as heard on The Bob Edwards Show (2013)

I believe in finding a good frog. It seems that all throughout childhood, we are taught to look for a happily ever after. “And they all lived happily ever after”; isn’t that the conclusion to many children’s films? When I was a kid I always thought of that as magical; but now really it just seems unrealistic. And it teaches us that what we want is a fairytale like they have in the storybooks. We all want to be Cinderella who gets swept off her feet by the hot prince; we want to live in the royal castle, right? But I don’t think that’s necessarily a good thing for us to seek. Now I’m not saying I believe in being pessimistic, but I do believe in being realistic; it’s something I got from my mom.

My mother and I always have our best conversations in the rain. We sit in the car, neither of us wanting to brave the rain to get to the house. So we sit. We watch droplets race down the windshield, listen to the rain strike the roof of her little blue Honda, and feel the heater on full-blast rushing at our feet (just the way we like it). I don’t know why, but sitting in the car, we always talk more than normal. There was one rainy day when my mom told me something that is going to stick with me forever. Earlier that day she and my dad had been arguing about something; I can’t remember what. So she said, “Don’t spend your life looking for Prince Charming. Instead, find yourself a really good frog.”

At the time, I found this thought really disheartening. Who wants to think that you’ll never find Prince Charming? You’ll never get to be Cinderella? Another thought that struck my mind: if my mom says there’s no Prince Charming, then what’s my dad? A frog? I asked her, and she replied with, “Of course! If he were Prince Charming, he wouldn’t snore, would be able to cook, and we would never argue. But you know what? He’s a damn good frog.” Of course, being young, I didn’t think of the meaning behind what she was saying. I was too busy thinking of it literally, visualizing my mom as a princess and my dad in frog form.

But a few years later, I understand the value of my mom’s words. You can’t expect everything to be perfect. Let’s be completely honest; if you wait your whole life for your prince with flowing hair, statuesque features, and a white horse, you’re going to be lonely. I think that the point of finding a good frog is you accept something that’s great, flaws and all. It’s so easy to be picky. You can find the one tiny thing that’s wrong, and that one tiny thing is what you can’t get your mind off of. But in life, we can’t afford to wait years in vain for perfection. So I think that a good frog, an amazing frog, the best frog you can find is what we’re really looking for in this world. Don’t laze through life waiting for a happily ever after, because I don’t think you’ll be very happy with the outcome.

Examples from the ‘This I Believe’ Website

Be Cool to the Pizza Dude by Sarah Adams

They Lived Their Faith by Charles Henry Parrish

Returning to What’s Natural by Amelia Baxter-Stoltzfus

The Birthright of Human Dignity by Will Thomas

Remembering All The Boys by Elvia Bautista

I Am Still The Greatest by Muhammad Ali

A Goal Of Service To Humankind by Anthony Fauci

My Life Is Better by Abraham

Give Me a Waffle by Brenda

The Little Things by Sophie Crossley

You can also browse thousands more This I Believe essays by theme .

Prefer to Listen to Get Inspiration?

Check out This I Believe’s Podcast Series

4) Drafting

Assignment guidelines + suggestions and tips for drafting.

1. While the examples you’ve been given can serve as a model, it is essential that each of you write about a personal belief or philosophy that you feel strongly about. 2. Tell a story. Personal experiences are the corner stone of a good essay. Your story doesn’t have to be a heart breaker or even a major event, but it must be something that has affected how you think, feel, and act. List your personal experiences that you intend to use as evidence below: 3. Be concise. Avoid repetition. This essay should be between 500 – 650 words. When read aloud, it should take roughly four minutes. 4. Name your belief. It is essential that you can name your belief in a sentence or two. Focus on one belief only. This is your thesis. Write it here: 5. Be positive. Avoid preaching or persuading. You aren’t trying to change the way others think or act. Write about what you believe, not what you don’t 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.

5) Peer Review

Once you have written your first draft, arrange for your essay to be edited by a peer, using the following Peer-Editing Checklist: Writer’s Name: ________________________________________________ Peer Editor’s Name: ________________________________________________ Use your PENCIL or PEN (NOT red or green) to make corrections. Remember, this essay is a work in progress. You are not done writing! Look for ways to improve what you’ve already written. Tick each step if it has been completed. _____ 1. Read the paper backwards, one sentence at a time. Check for spelling errors. Use a dictionary, a friend, or a spell checker to find the correct spelling. _____ 2. Check for capitalized proper nouns and the first word of each sentence. _____ 3. Skip a line between each paragraph. _____ 4. Every sentence should have end punctuation. _____ 5. Check commas. Are they only used for compound sentences, a list of items, an introductory word or phrase, direct address, setting off interruptions, separating adjectives, or in dates? Do you need to add commas? Make sure you do not have commas separating complete sentences (i.e. comma splice errors that create run-on sentences). _____ 6. Apostrophes are used only for contractions and to show ownership. _____ 7. The use of more complex punctuation (dashes, hyphens, semi-colons, parentheses, etc.) is done correctly. _____ 8. Have you used commonly mixed pairs of words correctly? Check these: they’re/their/there, your/you’re, it’s/its, a/an, to/too/two, are/our/hour, and others. _____ 9. Read the paper backwards one sentence at a time. Check for sentence fragments and run-ons and correct them. _____ 10. Did you stay in present tense (such as is, am, do, take, know, etc.) or past tense (such as was, were, did, took, knew, etc.) throughout the entire essay? _____ 11. Did you stay in first person (I, me, my, we, us, our) or third person (he, him, she, her, they, them, their) throughout the entire essay? _____ 12. Was there adequate use of specific details and sensory details? Were the details clear and relevant to the statement? _____ 13. Is the overall purpose/philosophy clear? _____ 14. Does the conclusion make you go, “Wow!” “Cool!” “I never thought about it that way,” or any other similar reaction? Other suggestions for the overall content of the piece: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

possible grading rubric for This I Believe essay

This I Believe by Tanya Matthews is licensed by CC-BY-SA

“This I Believe” Essay Copyright © 2020 by Liza Long; Amy Minervini; and Joel Gladd is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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50 I Believe Essay Topics

To better train students on how to present their personal opinions on subjective matters, teachers will assign what is known as an “I Believe” or “This I Believe” essay writing assignment.

Designed to provide the reader with insight into the writer’s character, these essays are typically written in first-person point of view. The writer shares their beliefs on a particular topic – ranging from religion and politics to more personal subjects such as love and happiness – and offers supporting arguments for why they hold these beliefs.

The Challenges of Writing “I Believe” Essays

This type of essay prompt is a welcome break from more detail-oriented or researched-based writing assignments for many students. However, “I believe” essay writing assignments aren’t always easy.

It can be challenging for students to articulate their beliefs in a clear and concise way that isn’t argumentative or offensive to the reader. Students may also struggle to explain their reasoning behind these beliefs in a thorough and not overly simplistic way.

Despite these challenges, “I believe” essays can be an excellent opportunity for students to share their thoughts and feelings on important topics and learn more about themselves in the process.

