<p>Here's an essay I wrote for a practice SAT. Is it good/long enough? I know you're supposed to be precise and to the point in the SAT essay, so that's what I tried to do...
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE grade out of 6 or 12. I would appreciate any words of wisdom too!</p>
<p>Prompt: Do memories hinder or help people in their effort to learn from the past and succeed in the present?</p>
<pre><code> Knowledge of the past always aids the success of the future. Our memories play a vital role in the drive for achievement, be they past loses or discoveries. Not only can we learn from the past, but we can further develop the successes which came before us. Science and sport provide shinning examples of how how the past is incredibly important to what we do now.
Over 200 years ago, Dmitri Mendeleev, a Russian scientist began building the foundations of the Periodic Table. His arduous work in discovering and identifying elements sparked one of the greatest scientific achievements of our time. The development of this important chemical reference did not stop at Mendeleev's death; instead, other scientists took up the reins to complete the table. By 1932, James Chadwick, and English chemist, had discovered the existence of atoms' protons and electrons. With this information, the pieces of the puzzle came together to perfect the arrangement of the elements. A table scientists now use almost every day was only achievable through the past work of Mendeleev. His initial discoveries paved the way for future scientists who would learn from him.
It is not always the success of the past which leads to the success of the future. Sometimes its is the just of failure which gives strength. This was the case in Collingwood's 2010 ALF grand final victory. In 2002 and 2003, the team was runner-up in the grand final. Then, in 2008 and 2009, they lost in the semi-finals. But they kept improving and aiming for the the highest goal: the premiership cup. When the team stood on the podium with the glittering trophy, the captain said it was the past hurt which inspired them to victory. As the Collingwood team proved, past failure can fuel future success.
Remembering the past is always beneficial to the future. This knowledge can either educate or inspire us to success.
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