<p>Topic: Do people accomplish more when they are allowed to do things their own way (practice test CB topic).
Being ourselves sets us apart from other people. Some people often wonder if individuals can accomplish more than a collective conglomerate. However, often times, literature and history has shows us that when individuals are allowed to do things their own way, the person thinks “outside the box” and thinks of completely nuanced and different ideas that can change the world as seen through Henry IV, Anthem, and the life of Socrates.
Prince Hal’s determination in Henry IV by Shakespeare and his difference on ideas about chivalry sets him apart from others; however, he becomes a good prince when allowed to do things his own way. In Henry IV, Prince Henry hangs around low lives and is a complete disappointment to his father. However, he comes up with his own ingenious plan to woo the public by looking like a complete low-life and then committing chivalrous deeds to save his image. His father- King Henry IV- disagrees with the idea and wants his son to stop interacting and mingling with the population and focus on his image as a prince. However, when Prince Henry is allowed to develop independently, he accomplishes many things including winning a battle against a formidable foe for his father.
Individuality is the pinnacle of Ayn Rand’s objectivist philosophy which is the basis of Anthem. In Anthem, a young man named Equality wants to break free of the bonds that force him to be close with his brotherhood. Instead, Equality yearns to be himself but his society has barred the use of the word “I” and for human ego to develop. Yet when he is alone in an underground hideout, Equality performs one of the greatest miracles: he invents electricity. Even when he runs away, he does many great things on his won such as raise a family and a baby. Equality’s individual streak sets him apart from the rest of the society and his development alone underground in his secret lab helps him create wonderful inventions such as electricity, etc.
Socrates’ life is yet another primal example of individuality. Socrates questioned everything, thus employing the Socratic method to its fullest. This method was completely new and ground-breaking during his times and reflected Socrates’ individuality. It developed certain answers and ideas on basic philosophical questions such as “What is life” or “What is beauty?” These questions stumped Socrates and their transcendental nature didn’t stop Socrates from trying to answer these questions. He asked these question to normal people and ascertained insightful responses from the public. His philosophical legacy lives on, even to this day, inspiring famous philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, etc who would go on to inspire others such as Nietzsche, Foucault, etc. Thus, Socrates’ persistence and determination to do things his way paved the path for him to start new philosophical methods, attain answers to difficult questions, and inspire others as he thought outside the box.
Thus, when individuals are allowed to do things their way, they accomplish more as in the case of Henry IV, Anthem, and Socrates. Individuality is what sets us apart from others, and is a crucial building block of society.</p>
<p>I would give it a 10-11</p>
<p>Like I usually say, I highly doubt you can write all of this under exam setting. Make sure your 25 minute timer is accurate, and strive to finish in 20.</p>
<p>Succinct first sentence, clear examples (which I didn’t read) and a short and sweet conclusion: 12.</p>