Tips for Writing “I Believe” Essays

If you’re given an “I believe” essay assignment, here are a few tips to help you get started:

Start by defining what it is that you believe. This may seem like a simple task, but it can be challenging to identify your core beliefs. If you’re struggling, start by jotting down a list of topics that are important to you – from politics and religion to family and friendship.
Reflect on why each topic is important to you. Think about the reasoning behind your choices and how these reasons evolved over time. After all, your core beliefs are likely to have changed or grown since you reached adolescence.
Determine which of your beliefs are the most important. Focusing on developing thought processes that support your beliefs. For extra help, consider sharing these thoughts with a trusted friend or family member for advice.

By reflecting upon your core beliefs and developing clear arguments to support them, you can craft a powerful “I believe” essay that will truly reflect your thoughts and feelings.

How to Write an “I Believe” Essay

To craft a well-written “I Believe” essay, students must forgo the typical essay structure of introduction, body, and conclusion.

Instead, the essay should be organized around a series of specific beliefs that the writer wishes to share. Each thought should be introduced with a clear thesis statement, followed by supporting arguments and examples.

The conclusion of the essay should wrap up the main points that have been made and leave the reader with a final thought to ponder.

Here is an example of how an “I Believe” essay might be structured:

Thesis: I believe that everyone has the right to love and be loved.

Argument: Everyone deserves to find love and experience happiness in their lives. This should not be limited by race, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other factor.

Example: I saw a video of a man proposing to his girlfriend at Fenway Park. She said yes and the crowd went wild! Now that is love. If they can find it, then so can we all!

Conclusion: Society should not stand in the way of love. Love is the most powerful force in the world, and we should all embrace it.

As you can see, the “I Believe” essay structure allows for a great deal of flexibility. Students can choose to focus on a variety of topics and can organize their essays in different ways. An “I Believe” essay can be an excellent opportunity for students to present their thoughts on important issues under a few simple guidelines. With a bit of planning and organization, this type of essay writing assignment can be a breeze!

What You Shouldn’t Do When Writing an “I Believe” Essay

To ensure that you are writing an “I Believe” essay and not another form of an argumentative or persuasive essay, avoid doing the following:

Don’t provide evidence or use statistics to support your position – this is not an essay that calls for research.
Don’t attack or criticize the beliefs of others – your goal is to share your own opinions, not to tear down those of others.
Don’t go off on tangents – stay focused on the main points you want to make.
Don’t speak objectively or in the third person – for example, don’t say “people believe that” or “studies show.”
Don’t use filler words and phrases such as “I think,” “I feel,” and “it seems like.”

Use any of these 50 “I Believe” essay topics to help you brainstorm ideas for your essay!

I Believe Essay Topics About Life

I believe that life is too short to spend time with people who bring you down.
I believe that laughter is the best medicine
I believe that we should make time for quiet reflection every day.
I believe that the only thing that matters in life is love.
I believe that we are all capable of change.
I believe that it is never too late to learn and grow.
I believe in the power of positive thinking.
I believe that we should always be kind, even when it is difficult.
I believe that there is no such thing as a coincidence.
I believe in the saying “what goes around, comes around.”
I believe that we are all responsible for our own happiness.
I believe that the best things in life are free.
I believe that it is essential to be grateful for what we have.
I believe that it is never too late to achieve our dreams.
I believe that we should surround ourselves with people who make us better.
I believe that you can either love or hate something; there is no in-between.

I Believe Essay Topics About Education & School

I believe that education is the key to a bright future
I believe that children are our future and should be treasured as such.
I believe that there is no such thing as a dumb question.
I believe that schools should do more to celebrate diversity.
I believe that homework is essential, but it should not be excessive.
I believe in the importance of having a strong support system while attending school.
I believe that standardized tests are not an accurate measure of a student’s knowledge.
I believe that it is vital to find a balance between work and play while in school.
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn how to swim.
I believe in the importance of recess and physical activity in students’ lives.
I believe that there is no such thing as a bad grade.
I believe that teachers deserve more respect and better pay.
I believe that it is never too early to learn a foreign language.
I believe that education should be free for everyone.

I Believe Essay Topics About Friends & Family

I believe that family is the most important thing in life.
I believe that friends are the family we choose for ourselves.
I believe that it is essential to maintain close relationships with friends and family.
I believe that there is no substitute for quality time spent with loved ones.
I believe that family is not defined by blood but by love and commitment.
I believe that we should spend more time with the people we care about and less time worrying about material things.
I believe that it is better to have a few close friends than many superficial ones.
I believe that it is healthy for friends to grow apart.
I believe that competition between friends is healthy.

I Believe Essay Topics About Money

I believe that money cannot buy happiness.
I believe that it is essential to be happy with what you have, not what you want.
I believe that people are more important than things.
I believe that it is okay to splurge on something even if it means going into debt.
I believe that it is better to give than to receive.
I believe that money can’t buy everything.
I believe that the love of money is the root of all evil.
I believe in saving for a rainy day.
I believe in investing in oneself.
I believe in the saying, “money doesn’t grow on trees.”
I believe that rich people should be forced to pay more taxes.

These 50 I Believe essay topics are sure to inspire your own original beliefs and help you create a powerful and unique essay. When writing your I Believe essay, be sure to focus on the beliefs that are most important to you and that you feel passionate about discussing. The best I Believe essays are the ones that are personal and reflective, so don’t be afraid to share your own thoughts and experiences.

90 Concept Essay Topics
110 Extended Essay Topics
50 Rogerian Essay Topics
120 Argumentative Essay Topics
75 Critical Thinking Essay Topics

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This I believe : the personal philosophies of remarkable men and women

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Contact Jay Allison

This I Believe is an international project engaging people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values that guide their daily lives. These short statements of belief, written by people from all walks of life, are archived online in perpetuity. Selected essays aired on National Public Radio from 2005 to 2009, and were collected in a New York Times bestselling book; a second collection of NPR-aired essays was also published.

The series spawned an outreach structure to bring this program to the attention of schools and other community groups, and the books have become popular with “one book, one community” projects. The project was based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow.

NPR – This I Believe : http://www.npr.org/series/4538138/this-i-believe

NPR Shop – This I Believe Essay Collection: http://shop.npr.org/books/this-i-believe-paperback

NPR Shop – This I Believe Audio Book: http://shop.npr.org/spoken-word/this-i-believe-unabridged-audiobook

Nepali This I Believe ( Mero Jindagi ): http://www.afn.org.np/programs_detail.php?id=2

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This I Believe Essay

This i believe essay generator.

In the realm of personal expression and introspection, the “This I Believe” essay stands as a testament to the power of individual beliefs and narratives. Rooted in the context of personal experiences and convictions, these essays provide a platform for individuals to articulate their core principles, values, and perspectives. Through the use of various literary devices and elements , authors craft narratives that illuminate their unique outlook on life. In this article, we will delve into the definition of a This I Believe essay, present a step-by-step guide on how to craft one, address common questions, and explore the essence of this expressive form.

1. High School This I Believe Essay Example

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What is a This I Believe Essay?

A This I Believe essay is a written composition that encapsulates an individual’s personal beliefs, values, and philosophies. Often reflective and intimate in nature, these essays offer readers insight into the author’s subjective understanding of the world. They provide an opportunity to explore the depth of one’s convictions, making use of various literary devices and characteristics to convey a sense of authenticity and sincerity. Through the exploration of individual experiences and convictions, these essays aim to connect with readers on a personal and emotional level.

