<p>Do people learn more from examining events in the past than from focusing only on the present? 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.
The past is a book filled with lessons to be learned, while the present is a curveball, changeup, or slider that can catch one off guard. The former is a decisive tool for acquiring knowledge, while the latter is merely a reflection of the past. Prometheus from Ayn Rand’s Anthem conveys that learning from the past is essential to advancing mankind. Likewise, learning from the endeavors of Bill James caused the successes of professional baseball teams. Learning from the past is a necessity of life, as it allows people to base their actions on others’ previous actions.
Prometheus lived in a society which scorned individualism, and the words “I” and “ego” were banned. In an endeavor to find his purpose Prometheus searches in abandoned cellar from the “Unmentionable Times”. While in the cellar Prometheus conducts experiments and learns from a series of journals and even discovers electricity. Rand’s name for her protagonist is symbolic, as Prometheus was literally a Greek Titan who brought light to the world. It was essential for Prometheus to learn for the past, for without it his society would still be in the dark. Furthermore, society today would be in a standstill without learning from the past, as it is the only key to our future.
Bill James coined the idea of sabermetrics, and attempted to merge his two loves, baseball and math, into one. Moreover, sabermetrics was considered unorthodox and James was considered a maverick. Teams like the 2001 Oakland Athletics and the 2005 Boston Red Sox grasped James’ concept with an open mind and were very successful. The latter learned from examining events four years prior, and were successful in emulating the team, but to a higher extent. The Red Sox won the World Series in 2005, while the Athletics made it to the Championship Series which proves that replicating past events produces a more predictable future.
The past is the gateway into the future, as history repeats itself constantly. Third world countries experience the same types of revolutions the United States experienced some 236 years prior. Basing decisions off the framework of our predecessors is the only way to continually advance as a species on Earth. Learning from the mistakes of our predecessors also allows today’s generations to not repeat the same mistakes. The results range from electricity to a World Series ring, while the ideas that were pioneered were used previously, thus proving that learning from the past is indeed more potent than focusing on the present.</p>
<p>I gotta say, this is almost a MODEL “12.” You have a very intriguing introduction. The only thing I could see that needs improvement is vocabulary. Try to get two or three more SAT words in there. Other than that, this right here is a 12 (maybe an 11 if you get a tough grader). As you know, I’ve graded quite a few of your essays and this is your strongest by far.
Just out of curiosity, are you taking the November SAT?</p>
<p>nope im a senior and im applying to schools in with january first deadline, so im taking it december in an effort to raise my score about 250-300 points, as this is the first time i prepped for the actual test.</p>
<p>This is amazing! What’s the new format? Can you share it with me?</p>