Reading Passage for Class Writing  The idiom “bite the bullet” means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, even when it is uncomfortable or unavoidable. The phrase originated in the 19th century, when soldiers were given a bullet to bite during surgery before anesthesia was available. Biting the bullet helped them endure pain and remain strong. Over time, the expression came to symbolize bravery, self-control, and acceptance of tough realities. In modern life, people “bite the bullet” when they choose to deal with a challenge rather than avoid it. For example, a student who is afraid of public speaking might decide to give a presentation anyway, knowing it will help them grow. Similarly, someone may “bite the bullet” and apologize after a disagreement, even if it feels uncomfortable. Ultimately, “bite the bullet” reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to move forward despite it. Facing difficulties directly often leads to growth, confidence, and a deeper sense of accomplishment. Final Essay Prompts (Select One) Facing Challenges with CourageDescribe a time when you had to “bite the bullet” and face a situation you were afraid of or uncomfortable with. What made it difficult, and what did you learn from the experience? Use specific details and examples to explain how it helped you grow stronger. The Role of Courage in Overcoming FearUsing the idiom “bite the bullet” as a foundation, write an essay discussing why courage is necessary for personal and academic success. Provide examples from your experience, history, or literature to show how people achieve growth and progress by confronting their fears.

Reading Passage for Class Writing  The idiom “to beat around the bush” means to avoid addressing a topic directly or to speak in a roundabout way instead of getting to the main point. This expression originated from old hunting practices in medieval England, when hunters would literally beat around bushes to flush out birds while avoiding direct contact with them. Over time, the phrase came to describe people who hesitate to speak plainly, often out of fear, politeness, or discomfort. In everyday life, people often “beat around the bush” when they want to avoid conflict or giving bad news. For example, a manager might hesitate to tell an employee that their work needs improvement and instead talk vaguely about “areas for growth.” While this approach might seem polite, it can also create confusion or frustration. In contrast, being direct often shows honesty, confidence, and respect for others’ time and feelings. Ultimately, “to beat around the bush” reminds us that clear communication is an important life skill. Whether in school, at work, or in personal relationships, saying what we truly mean helps build trust and understanding. Speaking openly and respectfully allows people to solve problems faster and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. Essay Prompts (Select One) The Value of Direct CommunicationReflect on a time when someone avoided telling the truth or delayed saying what needed to be said. How did this situation affect you or others involved? Explain how being more direct could have led to a better outcome, using specific details and examples. Honesty and CommunicationUsing the idiom “to beat around the bush” as a foundation, write an essay discussing why honesty and directness are important in communication. Provide examples from personal experiences, literature, or real-life situations to show how clear communication can improve understanding and relationships.

Suppose you have recently opened a consulting business.  Each of the parts to this question provides data for a different firm that has sought out your services. (Each part is independent of the other parts.  Each of these firms are operating in perfectly competitive industries.  The objective of these firms (as usual) is to maximize profits (or minimize losses).  Your job, as a consultant, is to suggest an appropriate course for the firm to follow.  The options available are: Firm is now at correct position (change nothing),  Firm should increase price, Firm should decrease price, Firm should increase quantity of output produced and sold, Firm should decrease quantity of output produced and sold, Firm should shut down operations,  Firm gave you inconsistent / incorrect info. You must show your work to receive credit.

Refer to the accompanying graph to answer the next question. The supply and demand curves apply to both a monopoly market and a competitive market. The marginal revenue curve applies only to a monopoly.   What would be the deadweight loss in a monopoly market?  

  Rent seeking occurs when

  Which of the following is a characteristic of a monopoly but not a characteristic of a competitive market?

  Economists assume that the cost of __________ is fixed in the short run.

  If Big Bear Quilts is a perfectly competitive firm and is making zero economic profits,

  Which condition represents a break-even point for a monopolist firm?

  When output is 100 units, a firm’s total fixed cost is $500. What will this firm’s total fixed cost be if output doubles to 200 units?