How to Write a This I Believe Essay

Step 1: choose your core belief.

At the heart of your essay lies your core belief. Choose a belief that holds personal significance and represents your worldview. This belief should be something you feel passionately about and can articulate convincingly.

Step 2: Develop a Compelling Context

Create a context for your belief by providing background information. Explain why this belief is important to you and how it has shaped your experiences and outlook on life. A relatable context will engage your readers and make your essay more relatable.

Step 3: Employ Effective Literary Devices

Incorporate literary devices to enhance the impact of your essay. Metaphors, similes, and anecdotes can help convey your belief in a vivid and relatable manner. Consider how these devices can strengthen your narrative and connect with your audience emotionally.

Step 4: Craft a Strong Conclusion

Summarize your belief and its significance in your life, reinforcing the message you want to leave with your readers. Reflect on the journey you’ve taken them on and inspire them to reflect on their own beliefs.

Can I write about a commonly held belief?

Absolutely. While it’s important to maintain authenticity, even exploring a cliché belief can be powerful when you provide a fresh perspective or personal context. Your unique experiences and reflections make your essay stand out.

Can I use proper nouns in my essay?

Yes, proper nouns can add specificity and authenticity to your essay. Mentioning specific places, people, or events can help ground your beliefs in real-world experiences.

How can I make my essay more impactful?

Focus on using strong verbs to convey emotions and actions. Instead of saying “I felt sad,” consider saying “I crumbled under the weight of sorrow.” This adds depth to your writing and engages the reader’s senses.

In the realm of personal expression, the This I Believe essay shines as a vehicle for exploring one’s deepest convictions. By carefully selecting beliefs, weaving context, employing literary devices, and crafting strong conclusions, authors can create narratives that resonate with readers on a profound level. Through the power of words, these essays bridge the gap between individual experiences and universal truths, reminding us of the strength and diversity of human beliefs. So, take the plunge into introspection and share your beliefs with the world through the art of the This I Believe essay.

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101 This I Believe Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

"This I Believe" essays are a popular genre in the academic and personal writing world. They allow individuals to reflect on their beliefs, values, and experiences in a concise and engaging manner. If you're looking for some inspiration for your own "This I Believe" essay, here are 101 topic ideas and examples to get you started:

I believe in the power of kindness.
I believe in the importance of self-love.
I believe in the value of hard work.
I believe in the beauty of diversity.
I believe in the strength of resilience.
I believe in the magic of music.
I believe in the healing power of nature.
I believe in the importance of education.
I believe in the power of forgiveness.
I believe in the importance of empathy.
I believe in the value of honesty.
I believe in the power of hope.
I believe in the importance of family.
I believe in the beauty of art.
I believe in the strength of community.
I believe in the power of perseverance.
I believe in the importance of gratitude.
I believe in the value of friendship.
I believe in the beauty of simplicity.
I believe in the importance of mindfulness.
I believe in the power of positivity.
I believe in the importance of communication.
I believe in the value of laughter.
I believe in the beauty of love.
I believe in the strength of faith.
I believe in the power of creativity.
I believe in the importance of integrity.
I believe in the value of curiosity.
I believe in the beauty of vulnerability.
I believe in the strength of courage.
I believe in the importance of authenticity.
I believe in the value of compassion.
I believe in the beauty of acceptance.
I believe in the strength of self-expression.
I believe in the power of self-reflection.
I believe in the importance of self-care.
I believe in the value of independence.
I believe in the beauty of solitude.
I believe in the strength of teamwork.
I believe in the power of imagination.
I believe in the importance of discipline.
I believe in the value of responsibility.
I believe in the beauty of freedom.
I believe in the power of change.
I believe in the importance of adaptability.
I believe in the value of balance.
I believe in the beauty of imperfection.
I believe in the strength of vulnerability.
I believe in the power of self-awareness.
I believe in the importance of self-compassion.
I believe in the value of self-acceptance.
I believe in the beauty of growth.
I believe in the strength of transformation.
I believe in the importance of resilience.
I believe in the value of perseverance.
I believe in the beauty of forgiveness.
I believe in the strength of love.
I believe in the power of gratitude.
I believe in the value of kindness.
I believe in the strength of unity.
I believe in the importance of trust.
I believe in the beauty of authenticity.
I believe in the strength of integrity.
I believe in the power of communication.
I believe in the importance of collaboration.
I believe in the value of teamwork.
I believe in the beauty of creativity.
I believe in the strength of innovation.
I believe in the power of education.
I believe in the importance of lifelong learning.
I believe in the value of critical thinking.
I believe in the beauty of curiosity.
I believe in the power of adaptability.
I believe in the importance of flexibility.
I believe in the value of patience.
I believe in the beauty of perseverance.
I believe in the strength of determination.
I believe in the power of self-discipline.
I believe in the importance of self-control.
I believe in the value of self-improvement.
I believe in the beauty of self-care.
I believe in the strength of self-love.
I believe in the power of self-acceptance.
I believe in the importance of self-awareness.
I believe in the value of self-reflection.
I believe in the beauty of self-discovery.
I believe in the power of self-confidence.
I believe in the importance of self-respect.
I believe in the value of self-esteem.
I believe in the beauty of self-compassion.
I believe in the strength of self-empowerment.
I believe in the power of self-actualization.

These are just a few examples of the many topics that you could explore in your own "This I Believe" essay. Remember, the key to a successful essay is to choose a topic that is meaningful to you and to communicate your beliefs with honesty and clarity. Good luck!

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Power Lesson: “This I Believe” Essays

December 4, 2016

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“Doing homework” by Predi is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

In this power lesson shared by high school English teacher Cynthia Ruiz , students write their own personal statements of belief. The essay pushes students to write about something that matters to them and helps them get to know each other on a deeper level.

I used to assign a “Letter to the Teacher” at the beginning of every year to get a snapshot of how a student writes while simultaneously learning background information. Being completely honest, this assignment is also an easy way to get the first few back-to-school days started when a 90-minute class period feels like 900 minutes, because everyone is typically on their best behavior and not talking much. Although I enjoy reading the letters, the assignment doesn’t lend itself to revising and is written only for a specific, one-person audience.

I know building relationships with students is important and a way to get to know them is through their writing, so I did some research to see what other teachers were trying. I came across the “This I Believe” site and immediately liked the concept better than an introduction letter for a teacher.

Assignment Guidelines

The first time I assigned a “This I Believe” essay was in the fall of 2014, during the second week of school. I planned it as a year-long endeavor, something we could work on as a distraction from other essays required to prepare for state testing. This past year, I did not assign it until late April; it would be our last major writing task. I wanted to give everyone plenty of time to write but held them to a firm deadline of having four weeks to work.

This time, I crafted my writing guidelines according to those posted on the NPR site that hosts hundreds of This I Believe essays from around the world. My rubric still has some typical writing conventions, but overall I think it focuses more on student voice than structure. I made it clear that students had a lot of choice regarding both content and format. The biggest restriction came directly from the This I Believe site: a 500-600 word limit. I know a lot of writing teachers are divided when it comes to word count, but I figured it was still better than giving a specific number of required paragraphs and sentences.

