a thesis statement about courage

Essay About Courage: Top 5 Examples and 6 Prompts 

Courage covers a range of topics and meanings. Here are examples and prompts to help you write your essay about courage.

Many believe bravery and courage mean the same thing and even use them interchangeably. However, though both describe heroic acts, they are not the same. Where bravery is the lack of fear, courage is taking action despite it. 

Some argue that courage takes more strength because it means sharing your story even though you may be ridiculed, rejected, and misunderstood. It takes courage to admit when you’re hurt or feel lost, vulnerable, and need help. 

If you’re having problems channeling and describing what courage is, here are examples that will assist you in connecting with this subject:

1. My Opinion About Courage by Gary Collins

2. moral courage by fernando wood, 3. courage by benjamin patrick, 4. the importance of courage by saloni, 5. essay on courage by manasi shewale, 1. what does courage mean to you, 2. your most courageous act, 3. a courageous hero, 4. things you are most afraid of, 5. what creates doubt, 6. a time when you failed to show courage and regretted it.

“And even then, she had no grudge against the world. She doesn’t think the world owes her. She never takes money or even grains that she hasn’t earned.”

In this essay, Collins shares his experience with courage through someone named Sunita. Sunita told Collins about her life and what made her who she is. Such as at a very young age, she fought to support herself because no one would have done that for her, and many other tales. 

Her stories made Collins realize how lucky he is and how he should be grateful for the many opportunities that come his way without the need to suffer as she did. He also includes that Sunita lives on to inspire others with her courage.

Check out these essays about beliefs .

“Moral courage is standing up for values such as honesty, fairness, compassion, respect, and responsibility but just having these values are not enough we have to try to put them into practice, and we have to commit to moral principles as well…”

Moral courage is doing what’s right and following what your conscience dictates. Wood has three significant elements of moral courage: principle, endurance, and danger.

He explains moral courage through Geoge Norris, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Youssafzai. These people took risks even if their lives were in danger to follow their conscience and do the right things. Wood instills that moral courage is essential in making a critical move, especially when choosing the greater good.

“Courage is the only thing that gets us through the hard times, and the tempting opportunities. Courage is vital to the evolution of the human population. It is also an essential quality to becoming a successful person.”

Patrick discusses how courage helps a person succeed in life. He mentions that we all have courage, but some use it differently than others.

He gives an example of a girl who plays hockey, where the other members are all boys. They looked down on her because of her gender. But instead of giving up, she took it as a challenge and courageously showed them she could play at their level. She became friends with most of the team, but there was one boy who kept on bullying her. The boy misused his courage, but the girl used her courage to fight him off.

“Courage is mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is the firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.”

Saloni’s essay shows two kinds of courage: physical and moral. People who depend on physical strength show physical courage. They can protect and help others. If a person is weak, they are not physically courageous. 

On the other hand, one’s honesty connects to their moral courage. They are the ones with convictions and don’t support evil works. Even if you are a weak person, you can still be morally courageous. Unfortunately, this courage is rare nowadays because people are afraid of being attacked mentally and emotionally. To be morally courageous means to be a fighter to go against wrong-doings.

“It is very difficult to keep up your morals and therefore, gather up the necessary courage to fight against the wrong situations. Therefore, in today’s date, it is even rarer to find a person with the proper morals required to live a satisfactory life.”

Shewale shares little acts of courage in our everyday lives – such as a girl who loves to dance but is afraid of the stage or a person who’s readying themselves for a job interview. Courage is not only shown in grand scenes but in small acts that help us survive our daily lives.

The author further discusses events where courage helps in more controversial fields, such as injustices to farmers and students’ bullying. 

If you want to upgrade your writing style, check out these top essay writing tips to level up your essay.

6 Prompts on Essay About Courage

After reading relevant examples in essays about courage, it’s now your turn to try your hand at creating one. Below are prompts that can guide you in your essay writing:

There is no one definition of courage. It differs from each individual, and its meaning is affected by our experiences and knowledge. In this prompt, share the word “courage” and discuss what courage means to you. When do you feel courageous, and why? Then, describe personal experiences of being courageous or stories of courageous people who inspire you.

Think about a time when you were courageous. Create an essay based on this event and describe in detail what happened. Convey your thoughts and feelings, and show why you were courageous. 

Write an essay about a hero in your life. This could be a celebrity you admire, a relative or friend, or a teacher in school. Describe why this person is courageous, why you look up to them, and how they inspire you. Make sure to include fine details of their personality and how they act. This will make for an exciting and compelling essay.

The first step to being courageous is acknowledging you are afraid. Then, to get your fears out of the way, you need to identify what and why they exist. This prompt lets you connect with your readers who have the same worries. 

For example, you can share that you’re afraid of rejection, being alone, etc. Then, discuss why and what you plan to do to overcome them. You can also write about how you plan to be courageous while still afraid.

Our greatest challenge to succeeding in something is doubting ourselves. When we doubt ourselves, we start to think of all the things that can go wrong. So we show our courage by being afraid of these negative consequences but still trying and hoping for a good result. 

Share an experience when you still tried, even when you’re unsure. It doesn’t need to have the best ending. You only have to prove that it’s better to try and fail than fail without trying at all. 

There will always be times when we desperately want to be more courageous but fail to do so due to various factors. Write about that experience, share your feelings, and what you’ll do if you have the chance to repeat that situation. 

Do you want to write about another topic aside from courage? Check out this list of best writing topics for students !

