Prompt 1
Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below.
The biggest difference between people who succeed at any difficult undertaking and those who do not is not ability but persistence. Many extremely talented people give up when obstacles arise. After all, who wants to face failure? It is often said about highly successful people that they are just ordinary individuals who kept on trying, who did not give up.
Adapted from Tom Morris, True Success: A New Philosophy of Excellence
Assignment:
Is persistence more important than ability in determining a persons success? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
Prompt 2
Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below.
Whether it is a child pouting to get ice cream or a politician using emotionally charged language to influence potential supporters, all people use some form of acting to achieve whatever ends they seek. Public figures of all kinds would have short, unsuccessful careers without the aid of acting. Actingconsciously assuming a role in order to achieve some purposeis a tool people use to protect their interests and gain advantages in every aspect of life.