One other requirement was that students use at least three “vocabulary devices.” This may seem like a restriction, but it actually supported student voice. Over the spring semester, we spent a lot of time reviewing both rhetorical and literary devices (anaphora, hypothetical questions, simile) and I told students to focus on the devices they genuinely felt comfortable using.

Helping Students Choose a Topic

Because the rubric leaves room for a lot of choice, I encouraged students to visit the featured essays site and not only read, but listen to real examples. I wanted them to see that this wasn’t just another run-of-the-mill assignment, that what they believe is important and writing is just one way to share those beliefs. I also made it a point to tell them our end goal was to share this essay with their entire class by way of a gallery walk.

After giving students time to explore the site, I had them “rush write” in their notebooks to see what immediate ideas they captured to help start the brainstorming process. Here’s the prompt I used:

This I Believe For 2 minutes: List words or ideas that you think about when you think of YOUR LIFE. (Can be feelings, symbols, names, events, etc.)

After students generated this list, I asked them to consider what they wanted to write about and share with others. I wanted them to imagine a larger audience and think outside of meeting my expectations.

For some, deciding what to write about was easy and they began drafting immediately. However, the majority of students struggled not so much with what they believe, but how to write about it. Even though they appreciated having so much choice, they still needed some direction to get started.

We continued the listing strategy by focusing on “most memorables”: most memorable events in life so far, most memorable stuffed animal, most memorable friends, family experiences, life lessons learned, and so on. I asked them to focus on why they remember what they remember, and whether or not it impacts any of their beliefs. One student remembered a saying his grandmother always told him that still provides comfort as he’s gotten older. Another focused on her family not having a big house when they first moved to America and how she’s learned to be satisfied with opportunities instead of possessions. While this strategy helped a lot of light bulbs go off, it didn’t work for everyone.

Another strategy I tried was using involved sentence stems: I know I am the way I am today because______. I know I think about things the way I do because _______. I think most people would describe me as ______. I emphasized that these phrases did not have to be included in their final products, but should help generate ideas. I talked with a few frustrated students about this strategy and they told me it made them realize they’ve never really had to think about themselves in this way, but ultimately, it gave them direction for their essays.

Drafting and Revising

Because of block scheduling, I gave students about a week and a half to complete a working draft, which required having at least two paragraphs of their essay done. I only gave a portion of two to three class periods to actually write in class; students were expected to write on their own time.

On the day drafts were due, I set aside class time for revision. I asked students to refer to the rubric and focus on voice and vocabulary strategies. Questions I told them to consider were: Does this sound like me? Do I talk like this to my friends or family? I gave students the option of reviewing their own essays or partnering up with someone to peer edit. Again, this was the end of the year, so we had already established a pretty firm community of trust in class. I don’t know if peer editing would have been as easy had I done the assignment early in the year.

Overall, draft day didn’t feel like the usual “revising and editing” days we’ve had with other essays. Students were very concerned with whether or not they were making sense, if they should add more, or if they were being too repetitive, rather than only being concerned about capitalization, spelling, and grammatical errors.

Sharing the Finished Essays

The culmination of this assignment was when the essays were shared in a gallery walk . The gallery walk is my answer to having students write for a larger audience, and it really helps this essay become about what students have to say instead of just another grade. I can’t count how many times I have returned tediously graded essays only to have a kid immediately walk over to the recycling bin and trash it! Sure he read the comments and suggestions I made, or saw the cute smiley face I left by an excellent word choice, but it didn’t mean much to him because the paper is graded and finished, and he is now done thinking about it. With a gallery walk, not only are students thinking about what they wrote, but they have the opportunity to think about what their classmates wrote as well.

I printed each essay without any names, and made sure any identifying statements were revised. However, there were quite a few students who said they were proud of what they wrote and had no problem if others knew which essay belonged to them. Because not every student turned in a final copy, I printed additional copies of some completed essays to ensure every student had something to read during our gallery walk, instead of drawing attention to the two or three students who did not finish the assignment.

I placed the essays on different tables throughout the room and allowed students to move around as needed; some chose to stand and read an essay, others opted to sit, while others sprawled out on the floor to read. I played soft music and asked that the room volume stay quiet enough to be able to hear the music at all times. I didn’t mind if students were sharing and discussing, and I really wish I recorded the various conversations and comments I overheard that day: “Wow! Did you read this one yet?” “Man. Who wrote this? I might cry. Good tears, though.” “This one is life, Ms. Ruiz.”

I provided a pad of post-its near each essay and told students to leave POSITIVE feedback for each other. I provided sentence stems to help:

Something I liked…

Something I can relate to/agree with…

Something that surprised me…

Something I want to know more about…

I really think…

I periodically checked to make sure no one was being inappropriately critical or just leaving cute hearts or check marks. I wanted students to think about what they were reading, and understand that feedback is a crucial part of the writing process

After about 40 minutes, each essay had received multiple written comments, looking similar to the picture below:

Overall, the feedback was uplifting and actually created a sense of belonging in each class. Students told me they learned so much about each other that day and were shocked by their classmates’ writing. A few said they wished they had written this essay sooner.

Sample Student Work

I was floored by some of the essays I received. Some made me laugh, some made me gasp, some made me cry. Compared to the typical papers I usually assign, this essay allowed my students to not just think about what they were writing but to care about their writing and to be intentional in the language they were using, both in word choice and rhetorical strategies, because it was about what they believe. It is some of the strongest student writing I have ever received as an English teacher.

Here are some sample paragraphs from students who gave me permission to share their work:

From a student who told me he hates school and hates writing.

From a student who by all outward appearances, comes from a traditional family.

From a student battling depression and anxiety.

From a student who missed almost a whole semester but is trying to stay in school.

Although this essay helped end the year with a strong sense of community, I think teachers could easily have students write it at the beginning of the school year or even in January at the start of a new year. I’d love to hear how other teachers have used an essay like this in their classes. ♦

Have you taught a lesson or designed a learning experience we should feature in Power Lessons? Send a full description of your lesson through our contact form and we’ll check it out!

What to Read Next

Categories: Instruction

Tags: English language arts , lesson planning , power lessons

39 Comments

Cynthia and Jennifer, Thank you for sharing this Power Lesson; it’s one I plan on “borrowing” for sure in January. I love the connection built during the gallery walk. I can imagine this being truly powerful for all students. Well done!

I LOVE this!! I will use this in the Spring with my students. The excerpts in the blog post were so personal. I hope the students realize what a gift they shared.

Tonya, I agree. I’m always so grateful when students are willing to let us see their work here!

I love this assignment. I use it every semester with Public Speaking students, following a similar brainstorm and drafting process. Since the assignment comes from a radio program, my students audio record themselves, and our celebration of the work happens through hearing each student read the essay. Very powerful hearing their voices!

Ruth, thanks so much for taking the time to share this idea. I’m sure lots of teachers will love how audio enriches this assignment.

Thank you for sharing the students’ samples. Writing is such a great way to express oneself and when you make it personal students are engaged. ❤️ it! I am thinking about adding it as my last assignment for my 3rd graders!