Courage as an Important Virtue in Life Essay

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In a societal context, courage is a state of an individual’s ability to venture, endure and resist hazard, terror, or difficulties. A courageous person is considered to be brave in society. There are different types of courage that enable individuals to discover their abilities. Venturing into a new business and also soldiers going into war with an aid of protecting citizens is an act of courage in a society. Courage is an important virtue in one’s life since it boosts self-confidence and helps an individual venture into risky activities that have a good final product. A multidisciplinary perspective on courage should be advised since it elevates a person’s confidence, enabling them to endeavor and persevere circumstances thus achieving desired goals.

Courage is an essential virtue that is traditionally sought after and lauded as a crucial quality. Described by Maya Angelou as the most important of all the virtues because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently”, it is composed of different types, including physical courage, moral courage, social courage, spiritual courage, emotional courage, and intellectual courage (Shew &Garchar, 2020). Moral courage is a form of ethical behavior that involves a person doing a good thing despite possible risks such as the loss of a job. An example of moral courage entails the prevention of listening to gossip and also practicing good qualities even when nobody is watching. Social courage entails individual confidence to attend social events and be ready to face embarrassment and mockery. An example of social courage involves performing in concerts and also creating charity events and presenting a group in a social forum. It plays a vital role in an individual that encourages networking. Finally, spiritual courage refers to unfolding ourselves to our own susceptible and the enigma of life. Examples of spiritual courage includes attending different religious events and listening to their beliefs, and communicating honestly with individuals about death.

Intellectual courage refers to the capability of a person to tackle strenuous concepts, ask for illumination and explanation, and challenge another person’s point of view. It broadens an individual way of thinking. A good example of intellectual courage is Edward Murrow’s famous World War II news broadcasts. Intellectual courage is often contrasted to physical courage, which mostly implies facing the threat of bodily harm as a part of a specific ethical dilemma. Physical courage entails facing physical pain, for example, engaging in deadly fights (Howard &Reiley, 2020). Examples of physical courage involve going into war. Specifically, when choosing between the fear of being heavily injured and the need to protect the loved ones and the freedom of one’s country, one demonstrates an instance of physical courage. Physical courage creates fitness and also prepares an individual to tackle any form of challenge. However, distancing the concept of physical courage from intellectual one completely would mean doing both an injustice since one is often accompanied by the other. Specifically, intellectual courage collides with physical one when having to demonstrate intellectual prowess in fighting the enemy and utilizing all available resources in a unique and original manner in order to retain tactical and strategic advantages.

Moreover, courage can be defined in different ways in modern society. Most frequently, it is interpreted as the ability to face difficulties and threats straightforwardly as opposed to avoiding them. However, courage may also be interpreted as overcoming a personal issue, such as admitting one’s fault or defeat (Pendlebury, 2017). Therefore, the diversity of definitions is quite impressive, causing the process of analyzing courage rather tricky. For instance, in the present-day context, courage may involve being able to oppose the ideas that are promoted as the unquestionable truth that must not be doubted in any circumstances. In the present-day social environment, when modern media makes it possible for cyberbullying and similar attacks to take most violent forms, leading to doxing and similar issues threatening one’s safety, expressing a dissenting opinion does take impressive courage.

Furthermore, an attempt to challenge the existing status quo in relation to societal norms can be considered an example of how courage is redefined in the present-day context. Despite the tendency to embrace cultural and social change in a number of communities, a significant range of modern institutions and communities remain steeped in prejudice. Therefore, challenging how specific populations and their needs are perceived ought to be regarded as doubtless acts of bravery and manifestations of courage. Even though the specified actions might seem as trivial from the perspective of a broader concept of courage as it was represented during the Civil Rights era and similar movements, the described scenarios also suggest mustering a significant amount of courage. For example, a rally geared at promoting the rights of a marginalized minority should be seen as an act of courage.

The essay comprehensively describes the word courage in various dimensions. In conclusion, courage is depicted as a virtue in life and its components are applied in different fields. Additionally, the importance of courage has been discussed for instance, it promotes peace, enhances good leadership, builds self-confidence, and promotes innovation consequently, leading to the success of an organization. Furthermore, the significance of courage as an act of selflessness and an attempt to challenge the existing status quo has been raised, thus, adding to the proposed definition of the subject matter. The essay is clearly essential because it illustrates to the reader how knowledge can be boosted for example, by acknowledging one’s fear and working on it.

Revision of a paper before submitting is essential because it helps a person to identify a mistake and rectify it. Style benefits from revision because it enhances the intelligibility and the conciseness of a document. The most challenging area in the draft paper is focusing on the topic to write about and an introduction as well because it is from them that a reader gets a broad view of the research. Avoidance of plagiarism, the capability of following given instructions clearly, and identifying grammar errors are the main strengths of the draft. Repetition of words is the main challenge and it can be rectified by avoiding unimportant phrases by using different words with similar meanings. It can also be prevented by using short sentences, using various transition words, and avoiding stating the obvious. The unfocused topic sentence is also a weakness and can be corrected by accentuating and broadening it with evidence.

This essay has a rather high significance since it examines the nature of courage as one of the major characteristics lauded in modern culture. Being courageous is typically seen not as an extra trait but as a necessary prerequisite for being respected. Moreover, the notion of courage is quite subjective, which complicates the subject matter even further. In turn, this essay considers the phenomenon of courage in its different interpretations, which is why readers are likely to care about this discussion. Currently it seems that the parts of the draft addressing the types of courage will benefit from the revision most. In addition, the analytical parts represent quite a struggle.

