<p>My Kaplan instructor gave me a 2 for this essay, which I think clearly deserves a 3 or possibly a 4. I know it's flawed but when compared to sample "score 2" essays, mine is much better.</p>
<p>Blurb:
"People in those old times had convictions; we moderns have only opinions. And it needs more than a mere opinion to erect a Gothie cathedral. Mark this well, you proud men of action: You are nothing but the unwitting agents of the men of thought who often, in quiet self-effacement, mark out most exactly all your doings in advance.</p>
<p>Heinrich Heine, Selected Writings</p>
<p>Prompt:
Is it more important and valuable to acquire knowledge or to take action? 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:
It is more important to acquire knowledge than to proceed directly into action. Carelessly going into action is risky and unpredictable. During the Cold War, the United States sent former Cubans to overthrow a government, it was considered by historians, a "complete failure". From my experience in tennis, the only way to to improve is to reflect on past mistakes and think about improvements.
Some may say the quickest way to get something done is by doing it; however, it is not the most efficient way. Though the work starts right away, the end result is not always satisfying.
When the United States sent former Cubans to return and overthrow their own government, the President didn't know the mission was going to be nearly impossible. They were suppressed and executed by a loyal, patriotic army of a million men. Of course the United States did not realize the circumstances until after the battle.
In addition, from my years of playing tennis, I learned that knowledge is the key to becoming a better player. Mindlessly hitting a ball back and forth yields no value. I needed to reflect on my weaknesses and think of ways to improve my game.
Moreover, no building is constructed without a blueprint. To commit an action with this magnitude is dangerous and unpredictable. With information, one can plan out the weaknesses and strengths of a structure, the resources required and the time needed. The larger the action, the more knowledge is required.
To conclude, saying that knowledge is invaluable is false. By using information, we can prevent history from negatively repeating itself. The action does the work but the knowledge dictates it.</p>