Have you ever been flattered by another person or group of people? What were the circumstances and how did you react? Explain how you think flattery can be a positive influence on a person and how it might be a negative one.
Author: D. Sader
An Important Decision
Think of a time when you were faced with a serious problem that required you to make an important decision. What did you do? How did you feel?
Omens
Do you believe in omens (signs of events that will happen)? There have been many accounts of people reporting the occurence of strange phenomena (facts or events as they appear to the senses) just before some significant event, good or bad, took place. Have you ever had or do you know someone who has had such an experience?
A Loyal Friend Versus a Sincere Cause
Think of a situation in which you might have to choose between a loyal friend and a cause in which you sincerely believe. Discuss what you think your eventual choice would be. What consequences would you fear? Has anyone ever persuaded you to do something you later regretted? How did he or she convince you at the time?
“Since you been gone”
Write about a time when a friend or relative returned from an absence and seemed to have a very different personality. Did you believe that the change was real? What circumstances might cause a person to change greatly in a short period of time?
False Flattery
Write about a time when some one used flattery to manipulate you into doing something. Have you ever tried to manipulate someone else through flattery? What were the results?
Under Pressure
Write about a time when, under pressure, you acted in away that surprised you.
Traumatic Screenplay
Suppose you are writing a screenplay about someone your age who has a mental breakdown as a result of a traumatic experience. Write about what that person’s appearance, conversation, and actions would be like.
Stand on Principle
Reflect on a situation where you took a strong stand on principle about an issue that other people did not think was important. What did you gain or lose by doing this?
Spontaneous Laughter
Sometimes people find themselves laughing and/or joking in a situation where they are expected to be serious. How would you explain this unexpected response? Have you ever found yourself in this situation? If so, explain why you think you responded the way you did.