Howard, M. C., &Reiley, P. J. (2020). Physical courage predicts relevant outcomes in associated contexts: The creation of a measure and empirical analysis into the construct. Journal of Business Research , 110 , 80-94.

Pendlebury, G. (2017). Action and ethics in Aristotle and Hegel: escaping the malign influence of Kant . Routledge.

Shew, M., &Garchar, K. (Eds.). (2020). Philosophy for Girls: An Invitation to the Life of Thought . Oxford University Press.

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IvyPanda . "Courage as an Important Virtue in Life." June 27, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/courage-as-an-important-virtue-in-life/.

Writing Prompts about Courage

• 🗃️ Essay topics
• ❓ Research questions
• 📝 Topic sentences
• 🪝 Essay hooks
• 📑 Thesis statements
• 🔀 Hypothesis examples
• 🧐 Personal statements

🔗 References

🗃️ courage essay topics.

• The role of courage in overcoming adversity.
• The evolution of courage from fear to bravery.
• Courage and its influence on personal growth.
• The relationship between courage and moral integrity.
• Courage in the face of ethical dilemmas.
• Inspiring examples of courageous acts from history.
• The psychological and emotional dimensions of courage.
• The intersection of courage and vulnerability.
• Traits and impact of courageous leadership.
• The courage to challenge social norms and fight injustice.
• The courageous decision to forgive and let go.
• Individual and societal perspectives of courage as a catalyst for change.
• The courage to pursue dreams and embrace uncertainty.
• Building inner strength and courage.
• The power of courageous conversations in resolving conflict.
• Courageous heroes in literature and film.
• Courage and creativity in artistic expression.
• The courage to stand up for human rights and equality.
• The journey of self-discovery through courage.
• Courage to bridging divides and fostering understanding.

❓ Research Questions on Courage

• How does courage manifest differently across cultures and societies?
• What psychological factors contribute to the development of courage?
• How does courage influence decision-making processes?
• What role does courage play in overcoming trauma and adversity?
• How does courage relate to resilience and mental well-being?
• How does courage impact leadership effectiveness in various domains?
• How does courage contribute to positive social change and justice?
• What are the neurobiological mechanisms associated with courage?
• How does courage influence risk-taking behavior in different contexts?
• How does courage manifest in the face of discrimination and marginalization?
• What are the ethical implications of courageous acts?
• What are the barriers individuals face in cultivating and expressing courage?
• How can courage be nurtured and developed in educational settings?
• How does courage intersect with other virtues such as compassion and integrity?
• How does courage influence creativity and innovation?

📝 Courage Topic Sentence Examples

• Courage, defined as the willingness to face fear and take bold action, has been a driving force behind numerous historical figures who have shaped the course of human history.
• In the face of daunting challenges, individuals who exhibit courage not only inspire others but also experience personal growth and transformation as they tap into their inner reservoirs of strength.
• The ability to confront one’s deepest fears and overcome adversity requires immense courage, and it is through these acts of bravery that individuals discover their true potential and forge a path towards self-empowerment.

🪝 Good Hooks for Courage Paper

📍 autobiography hooks for essay about courage.

• From the darkest corners of fear to the brightest sparks of bravery, my autobiography unveils the untold stories of my journey, where every chapter is an exploration of the courage that transformed my life.
• In the pages of my autobiography, the narrative threads of courage weave a tapestry of resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity, inviting readers to join me on a remarkable voyage of self-discovery.

📍 Definition Hooks on Courage for Essay

• Courage, often described as the fuel that propels individuals to confront their fears head-on, is a virtue that transcends mere bravery and encompasses the profound ability to act in the face of adversity.
• At its core, courage can be understood as the unwavering determination to push past the boundaries of fear and embrace the unknown, paving the way for personal growth and the realization of one’s full potential.

📍 Quotation Hooks about Courage for Essay

• “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
• “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

📑 Good Courage Thesis Statements

✔️ argumentative thesis about courage.

• Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to act in the face of fear, and it is this courageous action that leads to personal growth, societal progress, and the fulfillment of human potential.
• While courage is often celebrated as a heroic virtue, it is an essential quality for navigating everyday challenges and fostering resilience in the face of adversity, making it a fundamental attribute for leading a meaningful and fulfilling life.

✔️ Analytical Thesis Samples about Courage

• Through an analysis of literary works and historical accounts, this thesis examines the multifaceted nature of courage, revealing its profound impact on individuals and society by illuminating the intricate interplay between fear, vulnerability, and the transformative power of taking bold action.
• By critically analyzing the psychological and sociocultural factors that influence the display of courage, this thesis delves into the complexities of this virtue, shedding light on how courage emerges as a catalyst for personal growth, social change, and ethical decision-making in the face of adversity.

✔️ Informative Thesis Examples about Courage

• The concept of courage encompasses the ability to confront fear, take risks, and persevere in the face of adversity, illustrating its vital role in personal development and societal progress.
• By exploring the psychological, social, and historical dimensions of courage, this research aims to deepen our understanding of this complex virtue, shedding light on its manifestations, influences, and impacts on individuals and communities.

🔀 Courage Hypothesis Examples

• Individuals who have experienced significant adversity in their lives are more likely to exhibit higher levels of courage compared to those who have not faced similar challenges.
• The presence of a supportive social network and encouragement from peers positively influences an individual’s willingness to display acts of courage in the face of danger or moral dilemmas.

