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This I Believe Essay

By Platform Administrator · Submitted Sep 30, 2026

Content Area
English Language Arts and Literacy
Grade
8

Students will write a personal statement that shares something about who they are and what they believe in. It should state clearly a principle, moral, or value that is a driving force in their life, why it is important to them, and what life experiences led them to that principle, moral, or belief. This task is adapted from an assessment from Facing History.

MA Standards

W.8.2
Write informative/explanatory texts (e.g., essays, oral reports, biographical feature articles) to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
W.8.2.a
Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; use paragraphs and sections to organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include text features (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
W.8.2.b
Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
W.8.2.c
Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
W.8.2.d
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
W.8.2.e
Establish and maintain a style appropriate to audience and purpose (e.g., formal for academic writing).
W.8.2.f
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.

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