The choices one makes in the course of one's lifetime have the ability to directly shape one's passage throughout life. Such choices are dictated by a number of factors--one's environment, one's circumstances, and one's personality. Thus, our lives are inevitably shaped by our decisions.
In the novel The Scarlet Ltter, Hester Prynne decides to commit adultery. Her decision changes her life, and also brings another into the world. Because of her choice, she and her daughter live in exile, shunned by the rest of the twon and declared unfit for society. She had once retained the quiet respectability of a young married woman, but had lost her reputation, along with any hopes of blending in. Hawthorne's novel demonstrates for us a harsh reality of life--what one chooses to do in one's life will be intricately tied with the rest of one's existence. .
In the movie Batman Returns, the viewer is allowed an intimate glance into how the midnight vigilante comes into existence. Bruce Wayne, after witnessing the demise of his parents dedicates his life to fighting crime. He decides to become that of Batman. This choice alters his life forever, and forces him to carry on two lives at the same time. He is a philanthropist by day and a hero by night. With such a decision, however, comes the sacrifice of any chance of a truly "normal" life.
Historically, there have been numerous occasions during which disaster struck due to a failure to act. The French Revolution, for example, was a result of growing tensions between the Third Estate, or the general public and the French monarchy. Louis XVI chose to remain unaffected by the devastating poverty that was plaguing the country. He ignored the warning signs and continued to practice uncensored decadence. As a result, his life, along with his lifestyle, was forced to change. He was exiled and sentenced to the guillotine.
Some might argue that it is fate that contorls one's life. Still, it can not be denied that the choices one makes--or fails to make--will invariably induce some effect on the rest of one's life. The consequences of one's decisions will reverberate throughout the rest of the time one resides on earth, ringing with the echo of the choices made, whether long ago, or just a moment ago.
SCORE: 10
Reasons must be more clear, first sentence.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
SAT essay take 3: July 25, 2008
This essay prompt asked the question: "is the way something seems to be not the way it actually is?"
There is a saying that goes "more than what meets the ye." This refers to the fact that htings are not always the way they appear to be, nor are people always what they present themselves as. Apearances can most certainly be deceiving. Though instinct urges us to trust our first impressions, someitmes such impressions are false--veils that obscure the truth.
One example of misleading appearnces is presented in Nathanial Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Hester Prynne, the protganoist, is seen to be a promiscuous woman. She is cursed to bear the ignominous stigma of a scarlet letter A. However, the townspeople have no idea of the true cirumstances. In fact, their beloved, revered Reverend Dimmesdale is responsible for Prynne's impregnation. Still the impression he gives is one of unquestionable goodness, so the people never think to suspect him of such heresy.
In the Broadway musical 'Spring Awakening', one of the main chracters is written off as a slacker. Moritz is schemed against by his teachers, who feel he will only slow the rest of the boys down. However, he has good intentions and is determiend to try hard. Unfortunately, the stifiling damage of his teachers' harsh remarks can not be undone, and he kill shimself as a result of failing the final examinations.
It is inevitable that people will hide a piece of themselves away from the prying eyes of the public. This concept has been illustrated time and time again in various mediums, such as in the movie Bella. The main character, a young waitress, is fired from her job as a result of too many absences. She receives help from an unexpected source--the cook, who also happens to be the boss' brother. She initially distrusts him, but slowly discoveres the reality of his sordid, tragic past. He shows her the relics of a dream shattered by travesty and a life ended by accident.
What one sees may not always be compatible with teh truths that must ultimately be realized. First impressions, jjudgining by appearances, and basing decisions solely on observation can be misleading. In order to truly understand anything, whether it be a person, a place, an object, one must look past the surface and find the deeper meaning.
SCORE: 9.
Reasons: Examples 1 and 2 (paragraphs 2 and 3) need a REASON.
There is a saying that goes "more than what meets the ye." This refers to the fact that htings are not always the way they appear to be, nor are people always what they present themselves as. Apearances can most certainly be deceiving. Though instinct urges us to trust our first impressions, someitmes such impressions are false--veils that obscure the truth.
One example of misleading appearnces is presented in Nathanial Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Hester Prynne, the protganoist, is seen to be a promiscuous woman. She is cursed to bear the ignominous stigma of a scarlet letter A. However, the townspeople have no idea of the true cirumstances. In fact, their beloved, revered Reverend Dimmesdale is responsible for Prynne's impregnation. Still the impression he gives is one of unquestionable goodness, so the people never think to suspect him of such heresy.
In the Broadway musical 'Spring Awakening', one of the main chracters is written off as a slacker. Moritz is schemed against by his teachers, who feel he will only slow the rest of the boys down. However, he has good intentions and is determiend to try hard. Unfortunately, the stifiling damage of his teachers' harsh remarks can not be undone, and he kill shimself as a result of failing the final examinations.
