Secondary – September 23

“Youth is the best time to be rich, and the best time to be poor.” -Euripides, born on this date in 480 BC. Why both?

Secondary – September 22

Francisco Vásquez de Coronado died on this date in 1554 without ever finding any of the seven cities of gold for which he searched. Argue whether it’s better to have tried but failed to achieve an ambitious goal or to have set and achieved an insignificant goal.

Secondary – September 21

On this day in 1970, The New York Times premiered a new section called the Op-Ed Page, a section opposite the editorial page given over to columnists and illustrators to opine on the issues of the day. What’s your opinion about whether newspapers should express opinions or report only facts?

Secondary – September 20

“It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.” -Upton Sinclair, born on this date in 1878. Write a story about a situation in which you’ve observed Sinclair is wrong.

Secondary – September 19

William Golding was born on this date in 1911. He said, “Sleep is when all the unsorted stuff comes flying out as from a dustbin upset in a high wind.” Describe the last dream you remember.

Secondary – September 18

Lance Armstrong was born this date in 1971. Describe your opinion about whether a person can be an inspirational leader if the reason he or she achieved that position is because he or she took a shortcut to get there.

Secondary – September 17

“It is not what you say that matters but the manner in which you say it; there lies the secret of the ages.” -William Carlos Williams, born on this date in 1883. Explain why you agree or disagree.

Secondary – September 16

On this date in 1620, the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, with 102 passengers bound for the “New World.” Considering the distance and challenges of any future new worlds, describe what would make you decide to make a pilgrimage to one if given the opportunity.