The Monk and the Riddle
Any topic (writer’s choice)
Paper instructions:
Assignment:
This is an individual deliverable: 2 pages maximum, single-spaced.
After reading The Monk & The Riddle, reflect on the following questions:
1. What was surprising or different about this book relative to what you know about entrepreneurship?
2. What are your impressions of Lenny? Why was Randy willing to give Lenny his time?
3. What do you think about the “Deferred Life Plan?”
4. What do you think about the evolution of Lenny’s opportunity? What value does Lenny get from talking to Randy and the VCs?
This paper will be graded on the depth of your personal thoughts and insights (as opposed to summarizing the book). You only have two pages. Don’t waste them on recounting the story. (I’ve read it!) I want to know what you thought about the book and the issues above.
Grading Criteria
The Monk and the Riddle paper is focused on reflection and your personal thoughts and opinions. As such, the use of first person is acceptable. I want you to make it clear to me if a particular thought or opinion is your own. While the grading on this is obviously subjective, rough guidelines for grades are as follows:
A – Well written and addressed all of the questions. Shows depth of thought and reasoning behind opinions. Relates these to their personal experiences, values, goals, etc,
B – Well written and addresses all of the questions, but fails to show any serious reflection on the book or questions. Essentially provides adequate answers to the questions. May offer opinions, but does not justify these in a way that helps me understand why they have these opinions.
C – Serious grammatical errors and is generally not well written. Does not address all of the questions posed. Offers little or not insight/thought/personal reflection. Paper is primarily a summary of the book.
D- Poorly written and difficult to follow. Does not address most or any of the questions/issues posed.
Grades can fall between these categories if they meet some of the criteria of two grade categories. This should give you a general guideline.