It is inevitable that people will hide a piece of themselves away from the prying eyes of the public. This concept has been illustrated time and time again in various mediums, such as in the movie Bella. The main character, a young waitress, is fired from her job as a result of too many absences. She receives help from an unexpected source--the cook, who also happens to be the boss' brother. She initially distrusts him, but slowly discoveres the reality of his sordid, tragic past. He shows her the relics of a dream shattered by travesty and a life ended by accident.
What one sees may not always be compatible with teh truths that must ultimately be realized. First impressions, jjudgining by appearances, and basing decisions solely on observation can be misleading. In order to truly understand anything, whether it be a person, a place, an object, one must look past the surface and find the deeper meaning.
SCORE: 9.
Reasons: Examples 1 and 2 (paragraphs 2 and 3) need a REASON.
SAT essay the II: 7/18/08 but involves choices
It is in the nature of humanity to make choices that yield negative results, whether it be on purpose, or accidentally. These choices are often accompanied by regret, but at the same time, seemingly good choices can be equally disastrous. Bad choices and good choices are equally likely to have negative consequences.
First, the decision-making involved in the choices one makes are largely based on the circumstances surround the current situation. At the time, the choice may seem to be the right thing to do, but often the consequences are disregarded. In one foreign film, the hero isenticed into stealing. He was chary about doing such a thing, but decided fitting in was more important. Naturally, he later regretted his initial decision, but his mindset at the time had been concerned only with creating a desirable image.
Second, not all good choices will produce positive results. For example, in a foreign book about crime and punishment, the main chracter turns in a criminal and thus dooms his family to a life of fear. Though he had felt that testifying against a lawbreaker was the right hting to do, the consequences were negative. The perpetual state of despair that his family was doomed to remain in filled the man with regret.
Another classic example of the paradox that is decisions is in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. Dorian's decision to sell his soul in return for eternal youth seems to be a good idea initially, but ultimately induces a plethora of pain and suffering. This kind of deciison is the most deadly one can make-- perhaps instinct is gifted with the highest of regards, but when it comes to making hcoices, one's instincts may also be the direct cause of one's downfall.
To conclude, neither "good" nor "bad" decisions exist. One may be more likely to produce negative results, but at the same time, what appeasr to be a good decision may turn out to be worse than the "bad" choice. The consequences can not be predicted, only cautiously anticipated.
First, the decision-making involved in the choices one makes are largely based on the circumstances surround the current situation. At the time, the choice may seem to be the right thing to do, but often the consequences are disregarded. In one foreign film, the hero isenticed into stealing. He was chary about doing such a thing, but decided fitting in was more important. Naturally, he later regretted his initial decision, but his mindset at the time had been concerned only with creating a desirable image.
Second, not all good choices will produce positive results. For example, in a foreign book about crime and punishment, the main chracter turns in a criminal and thus dooms his family to a life of fear. Though he had felt that testifying against a lawbreaker was the right hting to do, the consequences were negative. The perpetual state of despair that his family was doomed to remain in filled the man with regret.
Another classic example of the paradox that is decisions is in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. Dorian's decision to sell his soul in return for eternal youth seems to be a good idea initially, but ultimately induces a plethora of pain and suffering. This kind of deciison is the most deadly one can make-- perhaps instinct is gifted with the highest of regards, but when it comes to making hcoices, one's instincts may also be the direct cause of one's downfall.
To conclude, neither "good" nor "bad" decisions exist. One may be more likely to produce negative results, but at the same time, what appeasr to be a good decision may turn out to be worse than the "bad" choice. The consequences can not be predicted, only cautiously anticipated.
SAT essay 1: closed doors make us creative? 7/05
This essay was written approximately sometime in the beginning of July 2008. Pre-English tutoring sessions:
The belief that "Closed doors make us creative" is one that is an oxymoron in itself. In fact, uit is often the contrary--"closed doors", whether the term carries a literal or figurative weight, limits our possibilites. By closing off and restricting certain things, our minds are instantly provoked to look beyond the doors, to search for ways around them. However, the creativity instilled by restrictions and limitations can not be assumed to be universally permeating. The idle mind's idleness will only be enhanced by limitations, and the "Closed doors" may become an excuse not to think at all.
The inventor's being is defined by his or her desire to go beyond the known and get creative with reality. Those who possess the curisotiy and wonder required to be creative naturally strive to leap across restrictions of all kinds. Thus, they are the ones who apply best to the phrase 'closed doors make us creative'. One of the greatest inventors of all time, Thomas Edison, wanted to improve upon an easier development--something most inventors hope to achieve. It was not that there was an intolerable NEED for an artificial light source, it was just that the enticing possibility of developing one. Edison's time had been restricted to using non-electrical sources of light, so he got creative.
