1. Guideline to Writing Personal Philosophy Essay
This I Believe

2. Guidelines
Writers are free to present their philosophy in any manner they choose.
As Jay Allison states in This I Believe…
“We have found that some writers do best to tell a story, perhaps a moment a belief was forged, or tested, or confirmed. Others peel the onion of what they were taught to believe, what they think they should believe, even what they always believed they would believe.

3. Guidelines Frame your beliefs in positive terms.
Avoid preaching or editorializing.
Tell us what you believe, not what you don’t believe.
Avoid restating your beliefs
Focus on the personal, the “I” of the title (This I Believe), not the sermonizing “We.”
While you might have many beliefs, focus on one.
Aim for truth without accusation, patriotism, without political can’t and faith beyond religious dogma.
In other words, focus on yourself, NOT on others.

4. Guidelines
Be Personal: Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. Read your essay aloud to yourself several times, and each time edit and simplify it until you find the words, tone and story that truly echo your belief.

5. Guidelines Your essay will be from 250-450 words.
Must be in MLA format
Paper will be graded focusing on content and grammar.