The "This I Believe" Essay

The "This I Believe" essay is a popular essay form, which was developed by National Public Radio and invites all sorts of writers to express their beliefs. "This I Believe" essays are often persuasive or personal essays that express how an author feels about a chosen topic. Over 125, 000 of these essays, written by teachers, students, political official, actors, and even more types of people, are featured on ThisIBelieve.org. Essays are collected as podcasts of the authors reading. Check out some interesting ones below:


Free Minds and Hearts at Work

Jackie Robinson - New York, New York

As heard on The Bob Edwards Show, July 10, 2009

http://thisibelieve.org/essay/16931/

The Light of a Brighter Day

Helen Keller - Easton, Connecticut

As heard on The Bob Edwards Show, June 5, 2009

http://thisibelieve.org/essay/16702/

My Music Is My Life

Gabriella - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Entered on October 25, 2010

http://thisibelieve.org/essay/88653/

Browse through ThisIBelieve.org. 

• Are there any essays that speak to you? Why? Identify key elements that make this essay compelling.

• Is this a type of essay you would like to try? Think of some topics you could write a "This I Believe" essay about.

• Share some of your favorite "This I Believe" essays in the comments below