🔂 Null & Alternative Hypothesis on Courage

• Null Hypothesis: There is no significant relationship between an individual’s level of courage and their ability to overcome fear and take bold action.
• Alternative Hypothesis: There is a significant relationship between an individual’s level of courage and their ability to overcome fear and take bold action, indicating that higher levels of courage correspond to a greater willingness to confront fears and engage in brave actions.

🧐 Examples of Personal Statement about Courage

• As a student, I have come to realize that courage is not just reserved for extraordinary acts of heroism but can be exhibited in everyday situations. I strive to embrace courage as a guiding principle in my academic journey. I hope to inspire fellow students to recognize their own capacity for bravery and embrace opportunities for personal and academic growth.
• Throughout my academic career, I have witnessed the transformative power of courage. I aim to share my personal experiences and reflections on how cultivating bravery has not only helped me overcome academic obstacles but has also shaped my character and resilience. I hope that my story will encourage fellow students to embrace courage as a guiding force, empowering them to pursue their passions, take risks, and embrace the full extent of their academic potential.
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Courage Essay - Nuts and Bolts

By: Angelina Grin

The Merriam-Webster dictionary gives the following definition of courage: it is mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. As if a fairly clear explanation, however, for many people this concept has different manifestations. Courage, bravery, boldness are synonymous words. They are associated with manifestations of human nature in any emergency situation, and sometimes in everyday life. That is why this topic is quite common for essays in high schools.

Courage Essay Example for You

Essay on courage: historical figures as the best example.

Our article will give you all the answers to the question of "How to write my essay on courage?"

Courage is a very important human trait. Some people think that brave people are exclusively soldiers, rescuers, firefighters and do not consider themselves as such. But I do not agree with this opinion, I believe that everyone can be courageous.

Courage, in my opinion, is a characteristic of a person that complements his boldness. Courageous people are not afraid of responsibility, do not shy away from actions, they have a sense of duty and will always come to the rescue. It may sound a little exaggerated and festive, but in everyday life, courage can be manifested in different ways.

You can often see students at school, having received bad grades, tearing pages from the diary, trying to hide this fact. But there are other students: they go home, show their parents the diary and are responsible for their grades. I can call these children courageous, because even such an act requires moral courage.

Someone will disagree with me and say that it is empty, that it is not the case at all. But everything in life starts small: the responsibility for evaluation in the future can lead to the responsibility for greater actions.

How to become courageous? You need to believe in yourself, look around and ask yourself the question "What can I do?". Maybe someone needs help? You do not have to go far - you can help your mother, grandmother. You can reach out to them for help on the first request, without referring to school workload or headaches. Furthermore, you can protect the weaker when the opportunity arises. You can confess to bad deeds and endure punishment. Courage comes from within and it begins with boldness.

As people grow older, each of their characteristics becomes stronger. Love - in relation to their own children, courage - in more important courageous act for society. One of the best examples of courage is Nelson Mandela. Mandela began his adult life as an underground resistance leader, grew up as a political prisoner, and became a symbol of his country's transition to a multinational and multiracial democracy when he became its president. He is a great example of a man with incredible moral strength. In addition to political victories, he committed other acts worthy of respect. After the death of his eldest son from AIDS, he struggled with the spread of the disease. Thus, he once again showed courage when he spoke publicly about this loss at a time when the topic of AIDS was almost taboo. Mandela died as a great man - in the eyes of many as great as his hero Gandhi, as a man who changed the country, using not the force of arms, but a moral example.

Courageous are the teachers who spend their nights checking our notebooks and putting all their best into us, courageous are the pilots of the planes that take to the skies every day. Doctors, saving people's lives every day, also show courage, because the decision to take this path already requires determination and courage. Salesmen, janitors, educators, police officers - all people in life at least once find themselves in a situation where they have to show courage.

Everyone is courageous in their own way, someone does their daily work without thinking about the fact that in someone's eyes he appears as a hero and a daredevil. You just have to look around and think about the surrounding people, and then you can be surprised: how different everyone is! How many brave and courageous people there are in the world!

The Best Tips for Writing a Courage Essay

The following tips guide students in the right direction when working on a courage essay.

• Your essay will be a reflection on the concept of courage. So it is worth starting with the main thing - how do you understand this human virtue.
• Argue your point in the body of the essay - give as many examples from life as possible. Have you met brave people? Where and under what circumstances did they show their courage? Think of examples from literature and movies - there are many worthy characters.
• Finally, describe once again your vision of the concept of courage. In what it is shown most of all?
• If you want to get high-quality homework help on the subject of courage, contact a good writing service. Professional authors will write you a unique essay, check it for plagiarism and provide an essay editing service.

Many plots of classical literature are devoted to brave people. It is literature that allows us not to forget about the great feats, many of which are based on real events. Even more examples of brave people exist in real life. Next, we will talk about people of great courage in history and literature, that you can use as an example in your essay.

