<p>I used to get 10's on my essays, but for the past three practice exams I took from testmasters, I got 8's. I'm following the testmasters essay format and filling up the page, but I keep getting 8's. Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? </p>
<p>The following essay scored an 8.</p>
<p>Topic: Are people best defined by what they do?</p>
<p>The topic "Are people defined by what they do?" suggests that one's actions reflect his character. In other words, society will remember individuals for what they have done. In my opinion, people are always commemorated for their actions, since actions speak louder than words. Throughout history and within society, the evidence to support my viewpoint is pervasive. </p>
<p>Mediate upon Dr. Martin Luther King Kr, the civil rights activist who gallantly fought for social equality in the 1960's. King was the epitome of the social reformist; he organized countless strikes, non-violent protests, and eloquent speeches. Even after he was assassinated in his motel room, he became a martyr, a symbol of hope and strength for eradicating racial discrimination. Had King not vehemently fought for African-American civil rights, he would not be remembered as the successful social reformist he is today; his actions defined him as a political activist. </p>
<p>Now, consider the life of Albert Einstein, who came up with countless theories and hypotheses regarding physics in the 20th century. The name Einstein is ubiquitous- everybody in the world knows who he is, for is did not exist, the theories of general and special relativity would not exit, and along with them the famous equation, E= mc2. Einstein was an individual because only he developed such phenomenal and revolutionary scientific ideas. Einstein's actions, the countless hours conducting experiments, the constant thinking he went through, and the arduous research he performed, all define him as a man of science, a man whose great intellect and achievements caused him to be the scientist of the century. </p>
<p>Finally, think about Yuri Zhivago, the Russian Doctor who lives through hardships, romance, and great enlightenment during the years of the Russian Revolution in Boris Pasternak's novel, Dr. Zhivago. Yuri is a man who loves nature and humanity; his great affection causes him to stay optimistic and affectionate even in the turbulent years of the Russian Revolution. Despite the famine and the chaos, Yuri was able to write poems about nature, live peacefully, and even indulge in a romantic life. His actions define him as an artistic man whose love for nature and humanity prevailed during the times of great calamity. </p>
<p>The examples above all show how actions define who someone is. Einstein's great scientific achievements define his as one of mankind's greatest scientists. Yuri Zhivago's actions define him as an optimistic individual in lieu of the chaos and troubles. "Actions speak louder than words," the old maxim goes; the more we take action, the more we know about ourselves.</p>