1. A mindset is a mental framework that strongly influences how we receive, interpret, react, and respond to information. Those with a fixed mindset are closed off to new information, and consciously (or unconsciously) do not expand their knowledge, and therefore their perspective. Their intelligence also remains static by refusing to accept alternative perspectives. A “growth mindset” is a mindset in which one is willing to accept information from others, even if the information challenges their previous beliefs. Those willing to accept new things will expand their capacity for both intellectual and emotional development. A fixed mindset only stifles progress and hinders development through a toxic, repetitive cycle that revolves around negative reinforcement. When one refuses to believe they can grow, they do not grow, which kills motivation, which leads to unproductiveness, and so on and so forth. When one accepts that they have the ability to learn new things, they believe they can grow, which leads to expansion, which reaffirms their beliefs and the cycle continues.

2. Style is an abstract term that can reference many aspects of literary technique, however it is best described as a concise blend of signature rhetorical devices and techniques employed by an author. Style can also be developed through the tone and context of the statement’s delivery. For example, the style of a presidential speech may be different from that of you greeting your friend. The global perspective focuses on the main presence or absence of rhetorical appeals, devices and modes. This perspective is where the ethos, pathos, and logos of the writing is developed. The local perspective is concerned with the combination of language and syntax in the piece. For example, a monologue from a play, when studied under the global perspective, may utilize pathos to incite a sense of anxiety from the audience. When studied under a local perspective, this can be accomplished with sensory language through a combination of repetition and imagery. Both perspectives offer useful information for analysis, and both are crucial to pay attention to when writing in a professional style. When the local and global perspectives match in purpose and energy, it gives the piece both purpose and momentum.

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