• Beowulf is a kind of ideal courageous hero. His battle with Grendel is an allegorical description of the warrior's struggle against evil in himself. He defeated Grendel, which means both evil in himself and his fears. This is a manifestation of true courage.
• "Profiles in Courage" is a work written by John F. Kennedy, President of the United States, who died for his advanced views on the reconstruction of America and world relations. The 35th President of the United States remained in world memory as one of the country's brightest political figures. His tragic death continues to arouse genuine interest in the personality and views of the great man. The book was written by him personally long before his election to the presidency. This is a historical and biographical story written in simple language. The author talks about the general traits of the outstanding Americans, famous for their steadfastness and loyalty to great goals. Reveals Kennedy's secret and his personality - political courage. Today, students from various schools and universities compete for the title of best author in The Profile in Courage Essay Contest.
• "Courage is when you know in advance that you have lost, and yet you get down to business and in spite of everything in the world you go to the end. You rarely win, but sometimes you still win." Harper Lee, "To kill a Mockingbird" . Atticus taught his children to really think and ask the right questions, and to walk with their heads held high when everyone around them thinks you are different.
• Stephen Crane's "The Red Badge of Courage" is a story about growing up. It was written 30 years after the Civil War, but has not lost its relevance. The work answers the question of what courage is. Sometimes we have to face our fears to know ourselves in a new way. It is in this case that we show our courage. The story of Henry Fleming and his journey from a frightened, young man to a courageous soldier illuminates important themes many students encounter in their lives, including overcoming fear, soldiering duty and honor, definition of courage, and seeking redemption.

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I like your essay. You seem to be an expert in essay writing. Bravo!

It's sad that so many people don't acknowledge bravery in our everyday lives. This is what I kind of need, but there were no words I felt that were good to use.

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• How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

• Start with a question
• Write your initial answer
• Develop your answer
• Refine your thesis statement

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

• Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
• Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
• Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

• Why you hold this position
• What they’ll learn from your essay
• The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

• In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
• In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

• Ask a question about your topic .
• Write your initial answer.
• Develop your answer by including reasons.
• Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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Essays on Courage

Courage is an important trait, as it helps people to get through difficult times and cope with any challenges – you can explore this and more in your courage essay. Each day as we wake, we have courage in the face of the unknown. Many authors of courage essays think that courage and fear are mutually exclusive, but it is the other way around – there can be no courage without fear, as courage means acting regardless of fear, overcoming it. Some essays on courage note that what opposes courage is cowardice – a trait that people should strive to cast away, as it affects self-esteem and can stop people’s progress in life, leaving them unfulfilled. Peruse our courage essay samples if you want your essay to be more informational. We handpicked samples of essays for you to read – please find them below!

The Novel "Profiles of Courage" The novel "Profiles of Courage" is made up of a number of brief volume biographies that describe various acts of daring and courage performed by various US senators. In theory, these lawmakers contributed significantly to the development of democracy and government in contemporary American society. They...

Words: 1214

Masada, which in Hebrew translates as "fortress," is a location of magnificence and royal splendor and is unique in the eyes of Jews who still regard it as delightfully the last trench defended by a small number of Jewish Zealots against the Roman assault in 73 AD. The group that...

Words: 1840

During the interview, search for fairness, loyalty, modesty, bravery, dedication, devotion, zeal, positivity, trust, intelligence, resolve, empathy, and compassion in the leader.Throughout his technical and leadership roles, the interviewed leader displayed the above attributes. Furthermore, the leader demonstrated confidence, intellect, and maturity in his leadership positions. Notably, the leaders instilled...

Words: 1200

An Antihero: Faust in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe s Faust An antihero is a protagonist character in a given story that lacks the characteristics synonymous with a traditional hero, such as morals, bravery, and idealism. The antihero can often be depicted as doing the right thing, although this is often driven...

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi: A Brave and Valiant Mongoose Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is a short story in The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. It's the story of a young Indian grey mongoose who is brave and valiant. The story has been anthologized and published in various versions as a short book. We will look at its...

The Cheyenne people are the westernmost tribes of the Algonquin band. They used to live far to the east of where they now live. They remained in set settlements and engaged in practices such as land farming, but they later relocated to the west and southwest, leaving some of their...

Words: 1483

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Moral Bravery and Whistleblowing Moral bravery is the desire to do the right thing regardless of the repercussions that might follow. Whistleblowers must choose between remaining anonymous to secure their careers, which are critical to their livelihoods, and disclosing the illegality they find in their workplaces. In the case of WorldCom,...

Mother Courage and Her Children is irrefutably one of the most huge play in the 20th century and has been played in many components of the world attracting big crowds, it is currently the biggest antiwar play of all time. It was written by a German dramatist, and due to...

Words: 1097

The provided study of the theme of bravery is based and focused on a single narrative with a strong thematic emphasis and intrigues. The tale is a very lively and handy source of many outstanding thematic lessons of considerable worth and taste. It is one of Kate Chopin's finest works...

Courage in Literature Courage is the desire or option to face agony, intimidation, discomfort, the threat of confusion. Its synonyms are courage and bravery. It may be either actual or spiritual. Physical courage is defined as bravery in the face of suffering, death, or adversity. On the other hand, moral bravery...

Words: 1219

In Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird, he highlights several examples of bravery and heroism in the small Alabama town that is mocked for its social tensions and suffering. Throughout the two years that they spent in Alabama, the novel focuses on Finch's family. Scout, Jem, Atticus, and Tom...

Words: 1585

Nikos Kazantzakis was born in a tumultuous environment in which Create was battling for its independence. He defines his father as a fierce individual who instilled in his son a sense of human integrity, bravery, and love/or pride in becoming a Cretan person. His mother, on the other hand, was...

