<p>would anyone be able to provide a score for my practice essay? i have not taken an SAT course or had a tutor, so I am relatively unsure of how to write or grade the SAT essay. thank you very much in advance</p>
<p>"To change is to risk something, making us feel insecure. Not to change is a bigger risk, though we seldom feel that way. There is no choice but to change. People, however, cannot be motivated to change from the outside. All of our motivation comes from within."</p>
<p>What motivates people to change? 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.</p>
<pre><code>One of the most base reasons people change is a desire to gain acceptance, love, and respect from peers and close friends and family. Throughout history and literature, this desire has been widely explored. The story of Sydney Carton from "A Tale of Two Cities" is an exellent example of this natural desire to be seen more positively in the eyes of loved ones.
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<p>When Charles Dickens first introduces us to Sydney Carton, he appears as a shrewed, middle aged man who seems to care for no one and who exhibits extreme coldness towards the human race. Possibly comparable to Scrooge from "A Christmas Carol", also by Charles Dickens, Carton cares for wealth, his work, and nothing else. But as the story progresses, Carton's character begins to evolve. Upon falling in love with young Lucie Manet, Carton begins to see the beauty of human companionship and love. He eagerly wishes to gain acceptance in the Manet household. Unfortunately, Lucie is in love with Charles Darnay, and rough, less charismatic Carton is unable to sway her opinion. But, uncharacteristically, he soon realizes he does not want to. Carton, though the victim of unrequited love, works tirelessly to secure the happy ending of his favorite family. In a heroic act of selflessness, Carton switches places with the unfairly imprisoned Darnay and takes his place on the guillotine scaffold. Carton dies for love, allowing Darnay and Lucie to live a full and happy life.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Sydney Carton transforms from a callous, selfish creature to a man who understands happiness beyond his own. He exhibits a desire to change that goes beyond hope of personal success; his change is due to a fundamental desire for human love, affection, and respect. Perhaps the strongest factor that motivates us to change and become better human beings is our unshakable desire to be accepted and respected by those we care about.</p>