Notes

1. "To be" verbs serve as a means to depict one's connection to various temporal states of existence, encompassing the present, past, and future. However, their misuse can stifle the flow of reading and overall comprehension. When referring to an individual existing in the current or past, making sure to use the appropriate terminology can significantly impact how the subject is perceived, not only in terms of their state of being, but also in terms of the fluidity and overall pace of the conversation. Transforming a sentence by utilizing active verbs in the present tense enhances its overall enjoyability, both in auditory and written form. When combined with specific actions or examples, this not only communicates the person's attributes, but also enhances the listener's perception in a positive fashion. For instance, saying "John excels at skateboarding" offers a more engaging and efficient communication as well as depiction, compared to a generic statement such as: "John is good at skateboarding."

2. Yes, I believe consuming fiction has helped me in terms of learning about myself. Fiction provides us with a mental escape from the realities of our everyday lives. It offers a refuge from the hardships of the real world, allowing us to distance ourselves mentally from the problems we were facing. Moreover, it enhances our capacity for imaginative thinking, offering fresh perspectives on the world and expanding our ability to express and embrace new ideas and concepts. By presenting alternative viewpoints to challenge what we might otherwise take for granted, fiction empowers us to refigure our understanding and broaden our expectations.

3. I'm assuming one of the most common works that many will use as an excellent example of someone testing the limits of capability in terms of storytelling will be the Harry Potter series. With an ordinary person being transported in a world full of creativity and imagination, this is a solid example of someone testing the strains of capability. Making something so unique in quality and testing the bounds of our expectations, we’re then able to use that as a solid example of pushing our boundaries as a whole. Not just for the characters themselves that people will use to envision themselves as, but the world they’re transported to will expand the bounds of creativity in many viewers. As someone who personally grew up with that as a cornerstone example of creativity, it’s easy to translate that effectively to other avenues we often take for granted in our daily reality.

4. Hunger artists take to the streets to bring about public engagement to the art they’re attempting to portray. Often viewed as someone sitting in a box alone, starving and challenging the time; the hunger artists engage with a special type of strength testament with public viewings that challenge the artist’s capabilities. These artists are known for their ability to endure prolonged starvation in a confined space, often as a means of challenging the audience's perceptions of suffering, self-discipline, and the limits of human endurance.