<p>I’m studying for the SAT and this is my first practice essay. I’m trying to get an idea of what score it might receive and how I might do better. This is just what I wrote in the time allowed without revisions. I’d appreciate any help.</p>
<p>Prompt:<br>
Sometimes it is necessary to challenge what people in positions of authority claim to be true. Although some respect for authority is, no doubt, necessary in order for any group or organization to function, questioning the people in charge - even if they are experts or leaders in their fields - makes us better thinkers. It forces all concerned to defend old ideas and decisions and to consider new ones. Sometimes it can even correct old errors in though and put and end to wrong actions.</p>
<p>Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority? </p>
<pre><code>People in authority should have their actions questioned. People in authority tend not to be directly affected by the decisions they make causing, perhaps, the making of counterproductive or unbeneficial decisions. Also, people in authority may not have been in the position of those their decisions affect, giving them a biased view of the world. Taking examples from psychology and politics may give a better view of this.
Taking the view of a male senator on the topic of abortion is a tricky one because they are not directly affected by the women partaking in abortions. So, then the topic is brought up in a senate meeting, they are impartial or uninformed of the repercussions because they themselves are not directly affected. A man, if his partner gets pregnant, can walk away from her the moment he discovers the unwanted pregnancy. The only suffering he may receive is paying child support for eighteen years. He does not have to care for or make the arduous decision of adoption the way a woman must. On this subject, the authority figures, i.e., men, should be questioned.
When rich politicians make decisions on poverty they sometimes make biased decisions due to the fact they themselves have never been poor. For instance, the topic of welfare is brought up in congress. Senators vote welfare is a waste of taxpayer money. Those depending on welfare to buy food as to not starve are incensed. They have no way to feed their family now. The senators made a decision based upon their belief that welfare is abused and people don’t really need it. They are making biased decisions because they have never depended on welfare. For this reason, they should be questioned.
Some might argue lawmakers are using facts and statistics to back their argument on abortion. Although this may be true, they cannot help using their opinions to make decisions. Their authority should be questioned the same way we have always questioned those in power. Except we should be able to actually have a say and make a difference.
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