<p>hi this is my first time doing the practice SAT from the blue book (by collegeboard) and it would be helpful if someone could help me grade my essay. here is the prompt:</p>
<p>"Sometimes it is necessary to challenge what people in authority claim to be true. Although some respect for authority is, no doubt, necessary in order for any group or organization to function, questioning the people in charge-even if they are experts or leaders in their fields-makes us better thinkers. It forces all concerned to defend old ideas and decisions and to consider new ones. Sometimes it can even correct old errors in thought and put an end to wrong actions."</p>
<p>Assignment: Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.</p>
<p>Prompt:
"Sometimes it is necessary to challenge what people in authority claim to be true. Although some respect for authority is, no doubt, necessary in order for any group or organization to function, questioning the people in charge-even if they are experts or leaders in their fields-makes us better thinkers. It forces all concerned to defend old ideas and decisions and to consider new ones. Sometimes it can even correct old errors in thought and put an end to wrong actions."</p>
<p>Assignment: Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.</p>
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<p>No one is able to always make the right decisions and judgments. Just because someone is an expert or leader in a field does not automatically make all their claims true and morally correct. People need to question authority sometimes for the better of the people. If authoritative positions are able to get away with every idea and decision, sometimes the people will have to go through dire consequences.</p>
<p>The Renaissance during the 14th century was an age of reason in which people would question things in life, especially scientific matters. Nicolaus Copernicus was an astronomer who made a scientific breakthrough during this era. Through Copernicuss extensive research he discovered that the previous theory of Earth being in the center of our solar system was false (geocentric); instead he found out that the Sun was in the center (heliocentric). With concrete evidence, he challenged authority and the past belief in the geocentric theory. To the worlds surprise, he was indeed correct and although it was hard for him to share his ideas since no one believed that century-old claims could be disproved, Copernicus was able to instill deeper thinking in the people and correct a previously false theory. From his inquiries of the authorities original ideas, he successfully reached a scientific breakthrough and renovated peoples view of the world.</p>
<p>However, sometimes the people dont question the decisions and beliefs of the people in positions of authority. Hitlers rise to power and his totalitarian state created the strong anti-Semitism present in Germany in 1930 and 1940s. Hitler blamed the Jews for causing all of Germanys problems. Despite this preposterous claim, Germans simply chose to believe him due to his absolute power. They ignored Hitlers abuse of power and decision making and became oblivious to the slaughter of the Jews. A lack of questioning resulted in many Jews perishing in labor camps and death camps in the Holocaust. It is possible that if the Germans had challenged Hitlers ideology the Holocaust may never have occurred; perhaps revolution and just people questioning Hitler would have prevented these crimes from continuing and stopping Hitlers reign.</p>
<p>Not challenging authority and ignoring authorities decisions all the time can be the downfall of many groups or even nations. The Holocaust during Hitlers reign exemplifies the unfortunate consequences from not asking questions. Meanwhile, Copernicuss scientific discovery delineates the importance of questioning authority and ideas. People gain new perspectives and they can possibly correct old errors through raising inquiries to authorities. Had Nicolaus Copernicus not challenged the archaic geocentric theory, we might still believe that Earth is actually in the center of our solar system. Thus, it is imperative that people question authority to better themselves and society.</p>