Need feedback on SAT essay

<p>A score 2-12 and specific comments would be appreciated. I'm also not sure what is the best way to write the thesis. Thanks.</p>

<p>Prompt: Is honesty always the best way to achieve something?</p>

<p>Honesty is incontrovertibly an admirable quality, but many occasions require hiding the truth to achieve a desired result. Both the novel 1984 and a fight between my friends justify the necessity for lying. The government of 1984 uses false propaganda to deceive its citizens of the harsh truths of reality, and I reconciled a fight between two of my friends by pretending each one had been saying nice things about the other. </p>

<p>Ruled by a totalitarian government, Oceania, the setting of 1984, secretly oppresses its citizens by lying to them. The newspapers always cheer about an increase in food supply and victory in wars with Eurasia. Upon hearing the uplifting news, the citizens are pleased about the condition of their lives, and sustain motivation to work hard. In reality, however, the government secretly reduces the rations of the citizens and never actually engages in a way against anyone. Had the citizens been given the unfavorable truth, they would have no incentive to work hard, likely resulting in weakening the government. </p>

<p>Just as the government of Oceania keeps its citizens happy by lying to them, I kept my friends happy by telling them false stories about each other. Rick and George were close friends, but one day after a heated game of basketball, trash talks soon turned into hurtful insults. Rick criticized George's family, and George criticized Rick's clothing. Both were sensitive about the topic attacked and decided it best to severe the friendship. After months, the friendship was still unmended; neither was willing to recant his insult. Although not the most scrupulous way to handle the situation, I lied to Rick, telling him George apologized about laughing at Rick's jeans, and I told George that Rick was sorry about criticizing George's sister. Upon hearing the "apologies," the two made up and became friends again. Had they not been told the small lie, they would not have rekindled their friendship. </p>

<p>To protect the fragile feelings of a human being, lying is often necessary. As shown by 1984 and Rick and George, a lie many be the best interest of everyone.</p>