Hello CollegeConfidential,
I have been working on my SAT Essay lately and would greatly appreciate your feedback. Please give a score out of 12 and provide suggestions on improvement.
Excerpt:
Why do we not value the creative arts more than we do? Why are subjects like music, drama, photography, and creative writing always the first to be cut from school budgets during hard times? Many would answer that, unlike science, history, and other subjects taught in school, the arts are unnecessary. But this is so untrue. The arts are as necessary as these other subject areas - possibly even more necessary.
Prompt:
Is it absolutely necessary for people to study the creative arts?
Response:
The current education system provides students access to many areas of study. Throughout their studies, students will be exposed to both creative arts and "core subjects" - math, science, history, etc. Such core subjects are important, but cannot be effectively applied without exposure to the humanities. Studying the creative arts is crucial to build a sense of identity and success. Several examples from history and literature clearly prove that exposure to the humanities is important.
As shown by the Renaissance period in Europe, the humanities hold a universal significance once unprecedented. The Renaissance, French for 'rebirth,' was a momentous era that brought about changes in art, architecture, philosophy, and other creative arts. These changes, ranging from realistic perspective to three-dimensional portrayal of objects, precipitated future potent events, such as the Scientific Revolution. Several scientists and mathematicians in Europe at the time heavily relied on Renaissance advancements to accurately depict concepts and theorems. Specifically, advancements in anatomy, biology, microscopy, technology, and chemistry utilized the pervading methods of art during the Renaissance. Hence, much of the foundation of "core subjects" is actually a direct product of Renaissance humanities.
Through the actions of Benjamin Franklin, renowned polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, it is evident that having a sense of creative arts builds and is often paramount to success. Truly exemplifying the emerging American nation, Franklin is cited as a prominent figure of the American Enlightenment for his numerous inventions, discoveries, and advancements. When asked about his prominent role and the key to his continuous success, Franklin claimed that "having a true appreciation for the fine arts is all a man needs," implying the necessity of studying the arts. It is not surprising Franklin made a spate of achievements - the ability to draw, capture, and even assemble all of his thoughts lies in the realm of success. Therefore, Franklin's revolutionary artistic talents led to his worldwide legacy.
In the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Guy Montag's lack of self identity stems from the lack of creative arts. The dystopian society Montag lives in impedes any access to literature and ultimately censors it by burning all books. Montag eventually realizes that he is despondent and must battle the foundational beliefs of the society. Montag begins reading literature and discovers that his unsatisfaction results from the restriction on books. Montag ultimately develops individualism and identity by restoring literature in a new society that promotes creativity. Thus, Montag's actions prove that a complete eradication of the creative arts can result in despair and a negative, homogenous identity throughout society.
After a careful analysis of the Renaissance era, Benjamin Franklin, and Fahrenheit 451, one can see that creative arts are, indeed, vital in forming a legacy and unique identity. Without the humanities, societies will result in arrant failure and demise. Appreciating the artistic creations of humanity is the only way to preclude such detrimental incidents.
Thanks!