<p>I got a 234 on the psat but I've just started preparing for the essay portion of the test and I need to know how I'm doing since I'm taking it in just 2 months. I would REALLY appreciate it if you guys could help!! Thanks!!</p>
<p>I think I wrote an essay based on a past SAT prompt. The following is the prompt and then essay.</p>
<p>We do not take the time to determine right from wrong. Reflecting on the difference between right and wrong is hard work. It is so much easier to follow the crowd, going along with what is popular rather than risking the disapproval of others by voicing an objection of any time.</p>
<p>-Is it always best to determine one's own views of right and wrong, or can we benefit from following the crowd?</p>
<pre><code>We can always benefit from following the crowd. It is not always best for one to determine one’s own views of right and wrong, as straying away from the crowd can lead to negative consequences. Throughout history, literature, and in life evidence to support that following the crowd is the best path is pervasive.
Consider the case of Socrates, who meets his death through his rebellious attitudes. Socrates fought against the democratic ideals of his day in ancient Athens and he went around questioning people with what we call today the “Socratic method.” Socrates had many followers, but he was still of the minority. Some of his students rebelled against the democratic government and even overthrew it twice, temporarily instituting a reign of terror in which property was deprived from people and in which thousands of Athenians were executed or exiled. Democracy was restored each time and the people of Athens eventually had enough of Socrates and his ideas, so they decided to put him on trial. As a result, Socrates was condemned to death and ordered to drink a glass of hemlock. Therefore, Socrates’ actions prove that straying away from the views of the crowd may not always lead to the best outcomes.
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<p>In George Orwell’s novel, 1984, Winston Smith’s demise is a result of his rebellious thoughts and straying from the crowd. Winston sees the lies that rule his world and seeks to join the Brotherhood, a rebellious faction against the government. Little does he know though, the Brotherhood does not exist, and is actually a made up group by the tyrannical government that is used to trap people like him. He gets caught and tortured and at the end of the book, it can be inferred that he will eventually be executed. Hence, Winston Smith’s straying from the crowd and determining his own views of right and wrong lead to his demise and prove that we can always benefit by sticking with the crowd. </p>
<p>As demonstrated by an event in my own life, it can be a good idea to follow the crowd. When it came time for lunch when I was visiting a college, I had not paid attention to where the restaurants and fast food joints were located. I decided to therefore follow the crowd. I had no idea where I was heading but eventually by literally following the crowd, I reached my destination. If I had not followed the crowd and found my destination, I probably would not have had time to eat while searching for the restaurants and therefore would have been starving for the rest of the afternoon. Thus, one can always benefit from following the crowd.</p>
<p>A careful analysis of the examples above clearly shows that following the crowd is indeed the best policy. Straying away from the path the crowd takes can lead to dire consequences, while following the crowd can always prevent these negative outcomes.</p>