Secondary – January 10

“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.” -Thomas Paine in Common Sense, published on this date in 1776. Explain why you think Paine is correct or incorrect.

Primary – January 10

“From the errors of other nations, let us learn wisdom.” -Thomas Paine in Common Sense, published on this date in 1776. Describe the most important less you’ve learned from someone else’s mistake.

Secondary – January 9

Describe the most important and interesting place that you intend to travel in your life, and why you want to go there.

Primary – January 9

Write a short story about what you think will be your first job.

Secondary – January 8

Elvis Presley was born on this date in 1935. Although one of the most successful musicians in history, Elvis never learned to read music — he knew, instead, how to mimic what he heard. Explain how you accomplish something everyone thinks you’re good at but at which you feel you’re faking your talent.

Primary – January 8

Reading teacher Evelyn Wood was born on this date in 1909. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper explaining why it’s important for everyone to learn to read.

Secondary – January 7

Describe your vision of integrity and the best example of it you’ve ever seen.

Primary – January 7

Jacques Montgolfier, who with his brother invented the hot air balloon, was born on this date in 1745. Describe what it would be like to ride in a hot air balloon using all your senses except sight.