Thank you for sharing, especially the students’ work samples.This will help inspire my students to share important details about their lives. Might I also recommend an excellent book I purchased used recently: Reading, Writing and Rising Up (by Linda Christensen)

I like this writing strategy. Last week I started something similar with my Arabic students. In groups of 3 to 4 students, they wrote stories (Brainstorm, first draft…) They started writing their final draft(with illustrations and drawings) on the butcher paper. On Monday, they will hang it on the wall and they will give each other feed back wile walking and reading each other’s essays. The problem with the foreign languages students writing is that they have brilliant ideas in English, but they cannot express them in Arabic or French… My questions is the following: Is there a way to adapt this writing strategy to World Languages students with taking into consideration the limited students’ language levels.

I love this assignment. I use at the end of the year with my seniors. I tell them to focus on a belief that they have formed over their past years of school and that will guide them as they make steps on their next journey — college, military, work, etc. Every year I am awed by the thought and pride they take in it. Their voices shine through the papers. The emotions, ranging from joy to sadness or humor to regret, overtake their essay making each both personal and universal. I also always write one that I individualize for each class and how they have shaped or firmed one of my own beliefs.

I love this, especially as a way to “re-enter” in January! I hope that I can use it effectively with my middle schoolers. Thank you so much for sharing this!

YES!! This was my first lesson in my first year of teaching and it completely set the tone for the rest of the year. The work I received from eleven year olds blew my mind, and I even submitted(with their permission) a few pieces to be published because they were that deep. Bravo to this I believe essays & sharing lessons like this with other educators.

Did you find that you had to add in any scaffolds/support for students? I want to try this with my 7th graders who really struggle with writing and getting started with ideas.

This looks like a fabulous project and one I am keen to try out next semester.

I, too, have been doing this assignment for a few years now. It is my favorite assignment of the year. I teach 8th grade English and I have my students share their essays aloud. We sit in a circle and listen to each student share his/her belief. It is powerful. We laugh. We cry. We learn. Having students write for an audience of their peers is challenging for them, but so rewarding in the end.

This looks great for January. I noticed that the This I Believe website has a high school curriculum for sale for $20. Has anyone used it? Is it worth it? Necessary?

This reminds me of an assignment I had in high school. It was called our “Capstone,” and was a year-long process (12th grade). We first chose three things that were important to our lives: a person, a place, and an event. Over the first semester we wrote about these in three separate papers. Then come second semester we had to connect them with a metaphor, and put together a 20 minute presentation that connected everything. It really allowed students to get creative while expressing what was most important to us.

Do you happen to have an example of this still? It sounds AWESOME and I would love to do it with my 8th graders!

Your students’ essays are beautiful, authentic and inspiring, as I am sure your teaching is. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for the lesson. I like this idea for journaling too!

A brilliant idea! Thanks!

Thanks for sharing and including student work examples. Essays like this are a great way to get to know students at a deeper level and could also make a good college entrance essay!

Thank you for sharing this. Inspirational and heartfelt writing from young people.

This is so inspiring and beautiful. Thank you so much, both of you for sharing this power lesson. I was lookibng for a writing task muy ss could include in their e-Portafolio. Can’t wait to try it!! Thank you again!!

I know this might be simplistic, but could you share more about the vocabulary devices?

Hi, April! For the vocabulary devices, I’m referring to adding similes, metaphors, hyperboles, imagery, etc. We usually practice devices like anaphora and asyndeton in my advanced classes, so those can also be used. One of my favorite lines this year was: “I mean, I thought a step stool would do the job but instead it was like climbing a 20 foot ladder just to finish my goal…” We talked about how using a vocab device is more powerful than “I worked really hard.” Hope that helps! Cheers!

This is sooooo great!! I love it!!!!!

I love this. Has anyone tried it at the start if the year? Are students willing to write about such personal experiences and beliefs with a teacher and classmates that they don’t know well?

Hi Lizzie! I work for Cult of Pedagogy, but I’m replying as a teacher. I teach college level freshman comp and I started my previous semester with this essay. Because it was the beginning of the year, I didn’t do a gallery walk; it was more of a practice assignment to get used to the flow of papers and feedback. They had to bring in a rough draft for in-class workshops, so I made sure they knew a few of their classmates would be reading what they wrote. For extra credit, I offered them the chance to record their paper as a “podcast” and post it on YouTube. I was blown away by how in-depth most of them went! In fact, I’m starting my fall semester with it again.

I love this assignment in the spring for senior English. Generally, kids are appreciative that we’re doing the final writing assignment about something that is ‘real world legit’. I’ve always been impressed by their level of attention (and attendance),as our gallery walk happens on the last day of their English class in June.

Hi! This looks like a fantastic lesson and I would love to try it with one of my English classes. I noticed that your writing guidelines link is no longer available. Is there anyway I could get this information? Thanks Kelsey

Hi Kelsey! Thanks for letting us know about the link. This was a guest post and we will be happy to reach out to Cynthia to see if she has a current link to the writing guidelines. If so, we’ll get that updated on the post as soon as we can. Thanks again!

I was wondering about the guidelines as well. I teach in China and we are out of school right now for Chinese New Year, so I would love to have this when we return in February. Thanks for your help!

Hi Karen & Kelsey! I wanted to follow up on your request for the guidelines to let you know that Jenn no longer has access to them. If you haven’t already done so, Jenn recommends to check out the writing guidelines posted on NPR. I hope this helps!

I teach a course called Theory of Knowledge. One of the concepts we study is ‘faith’ as a way of knowing or gaining knowledge. I remember the “This I believe” series on the radio and then NPR. I have my students read several of the essays from the website and a few I copy from one of the books published. Then, they brainstorm and write their own essays. This spring, right before the Covid shutdown, one of my students committed suicide. I had returned his essay to him only days before; he’d written about the importance of love and relationships in life. Being able to share his essay with his mother and brother (who I had also taught) was a gift for all of us. I think the inspiration to have students write these essays was somehow a preparation for this sad experience. I like the suggestions here and may use the sentence stems to help those who struggle to get started.

Hello! I want to say that I had some difficulties in writing essays and statements. When I entered college, the first thing I encountered was writing a quality application.

thanks for sharing, this is really useful information for me!

thanks for sharing informative!

This looks like an amazing lesson plan and although it is late in the year I will try to use it. could you please send the grading rubric you used?

Hi, there! Because this post was written so long ago,we have unfortunately lost touch with the author, Cynthia Ruiz. From what we understand, she is no longer in the classroom. However, you may be able to connect with her on Twitter by clicking on the Twitter icon at the top of the post underneath Cynthia’s name.

If you are looking to create your own rubric, the section of this post called Assignment Guidelines links to the NPR website where Cynthia found the writing guidelines that she used as a basis for her own. In addition, there is another Cult of Pedagogy post on the single-point rubric , which you might find useful. I hope this helps!

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This I Believe

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006

11 Other Ways To Say “I Think” And “I Believe” In An Essay

It can be tempting to say “I think” or “I believe” in an essay, especially when writing a personal narrative or opinion-based essay. The issue with this phrase is they tend to read as informal and weak. This article will explore some stronger alternatives that are worth considering.

What Can I Say Instead Of “I Think” And “I Believe”?

