All these aforementioned essays are very well-written, definitely deserving a 12. Mine now seem so terrible compared to others ahaha, but this earned me a 12 on the SAT June 2015. the first and second example are totally make up :)). If anybody wanted it, here it is:
Topic: Is listening more important than speaking when you are trying to persuade others?
It has often been a misconception that speaking is more important than writing if one wants to persuade, because the image of persuasion is intricately linked to the image of a boisterous man shouting and chanting his message. Nobody can imagine persuasion in the form of silence, for to persuade, in people’s mindset, is to talk excessively until the listener concurs to the speaker’s idea. This is evident in the marketing and advertisement industry. Everyday consumers are exposed to noises of billboards flashing sales announcement, chants and slogans. While this is no doubt a common form of persuasion, it is not effective as listening. Listening, while on the facade seem to be a passive form on the discussion table, is actually crucial to increases influence. This can be summed up in an old adage: Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
One of the first life experiences I encounter that proves the importance of listening was during a Model UN conference. In a crowded room of thirty delegations, obstinate and extroverted, nobody was listening to anybody. One of the participants tried to shout out his ideology, but it was soon drowned in disagreements and discordance. I realized that we all need to calm ourselves, listen to each other’s point and carefully analyze it to see whether it is agreeable. Using this tactic, I discovered many points of view that are similar in the essence, despite such similarity is drowned in heated debate and enmity. Everybody realized this and settle down, listening attentively to his compeers. The resolution was soon passed because I was able to persuade those I have respectfully listened to, and they likewise gregariously agreed to work with me for I have allowed them to speak without intercepting.
A notorious historical figure who demonstrated the power of listening is William of Orange. He was nicknamed “William the Silent” for he was reticent and pensive, yet much as he did not talk, he was an effective leader because he utilized the power of listening. During discussion table he would allow other generals to input their ideas and this strengthened his influence because the generals admired his allowing them to speak freely despite their ranks. Understanding the wishes of his people through listening, William the Silent successfully united Protestant Dutch to defeat the Catholic Spaniards.
Conclusively, it is justified to say that listening is a powerful form of persuasion, not just talking excessively. Indeed, the most memorable, most persuasive speech is given by Churchill, which only have five words. Therefore, talking in abundance will not help to promote one’s cause because it creates tedium, and the message is easily lost because the speaker ignores the positions of the listeners during his speech.
