<p>Hi CC,</p>
<p>I am preparing for the October SAT and would appreciate if I can get some feedback on my essay.</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:
It is 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>Essay:
Throughout human history people have questioned the decisions of others. Questioning the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority is crucial to build and maintain a free society. Several examples from literature, historical, and current events clearly demonstrate that questioning authority is always constructive.
As demonstrated by George Orwell's novel 1984 a totalitarian society is created when citizens aren't allowed to question the government. In the novel Winston Smith, an average citizen of the fictional nation of Oceania, realizes that the government is always watching him. Overtime, Winston also realizes that the Party's propaganda is brainwashing the citizens of Oceania. The Party is even creating a new language that will prevent any form of political rebellion by removing all words related to it from the dictionary. Winston's job is at the Ministry of Truth where he alters historical records to prevent anyone from questioning the government. George Orwell was demonstrating how a human rights depend directly on the ability to question and participate in government. Thus, it is important to doubt authority.
As recently illustrated by the overthrow of Egypt's prime minister Hosni Mubarak the right to question authority is so powerful that is can allow citizens to destroy a repressive government. In February 2011 Hosni Mubarak was forced to resign after being in power for the last 30 years. The revolution that ousted this repressive leader was a diverse mixture of occupation, riots, and civil disobedience. The commonality between all the protesters is that the were questioning the ideas and decisions of people in authority. Despite the violent clashes with the police, protesters were persistent. Hence, the ability of people to question authority is crucial.
After a careful analysis of 1984 and the Egyptian revolution questioning the government is indeed needed to build and maintain a productive society. Without the ability to question authority society will fall into a totalitarian state.</p>
<p>I really appreciate any constructive feedback.
Thanks</p>