Genre Conventions

Tell a Story About Yourself
- Be specific in your storytelling, grounding your beliefs in real-life events.
- Consider significant moments that formed, tested, or transformed your beliefs.
- Reflect on personal experiences from your life, work, and family that carry unique insights.
- The narrative can be humorous or serious; authenticity is key.
- Ensure the story connects with the core philosophy that shapes your beliefs.
Length Specifications
- The essay should be approximately 500 to 600 words.
- This length is suitable for a reading time of about three minutes at a natural pace.
Name Your Belief
- Your core belief should be succinctly articulated in one or two sentences.
- Focus on a singular, central belief rather than listing multiple beliefs.
Positive Framing
- Concentrate on expressing what you believe in, not on articulating contrary beliefs.
- Avoid discussing religious dogma, preaching, or providing personal critiques of ideals.
Personal Touch
- Write in the first-person narrative to make your essay personal and relatable.
- Refrain from using collective pronouns like "we" to maintain a personal voice.
- Share a personal life story rather than making broad societal claims.
Word Choice and Tone
- Utilize words and phrases that feel natural to you.
- It is advisable to read your essay aloud multiple times for clarity and to refine your expression until it resonates with your belief and natural tone.