Directions:

Study the following picture carefully and write an essay in which you should

1) describe the picture,

2) interpret itsmeaning, and

3) support your view with examples.

One glance at a pyramid can leave the viewer in awe of its beauty and splend or. Uponcloser examination, however, one might be surprised to discover that such a grandiosestructure is composed entirely of ordinary stones.

Most people are familiar with the proverb: Rome was not built in a day. An object as grandas a pyramid is likewise not so quickly or easily constructed. Just as the greatness of the cityof Rome is due to the combination of its smaller parts, a pyramid is only as strong as thestones it is comprised of. The image of a pyramid reminds us that great success is in fact anaccumulation of small a chievements.

History proves that many famous artists and scientists are only successful because of theircontinued efforts, even after numerous failures. One might recall Leonardo DaVinci's drawing ofan egg, Wang Xi Zhi practicing handwriting, or Thomas Edison inventing the light bulb, forexample. The fable that tells us that even water can eventually pierce through stone alsopoints to the importance of patience and diligence. We should take such stories and historiesinto account and remember the importance of fundamentals; remember that one can build apyramid only if one is willing to work with small stones. People would be wise to abandonrash inclinations and instead try in earnest. Perseverance is sure to leadto success.