1. How to Write a Laws of Life Essay
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2. Laws of Life Essay Class assignment: Write a Laws of Life essay
Remember Socrates’ words: “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
The purpose of a Laws of Life essay is to reflect on a truth about life that you have learned.
How presentation will benefit the audience: Adult learners are more interested in a subject if they know how or why it is important.
Presenter’s level of expertise in the subject: Briefly state credentials in this area; or, why participants should listen to you. 2

3. Steps for Writing
Tip 1: Think about a personal experience that taught you a truth of life.
This doesn’t need to be an earth-shattering event — but it should be an event that taught you something — a truth or lesson which you have continued to live by.
Lesson descriptions should be brief on this slide 3

4. Steps for Writing Tip 2: Get specific
The best essays describe one specific situation that was a turning point in the individual’s thinking.
Lesson descriptions should be brief on this slide 4

5. Steps for Writing Specifics you should include:
3. Read chapter 3 aloud
4. Review Chapt 3
5. Introduce LOL ppt
6. Rubric & Example
7. H.W. come up with a Maxim
3. Read chapter 3 aloud
4. Review Chapt 3
5. Introduce LOL ppt
6. Rubric & Example
7. H.W. come up with a Maxim
Steps for Writing
Specifics you should include:
Details you remember vividly – smells, sights, sounds, tastes, and feelings
Direct quotes – words you and others actually said at the time (reconstruct if your memory isn’t perfect)
Lesson descriptions should be brief on this slide 5

6. Steps for Writing Tip 3 Find a maxim
Choose a saying that immediately rings true for you. Choose one that is the logical lesson from the life event you discuss. You can search for an appropriate maxim based on the topic of your life lesson Honesty, faith, charity, etc.
Lesson descriptions should be brief on this slide 6

7. What is a maxim?
A maxim is a wise or “pithy” saying that contains words of truth or lasting meaning.
Certain sayings you’ll read just make great sense to you immediately—and this is the sort of maxim you want.
Cogito ergo sum
Example objectives
You will be able to:
Save files to the team Web server
Move files to different locations on the team Web server
Share files on the team Web server 7

8. Choosing a maxim Some maxims deal with love and friendship:
“It is better to love than be loved.”
St. Francis
“Love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Matthew 19:19
(The Golden Rule)
“Love conquers all things.” Virgil 8

9. Some Maxims Deal with Determination & Persistence
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
-- William Hickson
“When one door closes, another one opens.”
--Alexander Graham Bell 9

10. More Maxims on Effort “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
Benjamin Franklin
“It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.”
Motto of the Christophers
“What the mind can conceive, it
can achieve.”
Anonymous 10

11. Other Maxims Discuss Courage and Integrity
“I shall allow no man to
belittle my soul by making
me hate him.”
Booker T. Washington
“You cannot discover new
oceans until you have the
courage to lose sight of the shore.”
Anonymous
“You’re either part of the
problem or part of the solution.”
Eldridge Cleaver 11

12. Find the Right Maxim
Your teacher will give you a handout with maxims on it.
Research and find more maxims on these web sites: 12

13. Other Sources for Maxims
Some books are excellent sources of maxims:
Bartlett’s Book of Familiar Quotations
Chicken Soup Book Series
Aesop’s Fables
Try also thinking of --
Grandparents’ maxims or favorite sayings
Favorite stories, proverbs, Bible parables, or sermons 13

14. Rubric for Laws of Life Essay
Based on a personal experience
Contains details of the event – sights, sounds, tastes, touches, smells
Uses 2 direct quotes of key characters’ comments
Includes a clear maxim
500 words-700 words – at least 1 ½ - 2 pages typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman Font, size12
Cover sheet with your name -- Don’t put your name on the essay itself. 14