<p>Okay so the SATs are in like 3 days and I need help with the essay because it brings down my Writing score a lot (I always get an 8!!). I've been practicing a bit and I came up with the essay below in (roughly) 25-6 minutes (I know, need to work on timing...). It was an answer to this prompt: Do we benefit from learning about the flaws of people we admire and respect?</p>
<p>Here it is: </p>
<p>Discovering the flaws of people we laud and revere enables us to be more realistic. Several examples in literature and history serve to illustrate tat discerning the flaws of those we admire is beneficial.</p>
<p>In "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of the characters perfectly demonstrates this point. Reverend Dimmesdale is one of the most respected priests in the colony of Massachusetts. He is considered pure, holy, and almost divinely perfect, and his sermons seem to move people in ways that those of his peers cannot. However, unbeknownst to the people in the colony, Dimmesdale has committed adultery with the shunned Hester. Having kept secrets of great magnitude within themselves, the townspeople are almost relieved (despite their sheer shock) at this in the end. They person admired, a sinner just like them. They began being less harsh towards others who had sinned (namely, Hester) and towards themselves, thus showing how learning of unpleasantness of an admired character can make one have more realistic expectations or others and oneself.</p>
<p>Furthermore, the connection between Malcom X and Martin Luther King, Jr. also proves this point. MLK is known by many to have been an active leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Those familiar with him also know that he was a prominent supporter of civil disobedience and passive resistance. While his peaceful methods were admired by many, there were some who disapproved. Malcom X, for instance, respected King and shared his vision of an equal America. However, Malcom noted that much progress was not being done peacefully. He criticized King for being too submissive, and went about things his own way--fighting back. This change in tactic allowed the movement to cover more ground than with just peace and good intentions. Hence, this exemplifies how criticizing someone you admire can lead you to more realistic ways to solve problems,</p>
<p>In a nutshell, finding flaws within someone you respect is a positive and constructive act. It allows you to be more grounded in reality and less susceptible to enforcing unreasonable expectations or methods of doing things. </p>
<p>/end</p>
<p>I know it could be much better, and I kept the mistakes knowingly as I typed them because I just want to know what this would get roughly on the real thing. Thanks in advance! :)</p>