Hi! I have the SAT in a few days and I would highly appreciate it if someone who is confident in their essay assessing capabilities could grade my essay. This essay is in response to the essay prompt provided in practice test 7:
In response to news that several local libraries in the greater London area would be closed down, Zadie Smith presents an effective argument for keeping libraries open. Smith points out the purposes served by libraries, discusses the emotional importance associated with libraries and employs rhetorical questions to fortify her stance.
While the common belief is that libraries are simply large establishments full of books, Smith emphasizes that a well functioning library serves other purposes as well. She asserts that different libraries have different settings and cater to different groups of people: “All libraries have a different character and setting. Some are primarily for children or……or the general public.” She also asserts that the truly unique purpose served by a library is that it provides an indoor public space: “what a good library offers……buy anything in order to stay”. By listing out the uses of libraries, Smith proves to the reader that libraries are more than boring old rooms filled with books.
Smith explicitly states that her argument is not especially logical; it is based on pathos rather than logos or ethos. She throws light on the emotional connections people associate with libraries. She says that “A library is one of those social goods that matter to people of many different political attitudes……these places are important to us.” The rhetorical effect of this is that she is able to appeal to the emotions of the readers and connect with them, which makes her argument more convincing.
Lastly, Smith begins and ends the article with a rhetorical question to emphasize the points which she lays down. The text begins with Smith asking the audience, “What kind of a problem is a library?” She uses this question to iterate that libraries shouldn’t be and are not a problem. She then further uses logic and reasoning to support her proposition. She ends the article by asking the reader another question, “Is that really where we are?” She employs this question to express her disappointment towards the fact that people are begging for libraries to stay open, and yet they are closed down due to capitalist interests. These questions have a significant impact and urge the reader to think deeply about the issue. This helps her further solidify her argument.
In an increasingly technology and market driven society, social needs such as libraries are often ignored due to capitalist interests. Smith vehemently argues in favor of keeping libraries open rather than shutting them down due to monetary greed. She explains the purposes served by libraries, throws light on the emotional and personal connections associated with libraries and emphasizes her argument with the help of rhetorical questions to present her stance in a persuasive manner.