Words: 1621

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5 Inspiring Essays on Courage

Courage is a value held in high regard. There are countless quotes and explanations of what “courage” is. Some believe it’s the same as being fearless, while others say that courage is doing the right thing even if you’re afraid. Brene Brown says that “You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you can’t choose both.” Courage is about stepping outside of what’s familiar and comfortable. Here are five essays exploring what courage looks like:

“The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage” (2017) – Susan David

While technically not an essay, the transcript from this 2017 TEDTalk (and the speech itself) is a powerful exploration of emotional courage. Dr. Susan David, who lost her father when she was 15, describes how she dealt with grief. Societies often encourage people to suppress these types of emotions. She talks about a “radical acceptance” of every emotion, even the hard ones, and how this acceptance is necessary for true happiness. This acceptance isn’t easy. It takes courage. She has an especially poignant way of describing courage: she calls it “fear walking.”

Dr. Susan David is a world-leading management thinker and Harvard Medical School psychologist. She’s also an author and contributor to publications like The Harvard Business Review, New York Times, and more. David lectures around the world for clients like the United Nations, Google, and the World Economic Forum.

Are you interested in a career in peacebuilding and human rights?

Our eBooks, “ Launching Your Career in Human Rights ” and “ Peacebuilding Careers: An Introductory Guidebook ” provide insights, practical steps, and guidance to help you navigate these fields. Explore career paths, learn how to network effectively, and create a strategic plan for your professional journey. Find out more .

“Profile in Courage” (2004) – Dana Calvo

The photo of a single protester facing off a line of tanks is one of history’s most iconic images. In this essay from Smithsonian Magazine, readers learn the story behind it. In 1989, students from over three dozen universities gathered in Tiananmen Square to protest government corruption, joblessness, and attacks on free speech. The government declared martial law, sending tens of thousands of troops to the area. Violence erupted. Several hundred protesters were killed, thousands wounded. The story of the photograph, taken by 33-year old Jeff Widener of the Associated Press, is a story of courage.

Dana Calvo is a former national and foreign journalist. She now works in television.

“This Is A Crisis of Civil-Military Relations” (2020) – Eliot A. Cohen

In this piece, author Eliot Cohen examines what’s going on with military leadership in the age of the Trump administration. While these people are willing to “take a bullet” for America and take on responsibility for the “gravest decisions anyone can make,” they must now show a different kind of courage. Under President Trump’s leadership, the military brass must stand up and risk getting fired. While this essay describes a specific situation between two incredibly powerful branches of American society, it taps into the essence of courage. Courage comes with risks. It often requires people to risk something they didn’t anticipate losing.

Eliot A. Cohen is the dean of The John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. He served as the Counselor of the Department of State from 2007-2009. A contributing writer at The Atlantic, he’s also the author of The Big Stick: The Limits of Soft Power and the Necessity of Military Force.

“How To Find and Practice Courage” (2020) – Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries

This essay opens with a story of a CEO who went against shareholder advice to do what he believed was right, even as he feared the consequences. What gave him courage? Had it always been there under the surface? If you’re interested in brain science and the psychology behind courage, this is a great piece. At the end, it offers techniques on how to “practice courage,” such as going out of your comfort zone and taking care of your body when it’s afraid.

Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries is a psychoanalyst, management scholar, and executive coach. At INSEAD in France, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore , he is the Distinguished Clinical Professor of Leadership Development and Organizational Change. He wrote Down the Rabbit Hole of Leadership: Leadership Pathology in Everyday Life (2018).

“The Six Attributes of Courage” – Melanie Greenberg

What is courage? It’s something most people recognize when they see it, but there are different kinds of courage. In this essay, Dr. Greenberg briefly describes six defining characteristics of courage. She uses quotes from people like Nelson Mandela, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and others. Attributes include following your heart and letting go of what’s familiar and comfortable. The piece concludes with a courage-building exercise.

Dr. Melanie Greenberg is a psychologist, speaker, author, and coach. Her book The Stress-Proof Brain is an Amazon bestseller. She travels the world giving talks to non-profits, businesses, and professional organizations. Active on Twitter, she has been featured in media like CNN, Forbes, BBC Radio, and more.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Courage — Courage And Its Importance In Life

Understanding The Importance of Courage in Life

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Published: Jan 28, 2021

Words: 746 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

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The role of courage in history, works cited:, learning from mistakes , whereas fear leaves us stagnant. thus, the significance of courage in our lives cannot be overstated.\n\nthroughout history, numerous individuals have demonstrated extraordinary courage, reshaping the course of world events. rosa parks, an african american woman, exemplifies such courage as she bravely challenged the status quo and effectuated lasting change. in the early 20th century, the oppressive jim crow laws sanctioned racial segregation, subjecting african americans and impoverished whites to unjust treatment, including discriminatory bus seating policies that favored affluent whites. rosa parks, an unassuming, hardworking woman, was arrested on december 1, 1955, for refusing to yield her bus seat to a white man. she became a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement and was a member of the national association for the advancement of colored people (naacp).\n\nfollowing her second confrontation with the bus driver, james blake, who had twice humiliated her by demanding her seat, rosa parks's resolve to fight grew stronger. it takes immense courage for an individual to stand against an inherently biased system that exploited a marginalized segment of society. while many perceived her as physically tired, her weariness was not physical but stemmed from her refusal to acquiesce to an unjust situation. this incident served as the spark igniting a wildfire. her courage inspired and mobilized countless others, culminating in the montgomery bus boycott, led by dr. martin luther king jr. this year-long protest resulted in a landmark u.s. supreme court decision declaring bus segregation unconstitutional.\n\nrosa parks drew strength from her family, raised in an environment that esteemed education. her family values and education played a pivotal role in nurturing her courage. despite facing discouragement from her husband and other family members due to concerns for her safety, she pressed forward with unwavering courage. her humble beginnings did not deter her. in recognition of her exceptional courage, rosa parks was awarded the congressional gold medal by the u.s. government. her resolute courage resonated with and motivated countless individuals. it fueled their aspirations for equal rights and the abolition of racial segregation, propelling them toward their dreams. one brave individual can ignite the spirits of millions, as exemplified by rosa parks, mahatma gandhi, and nelson mandela , all of whom demonstrated exceptional courage in their quests for freedom. courage, akin to wildfire, has the power to spark hope and move multitudes.\n\nin conclusion, courage plays a pivotal role in life, compelling us to stand up for our convictions. it empowers us to act boldly and share our beliefs with the world. our world's greatness is a testament to the courage displayed by countless individuals. wholeheartedly embraced, courage can turn the seemingly impossible into reality. courage, when translated into action, has the potential to make anything achievable."}" data-sheets-userformat='{"2":515,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":14281427},"12":0}'>conclusion.

