Course: This I Believe: Writing a Creative Personal Essay

7. Exploring Sample Essays

In this section, you will go to the "This I Believe" website and listen to at least 3 of the 5 chosen essays (linked below). You will then explore some essays on your own and choose one to share. You should post a link to your chosen essay on your blog and write one paragraph (minimum 50 words) about why you think this is a good essay.

Keep in mind some of the elements that make a good personal essay:
- it is about a subject the writer cares strongly about

- the author makes the reader relate to the subject, even if the reader has never experienced it before

- the author is able to relate his/her small personal experience to the bigger world and back again

- the author uses many specific details to help the reader relate to the experiences and emotions being described

- the author uses all senses to describe his/her experiences: sight, sound, taste, smell, touch

- when finished reading, the reader is able to summarize the main idea of what the author believes

What do you need to do?
1. Listen to AT LEAST 3 of the essays linked below.
2. Go to thisibelive.org, click on "explore," and find one essay to share.
3. Post a link to the essay on your blog.
4. Write two paragraphs (minimum 50 words each).
- The first paragraph should summarize the essay, explaining the author's main point and supporting details (minimum 3 details).
- The second paragraph should explain why you chose the essay. In other words, what makes this essay a "good" essay in your eyes?