There are many different ways to express that what you’re saying is an opinion or a conclusion you have drawn using stronger wording than “I think” and “I believe.” Here are some options:

In my opinion
It could be argued
Many believe
This suggests
It can be concluded
It makes sense
This proves
This supports the idea
X makes a strong case

The preferred option is “in my opinion.” “In my opinion” is clear and direct, and sounds more formal than “I believe” and “I think.” It’s a good way to make it clear that what you’re saying is your personal opinion while still sounding credible.

In My Opinion

“In my opinion” is a good choice when you’re writing a first-person essay. “Opinion” implies more fact-based consideration than “believe” and more depth than “think.” “Opinion” also comes off as more confident than both “think” and “believe.”

“In my opinion” sounds formal enough to be appropriate in an essay, but can still maintain the conversational tone that is typically expected in first-person essays.

Here’s what “in my opinion” looks like in context:

In my opinion, every public school student should be offered a free lunch option.
Reading through this book was challenging not for the content but for the dull writing style. In my opinion, it shouldn’t be upheld as a classic.
In my opinion, neither argument was particularly convincing.

It Could Be Argued

This sort of hypothetical phrasing isn’t always considered strong, but “it could be argued” is still a solid choice for third-person essays that require you to explore various arguments.

“It could be argued” is useful when you need to analyze multiple arguments or look at something from multiple angles. It allows you to point out some arguments or thoughts people might have in general to develop your argument.

Here are some ways you can use “it could be argued”:

It could be argued that teaching Shakespeare in school only serves to confuse students due to the extremely antiquated language.
It could be argued that the color blue represents sadness, but there are many examples in the text that point to blue instead representing loneliness.
The bird could be a representation of her fear. Conversely, it could be argued that the bird is there simply because the lead character loves birds.

Many Believe

“Many believe” is useful when you want to discuss widely held beliefs and the fact that these beliefs are widely held is common knowledge. You can also use “many believe” when you have a statistic to back up the claim.

“Many believe” is better than “I think” and “I believe” in those sorts of situations because it creates a less personal statement. That helps it feel more formal and makes the argument feel more expansive.

Here’s how you can use “many believe”:

Many believe that eating any kind of fat is unhealthy, but nutritionists disagree.
According to the poll, many believe that doing yoga and drinking enough water will cure certain mental illnesses.

This Suggests

“This suggests” is a great choice for drawing a conclusion based on the evidence you’ve presented. It’s stronger than “I think” and “I believe” because it explicitly ties your ideas to other ideas.

You’ll typically use “this suggests” after presenting some evidence or an argument. “This suggests” introduces your analysis and often your argument.

For example:

The flowers in the vase didn’t die until after Ashley fought with her mother. This suggests that the state of the perpetually near-death flowers was serving as a metaphor for the state of Ashley’s relationship with her mother.
Jodi’s favorite color was green. This suggests some part of her was tied to everything green represented in the novel, even if she denied it.

It Can Be Concluded

“It can be concluded” is a good replacement for “I think” and “I believe” in third-person writing. It emphasizes the conclusions you’re drawing based on previously detailed evidence.

Like “this suggests,” “it can be concluded” comes after you present some evidence or ideas. It directly connects your thinking to the evidence, which supports a strong argument.

Here are some examples:

As such, it can be concluded that the core message of the story is the real reward was the friendships we made on the journey.
It can be concluded that he never knew what happened to his father and was simply making up different versions of the story as the subject was too difficult for him to discuss directly.

It Makes Sense

“It makes sense” is a phrase can use to introduce a thought or insight you have. It’s subtly persuasive and can fit into both formal and informal essay styles.

“It makes sense” is deceptively strong wording. While it may seem soft at first, it can be used to make some really strong statements.

Here’s how that could look in practice:

It makes sense that the school wouldn’t provide free lunches for students. It’s a costly plan, and the school district has a long track record of investing in administration before investing in student welfare.
It makes sense that the play’s love story ended tragically. The playwright was newly divorced when she penned it, and her poetry from this time shows a similar disillusionment with romantic relationships.

This Proves

“This proves” is a strong way to connect your conclusions and arguments to previously presented evidence. This phrase is a good choice when you’re confident in your evidence and your argument, as using it after shaky evidence can harm your credibility.

Here’s what this might look like in context:

The students who got more recess time did better on tests than children who had more quiet study time. This proves that children need more playtime throughout the day.
This proves my original hypothesis, though not in the way I expected.

This Supports The Idea

This is another useful phrase for directly tying previously stated evidence to your arguments and conclusions. Once you provide your evidence, you can go into your argument by saying “this supports the idea that…”

“This supports the idea” is a deeply academic phrase. It doesn’t come off too strong, nor does it read as personal or informal. It reads as objective, which can support your credibility in the eyes of the reader.

Here are some examples:

Lisa ultimately gave the flower to Joan. This supports the idea that the flower was representative of trust.
In this scene, the characters’ loyalties are made clear by where they are standing in relation to the protagonist. John is standing next to the protagonist. This supports the idea that, despite what he says, he truly was loyal to the protagonist.

X Makes A Strong Case

“X makes a strong case” is a phrase when you want to specifically tie in an argument someone else has made. It emphasizes the person who made the argument rather than what you think about the argument.

For example, if you wanted to say “I think Rodney is right about the dress code,” a stronger way to word that in an essay would be “Rodney makes a strong case about the dress code.”

Both sentences communicate that you think Rodney’s argument has merit, but using the “X makes a strong case” format emphasizes Rodney’s arguments rather than your evaluation of them.

This less-personal writing is generally considered to be more formal and thus more appropriate for academic writing.

Here are some more examples of how to use this phrase:

The author makes a strong case in favor of the motion.
In the novel, Susie’s father makes a strong case against the idea of Susie marrying a stranger.

“In my mind” is a strong phrase that is perfect for first-person narrative essays. It’s engaging, conversational wording that still maintains the formality expected in essays.

“In my mind” is a good way to word more personally held thoughts and beliefs without saying “I think” or “I believe.”

Here are some ways you could use “in my mind”:

In my mind, nothing mattered more than the championship.
In my mind, there was no way any of this could have a good outcome. I just didn’t see how it would work out.

Sometimes the best alternative to “I believe” and “I think” is simply to cut the phrase without providing a replacement. This makes your writing more succinct and straightforward and less informal.

Replacing “I think” and “I believe” can support the style and flow of your writing, but deleting the lead-in entirely is common advice. The argument is that since you wrote the essay, “I think” and “I believe” are implied. It’s redundant to include them.

Take a look at these sentences:

I think the power outage was caused by the wind storm.
I believe students should have mentors throughout their time in school.

Here’s what they look like if you remove the lead-in:

The power outage was caused by the wind storm.
Students should have mentors throughout their time in school.

In these instances, removing the phrases entirely without replacing them made for stronger statements.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

10 Better Ways To Write “In This Essay, I Will…”
9 Other Ways To Say “In My Opinion” (Formal & Friendly)
10 Other Ways to Say “I Am” in an Essay
Can An Opinion Be Wrong Or Right? Full Explanation

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GCSE English Literature - 'Romeo & Juliet' Essays

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

14 August 2024

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Finding it challenging to grasp ‘Romeo & Juliet’? Or looking for an additional study aid? We’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a set of 5 sample essays from the legendary Literary Heritage text by William Shakespeare! These essays align with the official Pearson Edexcel IGCSE specification, featuring questions akin to those asked in real examinations. Each essay has been evaluated at a grade 9 standard by teachers. Get this set now to boost your vocabulary, refine your grammar, and improve your overall English. Engage with this resource and uplift your English Literature grade to a 9. Share your feedback and let us know how it helped in your exams!