• Ahmadi, S., & Sadeghi, H. (2015). The relationship between family function and mental health in female students of high schools in Tehran. Iranian Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 2(2), 1-6.
• Bernstein, D. P., & Fink, L. (1998). Childhood Trauma Questionnaire: A retrospective self-report manual. The Psychological Corporation.
• Brazelton, T. B. (1992). Touchpoints: Your child's emotional and behavioral development. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.
• Chauhan, P., Gupta, R., & Parmar, R. (2018). A study on parent-child relationship and mental health of adolescents. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 6(3), 124-131.
• Gardner, T. W., & Ward, S. (2016). Life span developmental psychology: Introduction to research methods. Routledge.
• Goodman, R. (2001). Psychometric properties of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(11), 1337-1345.
• Hough, M. (2017). Marriage, divorce, remarriage. Open University Press.
• King, D. (2009). The impact of family breakdown on children's well-being: Evidence review. The Scottish Government.
• Lopez, F. G., Castro, N., & Rincón, P. (2013). Mexican-American men's and women's preferences for and attitudes toward counseling. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 60(2), 227-235.
• Santrock, J. W. (2017). Life-span development. McGraw-Hill Education.

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What Should I Write in a Five-Paragraph Essay on Courage?

A five-paragraph essay on courage should contain an introduction with a thesis statement, three body paragraphs that support this thesis and a concluding paragraph that summarizes the essay’s main points. The introduction should start by grabbing readers’ attention and should end with a main idea or thesis statement about courage. The three body paragraphs should each contain an idea or argument that supports the main idea, and the conclusion should restate these points and end with a thought that is meaningful to the reader.

Courage means many things to different people, although one element that many people believe is a part of courage involves finishing difficult tasks and seeing tough situations through to the end. It is much easier to start a challenge than it is to complete one, and people who have courage, by and large, tend to see things through.

Quite a few historical and contemporary examples exist for those choosing to write about this element of courage. The courage that President Abraham Lincoln showed at the end of the Civil War in refusing to let anger dictate his treatment of the former Confederacy went a long way toward helping the country become one again. The courage that marathoner Dick Beardsley showed near the end of the 1982 Boston Marathon, when he sprinted after the eventual winner, Alberto Salazar, pushing himself to the limit all the way to the end of the race even with a painful calf injury, is an example for others to follow. These are examples that bolster an essay’s impact on its audience.

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What a Thesis Paper is and How to Write One

From choosing a topic and conducting research to crafting a strong argument, writing a thesis paper can be a rewarding experience.

It can also be a challenging experience. If you've never written a thesis paper before, you may not know where to start. You may not even be sure exactly what a thesis paper is. But don't worry; the right support and resources can help you navigate this writing process.

What is a Thesis Paper?

A thesis paper is a type of academic essay that you might write as a graduation requirement for certain bachelor's, master's or honors programs. Thesis papers present your own original research or analysis on a specific topic related to your field.

“In some ways, a thesis paper can look a lot like a novella,” said Shana Chartier , director of information literacy at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). “It’s too short to be a full-length novel, but with the standard size of 40-60 pages (for a bachelor’s) and 60-100 pages (for a master’s), it is a robust exploration of a topic, explaining one’s understanding of a topic based on personal research.”

Chartier has worked in academia for over 13 years and at SNHU for nearly eight. In her role as an instructor and director, Chartier has helped to guide students through the writing process, like editing and providing resources.

Chartier has written and published academic papers such as "Augmented Reality Gamifies the Library: A Ride Through the Technological Frontier" and "Going Beyond the One-Shot: Spiraling Information Literacy Across Four Years." Both of these academic papers required Chartier to have hands-on experience with the subject matter. Like a thesis paper, they also involved hypothesizing and doing original research to come to a conclusion.

“When writing a thesis paper, the importance of staying organized cannot be overstated,” said Chartier. “Mapping out each step of the way, making firm and soft deadlines... and having other pairs of eyes on your work to ensure academic accuracy and clean editing are crucial to writing a successful paper.”

How Do I Choose a Topic For My Thesis Paper?

What your thesis paper is for will determine some of the specific requirements and steps you might take, but the first step is usually the same: Choosing a topic.

“Choosing a topic can be daunting," said Rochelle Attari , a peer tutor at SNHU. "But if (you) stick with a subject (you're) interested in... choosing a topic is much more manageable.”

Similar to a thesis, Attari recently finished the capstone  for her bachelor’s in psychology . Her bachelor’s concentration is in forensics, and her capstone focused on the topic of using a combined therapy model for inmates who experience substance abuse issues to reduce recidivism.

