Creativity
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TED Radio Prompts
 
Related Essay Topics
Getting Over Writer's Block... 
... Sting,
  • Sting defines creativity as 'the ability to take a risk'. To what extent do you agree or disagree. Develop at least one idea to support your opinion.
  • Sting attributes some of his creativity to the hours of quiet in the early morning as a child. People often talk about fostering creativity by 'doing' things with children. How would doing 'nothing' perhaps be more effective at encouraging creative. Be specific and detailed in your description. 
  • Does it become easier or harder to be creative after being recognized for your creativity? Use specific details and examples to develop at least one reason for your opinion.
  • If you were to take your childhood and write a book or a play about it, describe some of the characters who would be the most important. Be specific and detailed in your description. 
  • Charles' raises the question. "Is it possible to study creativity scientifically?" Why would scientists be the right or the wrong people to study creativity? Discuss this question and develop atleast one reason why you agree or disagree. 
  • Limb's research suggests that when people are being creative the front part of their brain that helps you make 'controlled, appropriate or well reasoned' decisions turns off. How is this important to the process of creativity? Develop at least one reason for your opinion. 
  • Limb says the ability to suppress your own brain may be one of the hallmarks for what makes somebody great." How is this a surprising but perhaps believable opinion?  
What a Creative Brain Looks Like...
... Charles Limb, 
How Schools Kill Creativity...
Sir Ken Robinson
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  Text File
  • Robinson says that [Kids] are not frightened of being wrong? But as they become adults they do become more afraid of being wrong? Does this match your experience? Are you more afraid of being wrong now than when you were younger? Be specific and detailed in your description. 
  • Robinson says that we prioritize schooling based on the most important subjects for work are on the top and the least are on the bottom. Is this true and is it becoming more true or less true in your opinion? Use specific details and examples to develop at least one reason for your opinion
  • In the story about Gillian Lynne, only one person could see that what others thought was a problem wasn't a problem but the potential for a lot of talent. Have you seen a similar example in your life that either ended similarly or differently? Be specific and detailed in your retelling of this example. 
  • Gilbert questions, 'Is it logical that anybody should be expected to be afraid of the work that they feel they were put on this earth to do?' Is there something that you feel you were put on this earth to do? If so are you ever afraid of that thing and what do those fears look like? If not, do you think people that have this direct sense of purpose are rare or common? Be specific and detailed in your description. 
  • Gilbert suggests that diligence and discipline are important parts of the creative process. How is that similar or different from what many people believe about creativity? . Be specific and detailed in your description. 
  • Do you agree with Gilbert's mom that "done is better than good' Use specific details and examples to develop at least one reason for your opinion.  
  • Gilbert claims that 'everyone is creative'. That the creative are not the few but the many. To what extent do you agree or disagree.' What are the consequences of her opinion? . Be specific and detailed in your description. 
Where Creativity Comes From... 
...Elizabeth Gilbert