For SAT Preparation,
This is my practice essay I wrote, I would appreciate if you could score it 1-12 and point out any mistakes or something I could improve on. Your harsh commentary is appreciated
Prompt: Is compromise always the best way to resolve a conflict? (Oct 2008 Prompt)
Many times in the past people have debated the merits of compromise. Most of the time, however, compromise is an inefficient method of resolving any conflict, seen with the bombing on Hiroshima and the American Revolution.
During WW2, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a devastating, atrocious act of war. After a year of bloody battles, with thousands of troops dead, the United States looked for a solution to terminate the battle. Meanwhile, American scientists were developing the atomic bomb: a ruthless blow that would risk thousands of Japanese lives to end the war. Although the public was in controversy, the American government saw fit to avoid compromise, and they carried out the plan. Historians look to the past and agree that it was best to bomb Japan, to force surrender rather than to relay a compromise which would lead to further losses on both sides. Therefore, a conflict is best resolved by avoiding an act of compromise.
Similarly, the American Revolution produced an issue that couldn’t be solved through a compromise. After heavy taxation, the colonies felt oppressed by their mother country, Britain, and therefore sought a plan of action. Fueled by the radical ideas of the Enlightenment, the colonies chose t war, deciding that any compromise with their mother country would only lead to oppression and taxation. Often times when a conflict is at hand, one side has the upper hand to form a compromise. In the case of the revolution, Britain had the advantage to control the colonies so it was best for the Americans to rebel.
As demonstrated by the events of the past, it is commonly difficult to reach a compromise in the midst of a conflict. Therefore, it is best for either side to terminate the issue to avoid losses on both sides.