“The hardest part was deciding what I wanted to focus on,” Attari said. “But once I nailed down my topic, each milestone was more straightforward.”

In her own writing experience, Attari said brainstorming was an important step when choosing her topic. She recommends writing down different ideas on a piece of paper and doing some preliminary research on what’s already been written on your topic.

By doing this exercise, you can narrow or broaden your ideas until you’ve found a topic you’re excited about. " Brainstorming is essential when writing a paper and is not a last-minute activity,” Attari said.

How Do I Structure My Thesis Paper?

Thesis papers tend to have a standard format with common sections as the building blocks.

While the structure Attari describes below will work for many theses, it’s important to double-check with your program to see if there are any specific requirements. Writing a thesis for a Master of Fine Arts, for example, might actually look more like a fiction novel.

According to Attari, a thesis paper is often structured with the following major sections:

Introduction

• Literature review
• Methods, results

Now, let’s take a closer look at what each different section should include.

Your introduction is your opportunity to present the topic of your thesis paper. In this section, you can explain why that topic is important. The introduction is also the place to include your thesis statement, which shows your stance in the paper.

Attari said that writing an introduction can be tricky, especially when you're trying to capture your reader’s attention and state your argument.

“I have found that starting with a statement of truth about a topic that pertains to an issue I am writing about typically does the trick,” Attari said. She demonstrated this advice in an example introduction she wrote for a paper on the effects of daylight in Alaska:

In the continental United States, we can always count on the sun rising and setting around the same time each day, but in Alaska, during certain times of the year, the sun rises and does not set for weeks. Research has shown that the sun provides vitamin D and is an essential part of our health, but little is known about how daylight twenty-four hours a day affects the circadian rhythm and sleep.

In the example Attari wrote, she introduces the topic and informs the reader what the paper will cover. Somewhere in her intro, she said she would also include her thesis statement, which might be:

Twenty-four hours of daylight over an extended period does not affect sleep patterns in humans and is not the cause of daytime fatigue in northern Alaska .

Literature Review

In the literature review, you'll look at what information is already out there about your topic. “This is where scholarly articles  about your topic are essential,” said Attari. “These articles will help you find the gap in research that you have identified and will also support your thesis statement."

Telling your reader what research has already been done will help them see how your research fits into the larger conversation. Most university libraries offer databases of scholarly/peer-reviewed articles that can be helpful in your search.

In the methods section of your thesis paper, you get to explain how you learned what you learned. This might include what experiment you conducted as a part of your independent research.

“For instance,” Attari said, “if you are a psychology major and have identified a gap in research on which therapies are effective for anxiety, your methods section would consist of the number of participants, the type of experiment and any other particulars you would use for that experiment.”

In this section, you'll explain the results of your study. For example, building on the psychology example Attari outlined, you might share self-reported anxiety levels for participants trying different kinds of therapies. To help you communicate your results clearly, you might include data, charts, tables or other visualizations.

The discussion section of your thesis paper is where you will analyze and interpret the results you presented in the previous section. This is where you can discuss what your findings really mean or compare them to the research you found in your literature review.

The discussion section is your chance to show why the data you collected matters and how it fits into bigger conversations in your field.

The conclusion of your thesis paper is your opportunity to sum up your argument and leave your reader thinking about why your research matters.

Attari breaks the conclusion down into simple parts. “You restate the original issue and thesis statement, explain the experiment's results and discuss possible next steps for further research,” she said.

Find Your Program

Resources to help write your thesis paper.

While your thesis paper may be based on your independent research, writing it doesn’t have to be a solitary process. Asking for help and using the resources that are available to you can make the process easier.

If you're writing a thesis paper, some resources Chartier encourages you to use are:

• Citation Handbooks: An online citation guide or handbook can help you ensure your citations are correct. APA , MLA and Chicago styles have all published their own guides.
• Citation Generators: There are many citation generator tools that help you to create citations. Some — like RefWorks — even let you directly import citations from library databases as you research.
• Your Library's Website: Many academic and public libraries allow patrons to access resources like databases or FAQs. Some FAQs at the SNHU library that might be helpful in your thesis writing process include “ How do I read a scholarly article? ” or “ What is a research question and how do I develop one? ”

It can also be helpful to check out what coaching or tutoring options are available through your school. At SNHU, for example, the Academic Support Center offers writing and grammar workshops , and students can access 24/7 tutoring and 1:1 sessions with peer tutors, like Attari.

"Students can even submit their papers and receive written feedback... like revisions and editing suggestions," she said.

If you are writing a thesis paper, there are many resources available to you. It's a long paper, but with the right mindset and support, you can successfully navigate the process.

“Pace yourself,” said Chartier. “This is a marathon, not a sprint. Setting smaller goals to get to the big finish line can make the process seem less daunting, and remember to be proud of yourself and celebrate your accomplishment once you’re done. Writing a thesis is no small task, and it’s important work for the scholarly community.”

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Meg Palmer ’18 is a writer and scholar by trade who loves reading, riding her bike and singing in a barbershop quartet. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English, language and literature at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and her master’s degree in writing, rhetoric and discourse at DePaul University (’20). While attending SNHU, she served as the editor-in-chief of the campus student newspaper, The Penmen Press, where she deepened her passion for writing. Meg is an adjunct professor at Johnson and Wales University, where she teaches first year writing, honors composition, and public speaking. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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