<p>Hey guys :)</p>
<p>My worst section on the SAT is consistently the writing section. A huge part of this comes from my essay writing abilities: I’ve always scored an 8.</p>
<p>I would love it if anyone could just analyze where I’ve gone wrong. I think my handwriting on that day was horrible, so that could have something to do with it.</p>
<p>This was from the January 2013 SAT: Should people change their behavior depending on what situation they are in?</p>
<p>Changing your behavior depending on your situation is beneficial for your day-to-day life. This is demonstrated in Bertolt Brecht’s book “Mother Courage”, and in the movie, “Schindler’s List”.</p>
<p>“Mother Courage” is set during the Thirty Years’ War, and depicts the wartime conditions for civilians who are innocent bystanders. Mother Courage is a travelling saleswoman who makes good business by mercenary tactics: she switches sides frequently between the Protestants and the Catholics. Although she is derided and ridiculed by the army officers, she is resilient and manages to persevere by changing her allegiances (which depends on the victorious side). As distasteful as Mother Courage’s actions are, because she changes her behavior, she survives and thrives (even though her three children are murdered).</p>
<p>“Schindler’s List” is a movie set during World War II. Schindler is a wily businessman who (almost sycophantly) fawns over the Nazi army officials by giving them expensive gifts like champagne. He does this to gain their allegiance, trust, and eventual friendship. Eventually, Schindler becomes horrified with the brutality that is foisted upon the Jewish concentration camp inmates and vows to rescue them. He manages to rescue a few thousand by managing his behavior with the Nazi officials - this ruse helped them believe that Schindler was still their loyal supporter who was only trying to run a factory with cheap labor from the prisoners. Thus, this “change” was undeniably important, as it prevented the deaths of many prisoners.</p>
<p>Both Schindler and Mother Courage effectively demonstrate that being capricious when needed is something imperative for survival. Although there are times when a person’s behavior must remain constant (for example in their personal life), humans are meant to change. We have always adapted to our circumstances - it’s ingrained in our instincts. Being inconsistent is a part of life, and in my opinion, adaptability is the means for survival.</p>
<p>Alright, so straight off the bat, I can notice a couple of mistakes (repetitions of ideas or words, using sycophantly when I should have used obsequiously, etc.), but is there anything else that I can work on?</p>
<p>Thank you guys so much for taking the time to read my post - I know it’s super long!</p>