Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. In her book, Angela Duckworth describes the four “paragons” of grit.

• How do these four attributes of grit contribute to success? (topic sentence)
• Explain how interest, practice, hope, and purpose each contribute to a gritty project.
• In your concluding sentences, describe which element of grit is the most important.

2. The author cites several people who demonstrate grit and have accomplished great things.

• Identify one person who has demonstrated grit and what they were able to accomplish. (topic sentence)
• Describe how this person applied the principles of grit, and then explain what they were able to accomplish using those principles.
• In your concluding sentences, summarize why Duckworth may have chosen to include this person’s story in her book.

3. Duckworth claims that one indicator of success is involvement in extracurricular activities.

• What are the features of after-school activities that make them especially good for developing grit? (topic sentence)
• Explain why extracurricular activities develop grit, how they increase success in the classroom, and why they may be indicators of future success.
• In your concluding sentences, explain why an employer might find it beneficial to hire someone based on their involvement in extracurricular activities.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. What is group culture? How does a culture of grit encourage team members to improve? What other ways do groups contribute to an individual’s grit? How might groups take part in setting and maintaining goals? Why might group members aid in developing perseverance and a growth mindset?

2. What can parents do to encourage “gritty” behavior in their children? What activities does the author use to encourage grit in her own children? What attitudes are essential for parents who wish to teach their children about grit?

3. How would you advise someone to develop a sense of purpose and calling? What might an individual do to determine their interests and pursuits? How would you describe the process of setting goals in connection to finding purpose? What small steps can people take to develop their passion?