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The Compiled Sample Essays & Essay Questions: Juliet: Sample Essay Question: ‘How does Shakespeare present Juliet in the play?’

Mercutio: Sample Essay Question: ‘How does Shakespeare present Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet?’

Romeo: Sample Essay Question: ‘How does Shakespeare present the character of Romeo?’

The Nurse: Sample Essay Question: ‘How is the Nurse presented as an important character in Romeo and Juliet?’

Tybalt: Sample Essay Question: ‘Explore the idea that Tybalt as an aggressive and violent character?’

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In today's competitive job market, practical experience is just as valuable as academic qualifications. This is where internships come into play. But what is an internship, and why is it so crucial for students? In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of internships, how they provide work opportunities for students, and why they're considered an essential component of modern education. We'll also discuss how we can assist you in managing your university assignments if you're juggling them alongside your internship.

What is an Internship?

So, what is an internship for students? An internship is a temporary work placement offered by an organisation to provide students or recent graduates with hands-on experience in a professional environment. In essence, it’s an opportunity to gain valuable work experience, develop new skills, and make industry connections that could be beneficial when seeking full-time employment.

Typically, internships last from a few weeks to several months and can be either paid or unpaid. They are designed to give you insight into a particular industry or profession, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge gained from your studies in a real-world setting.

Internships are not just about doing menial tasks; they often involve significant projects and responsibilities that contribute to the organisation's operations. For many students, this experience is their first taste of the professional world, providing a bridge between academic learning and the demands of a career.

Why Are Internships Important for Students?

Here’s a closer look at the benefits of internships for students:

1. Gaining Work Experience

One of the primary benefits of an internship is the chance to gain practical work experience. While academic studies provide a strong foundation in your chosen field, there’s no substitute for the learning that takes place in a real work environment. During your internship, you'll have the opportunity to apply your classroom knowledge to actual work scenarios, helping you to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Enhancing Your CV

In a competitive job market, having work experience is crucial. Internships allow you to build a strong CV that showcases not only your academic achievements but also your hands-on experience in your field. Employers are often more inclined to hire candidates who have demonstrated their ability to perform in a professional setting, making internships a significant advantage.

3. Networking Opportunities

Internships provide an excellent platform for networking. As a student intern, you'll have the chance to meet and work alongside professionals in your chosen industry. These connections can be invaluable when you're seeking job opportunities in the future. Additionally, many internships result in job offers from the host organisation, making it a potential stepping stone to full-time employment.

4. Exploring Career Paths

Another critical aspect of what an internship offers students is the chance to explore different career paths. Internships allow you to gain insight into various roles within an industry, helping you to determine what suits you best. Whether you're undecided about your career or looking to confirm your chosen path, internships provide the perfect opportunity to test the waters.

5. Developing Professional Skills

Internships are an excellent way to develop professional skills that are not always taught in the classroom. Time management, communication, teamwork, and adaptability are just a few of the skills you'll hone during your internship. These competencies are highly valued by employers and will serve you well throughout your career.

What Are Internships For?

Internships serve multiple purposes for students and organisations alike. From a student's perspective, internships are a way to gain essential work experience, explore career options, and build a professional network. For organisations, internships offer the chance to scout and train potential future employees. Many companies view internships as an extended interview process, allowing them to evaluate a student’s potential before offering them a permanent role.

How We Can Support Your Academic Journey During an Internship

Balancing an internship with your university studies can be challenging. The demands of your internship, combined with the pressure of academic assignments, can be overwhelming. However, with the right support, you can successfully navigate both.

At Oxbridge Essays, we understand the unique challenges faced by student interns. That’s why we offer comprehensive support to help you manage your university assignments while gaining work experience. Here’s how we can assist:

Coursework Writing

When you're immersed in an internship, finding time for university assignments can be tough. We offer expert assistance with all aspects of your coursework, from research and writing to editing and proofreading. Our team of academic professionals ensures that your assignments are completed to the highest standards, even when time is tight.

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Effective time management is essential for balancing work and studies. We provide personalised tutoring sessions to help you optimise your study strategies and manage your time efficiently. Our guidance will enable you to meet academic deadlines while excelling in your internship, helping you create a balanced schedule for both areas of your life.

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Managing the stress of balancing an internship with university assignments can be overwhelming. To help you navigate this challenging period, we offer comprehensive support to alleviate some of that stress. Our editing and proofreading services are designed to ensure that your coursework is of the highest quality, which can reduce your anxiety about academic performance and free up more of your time.

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The Future of Work Opportunities for Students

The landscape of work opportunities for students is evolving rapidly. Internships are becoming increasingly important as they provide a critical link between academic studies and professional careers. As more employers recognise the value of internships, the opportunities available to students are expanding. Whether you're interested in a traditional office-based internship or a virtual internship, there are numerous opportunities to gain experience in your chosen field.

In summary, what is an internship? It’s more than just a temporary job; it’s a vital part of your academic and professional journey. Internships provide invaluable work experience for students, helping you to build your CV, develop professional skills, and explore potential career paths. At the same time, balancing an internship with your university studies can be challenging, but with the right support, it’s entirely manageable.