Most modern technology can be traced back to similar situations. There was an earlier invention that could be improved upon, a sense of restriction because of the limited options, and an individual who used innovative ideas to create something better despite, or perhaps because of, the said limitations.
The belief can also be supported by historical events. Inevitably, the masses become unhappy with the way they are treated and rebel. They are, in a sense, behind closed doors. In order to surpass such restrictions, they rebel against the "Doors", or in most cases, the government. The equation for a revolution, which one might argue counts as being "creative", is unhappy people plus a restricting government.
It takes an active mind, but closd doors do tend to force individuals to search for alternative methods, for windows to the outside. Whether the method be an invention or a social movement, restrictions seduce the dsire to free oneself from them.
SCORE: 9
Reason: Needs more structure.
The belief that "Closed doors make us creative" is one that is an oxymoron in itself. In fact, uit is often the contrary--"closed doors", whether the term carries a literal or figurative weight, limits our possibilites. By closing off and restricting certain things, our minds are instantly provoked to look beyond the doors, to search for ways around them. However, the creativity instilled by restrictions and limitations can not be assumed to be universally permeating. The idle mind's idleness will only be enhanced by limitations, and the "Closed doors" may become an excuse not to think at all.
The inventor's being is defined by his or her desire to go beyond the known and get creative with reality. Those who possess the curisotiy and wonder required to be creative naturally strive to leap across restrictions of all kinds. Thus, they are the ones who apply best to the phrase 'closed doors make us creative'. One of the greatest inventors of all time, Thomas Edison, wanted to improve upon an easier development--something most inventors hope to achieve. It was not that there was an intolerable NEED for an artificial light source, it was just that the enticing possibility of developing one. Edison's time had been restricted to using non-electrical sources of light, so he got creative.
Most modern technology can be traced back to similar situations. There was an earlier invention that could be improved upon, a sense of restriction because of the limited options, and an individual who used innovative ideas to create something better despite, or perhaps because of, the said limitations.
The belief can also be supported by historical events. Inevitably, the masses become unhappy with the way they are treated and rebel. They are, in a sense, behind closed doors. In order to surpass such restrictions, they rebel against the "Doors", or in most cases, the government. The equation for a revolution, which one might argue counts as being "creative", is unhappy people plus a restricting government.
It takes an active mind, but closd doors do tend to force individuals to search for alternative methods, for windows to the outside. Whether the method be an invention or a social movement, restrictions seduce the dsire to free oneself from them.
SCORE: 9
Reason: Needs more structure.
Random Musing: Possible Personal Statement about Cause
I have not been to the American Samoa to help young children. I am not a Teen Ambassador at the United Nations, nor have I spent the better part of my adolescent years involved in the Peace Corps. I have, however, spent an adequate amount of time involved in local activities, including Book Buddies and peer tutoring. The young children I have met have provided me with insight that only such budding human beings can provide. I may not have come away with an intrinsic desire to teach, nor have I suddenly decided that I would like to bear a houseful of children. At the tender age between the end of childhood and the beginning of adolescence, I realized my fascination with the humanities. I became enthralled in the teachings of Freud, by Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and by Jung's personality tests. Honestly, I could recommend no experience more valuable than that of interacting with children. Through Book Buddies, a program in which a younger child is paired with an older, literate reading partner, I was taught patience. I was also introduced to the pleasure of diffusing knowledge upon a child. I was introduced to the power of words, man's greatest invention--and perhaps the biggest difference between homo sapiens and the creatures around us. With the help of peer tutoring, the patience I had cultivated was tested, sometimes brought to the limits, by the frustration that comes along with the inability to explain something. Usually, the latter is something so clear to oneself, yet so irritatingly foreign to another. I found ways around the conventional methods of teaching, spent hours developing examples that might induce sudden epiphanies in my pupils. I came up with examples, analogies, and hypothetical situations for them to relate algebra and social studies to. Variables became love interests, the rational numbers around them became rivals that must be removed. The infuential, though often deceased, individuals that fill the past became characters who were closer to the heart; the founding fathers became video game protagonists and the revolutionaries became their weapons. Since the beginning of my involvement in such activities, I have learned invaluable lessons, the likes of which have certainly contributed to who I am now. I have never considered myself as someone who is "good with kids." I still do not, but I see them in a new light. No longer do I cringe at the thought of reading to a first grader. Rather, I smile, knowing that I have the chance to change his or life forever.
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