Our world is filled with quotations that bring us insight, provide an interesting thought, or give an important perspective. Take a moment to consider the quotations listed in the prompt. Choose one. In a short paragraph, explain your interpretation of the quotation. Consider these questions: What does this quotation mean to you?
Why do you think the author wrote it?
Be sure to use specific examples or textual evidence from research, the readings in this class, or your own experiences and knowledge.

Prompt:

Topic 1: In the article “Housing Secretary Ben Carson Clarifies Comment That Poverty Is a ‘State of Mind,’” author Pam Fessler quotes Ben Carson, who says this:

What I said is that it is a factor. A part of poverty can be the state of mind. People tend to approach things differently, based on their frame of mind.

Topic 2: In the article “Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail,” author Angel B. Perez writes this:

Colleges respond to culture shifts, and admission officers are digging deeper to find out who students really are outside of their trophies, medals, and test scores. We get the most excited when we read an application that seems real. It’s so rare to hear stories of defeat and triumph that when we do, we cheer.