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This I Believe is an international organization engaging people in writing and sharing essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. Over 125,000 of these essays, written by people from all walks of life, have been archived here on our website, heard on public radio, chronicled through our books, and featured in weekly ...
Featured Essays Archives
Explore. Featured Essays Essays on the Radio; Special Features; 1950s Essays Essays From the 1950s Series; Browse by Theme Browse Essays By Theme Use this feature to browse through the tens of thousands of essays that have been submitted to This I Believe. Select a theme to see a listing of essays that address the selected theme. The number to the right of each theme indicates how many essays ...
'This I Believe' Essay Showcase
This I Believe is a popular essay genre that allows the writer to share a personal belief and, through a narrative, explain that belief's origin or a time that belief was put into action. The essay genre started in the 1950s on a radio show with Edward R. Murrow and was continued by NPR in 2004. Many have enjoyed writing and reading these ...
This I Believe : NPR
This I Believe Beginning in 1951, radio pioneer Edward R. Murrow asked Americans from all walks of life to write essays about their most fundamental and closely held beliefs. Half a century later ...
This I Believe
About This I Believe. This I Believe was an international project engaging people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values that guide their daily lives. These short statements of belief, written by people from all walks of life, are archived online in perpetuity. Selected essays aired on National Public Radio from 2005 to 2009, and were collected in a New York Times bestselling book ...
"This I Believe" Essay
Eighty-five leading newspapers printed a weekly column based on This I Believe. A collection of essays published in 1952 sold 300,000 copies — second only to the Bible that year. The series was translated and broadcast around the globe on the Voice of America. A book of essays translated into Arabic sold 30,000 copies in just three days.
50 I Believe Essay Topics
I believe in saving for a rainy day. I believe in investing in oneself. I believe in the saying, "money doesn't grow on trees.". I believe that rich people should be forced to pay more taxes. These 50 I Believe essay topics are sure to inspire your own original beliefs and help you create a powerful and unique essay.
This I believe : the personal philosophies of remarkable men and women
A collection of eighty essays exploring the personal beliefs of a diverse assortment of contributors, both famous and unknown, who reflect on their faith, the evolution of their beliefs, and how they express them ... This I Believe features eighty essays penned by the famous and the unknown--completing the thought that the book's title begins ...
4.5: "This I Believe" Essay
Eighty-five leading newspapers printed a weekly column based on This I Believe. A collection of essays published in 1952 sold 300,000 copies — second only to the Bible that year. The series was translated and broadcast around the globe on the Voice of America. A book of essays translated into Arabic sold 30,000 copies in just three days.
This I Believe
This I Believe is an international project engaging people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values that guide their daily lives. These short statements of belief, written by people from all walks of life, are archived online in perpetuity. Selected essays aired on National Public Radio from 2005 to 2009, and were collected in a New ...
Sample Essays From This I Believe: Massachusetts
Explore. Featured Essays Essays on the Radio; Special Features; 1950s Essays Essays From the 1950s Series; Browse by Theme Browse Essays By Theme Use this feature to browse through the tens of thousands of essays that have been submitted to This I Believe. Select a theme to see a listing of essays that address the selected theme. The number to the right of each theme indicates how many essays ...
This I Believe Essay
In this article, we will delve into the definition of a This I Believe essay, present a step-by-step guide on how to craft one, address common questions, and explore the essence of this expressive form. 1. High School This I Believe Essay Example. misswrighteng9.weebly.com. Details. File Format. Size: 487 KB. Download.
This I Believe
This I Believe was originally a five-minute program, originally hosted by journalist Edward R. Murrow from 1951 to 1955 on CBS Radio Network.The show encouraged both famous and everyday people to write short essays about their own personal motivation in life and then read them on the air. This I Believe became a cultural phenomenon that stressed individual belief rather than religious dogma.
101 This I Believe Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
If you're looking for some inspiration for your own "This I Believe" essay, here are 101 topic ideas and examples to get you started: I believe in the power of kindness. I believe in the importance of self-love. I believe in the value of hard work. I believe in the beauty of diversity. I believe in the strength of resilience.
Power Lesson: "This I Believe" Essays
Here's the prompt I used: This I Believe. For 2 minutes: List words or ideas that you think about when you think of YOUR LIFE. (Can be feelings, symbols, names, events, etc.) After students generated this list, I asked them to consider what they wanted to write about and share with others.
This I Believe Summary
This I Believe is a collection of essays published in 2007. Edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, the essays collect the personal reflections aired on the radio program "This I Believe.". Originally presented by famed journalist Edward R. Murrow on CBS in the 1950s, the show was revived by Allison and Gediman on NPR in 2005.
This I Believe
An inspiring collection of the personal philosophies of a group of remarkable men and women Based on the National Public Radio series of the same name, This I Believe features eighty essayists--from the famous to the unknown--completing the thought that begins the book's title. Each piece compels readers to rethink not only how they have arrived at their own personal beliefs but also the ...
What is a Thesis Statement: Writing Guide with Examples
How to write a thesis statement for persuasive essays. Similar to argumentative essays, persuasive essays follow many of the same guidelines for their thesis statements: decisive language, specific details, and mentions of subtopics. However, the main difference is that, while the thesis statements for argumentative and expository essays state facts, the thesis statements for persuasive essays ...
11 Other Ways To Say "I Think" And "I Believe" In An Essay
Here are some options: The preferred option is "in my opinion." "In my opinion" is clear and direct, and sounds more formal than "I believe" and "I think.". It's a good way to make it clear that what you're saying is your personal opinion while still sounding credible.
2025 Essay Preparation for A Level Biology AQA
+ a list of the accessible titles in the essays (from 2017-2024) + an easy-to-understand essay mark scheme. TEACHERS, use as a lesson resource, throughout upper 6, and as a preparation session before Paper 3. STUDENTS use for focussed revision and to practise writing essay paragraphs. You can even memorise paragraphs to rewrite.
Essays Archive
Explore. Featured Essays Essays on the Radio; Special Features; 1950s Essays Essays From the 1950s Series; Browse by Theme Browse Essays By Theme Use this feature to browse through the tens of thousands of essays that have been submitted to This I Believe. Select a theme to see a listing of essays that address the selected theme. The number to the right of each theme indicates how many essays ...
UPSC Essays Simplified
How to write essays for UPSC Civil Services Exams? We have an answer for you in the form of our new series. In UPSC Essentials' special series UPSC Essays Simplified, we take you through various steps of writing a good essay.While there is no set formula or fixed criteria prescribed, Manas Srivastava talks to Ravi Kapoor, our expert, in this new series who guides the aspirants with a ...
PDF How to Write Your Own This I Believe Essay
o the shaping of your beliefs.Be brief: Your sta. forces you to focus o. central to your life. or two, your essay. ight As heard on NPRnot be about be. ief. Rather than writing a l. ocusing on one core belief.Be positive: Sa. what you belie. not what you believe. Avoid do don'tstatements of rel.
GCSE English Literature
These essays align with the official Pearson Edexcel IGCSE specification, featuring questions akin to those asked in real examinations. Each essay has been evaluated at a grade 9 standard by teachers. Get this set now to boost your vocabulary, refine your grammar, and improve your overall English. ...
What Is an Internship? Everything You Should Know
Since 2006, Oxbridge Essays has been the UK's leading paid essay-writing and dissertation service. We have helped 10,000s of undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to maximise their grades in essays, dissertations, model-exam answers, applications and other materials.
The History of This I Believe
Explore. Featured Essays Essays on the Radio; Special Features; 1950s Essays Essays From the 1950s Series; Browse by Theme Browse Essays By Theme Use this feature to browse through the tens of thousands of essays that have been submitted to This I Believe. Select a theme to see a listing of essays that address the selected theme. The number to the right of each theme indicates how many essays ...
Listen Archives
Explore. Featured Essays Essays on the Radio; Special Features; 1950s Essays Essays From the 1950s Series; Browse by Theme Browse Essays By Theme Use this feature to browse through the tens of thousands of essays that have been submitted to This I Believe. Select a theme to see a listing of essays that address the selected theme. The number to the right of each theme indicates how many essays ...

This I Believe

Celebrating Four Years Of 'This I Believe'

Saying Thanks To My Ghosts

Life Is An Act Of Literary Creation

The Art Of Being A Neighbor

I Am Still The Greatest

Dancing To Connect To A Global Tribe

My Father Deserves Spectacular Results

The Beatles Live On

Finding Freedom In Forgiveness

Work Is A Blessing

Seeing Beyond Our Differences

Historical Archives

Gediman explores the 'This I Believe' archives.

How To Survive Life's Tests

Our Awareness Controls Human Destiny

A Hope For Bettering Humanity

Listening Is Powerful Medicine

America's Beauty Is In Its Diversity

Thirty Things I Believe

Inviting The World To Dinner

Pathways Of Desire

This Is Home

Health Is A Human Right

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The Challenges of Writing “I Believe” Essays

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How to Write an “I Believe” Essay

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This I Believe Essay

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