this ain't a scene

Post 15 :: SAT


I


Honestly, I'm doing this at 2:30 AM, and I all I'm hoping is that this is "good enough." I don't feel particularly literate, and I have a headache the size of Texas. I have to wake up in three hours, and I keep wondering why I put myself through this. For grades? For those say, ten extra points? Ten measly points? Really, when I put things in perspective, I realize how trivial some of these things are. And yet, I can see how many trivial things, bunched up together, can form a monster of a problem.

On to the point of the post. The SAT essay. Why is an essay included in a "STANDARDIZED" test? I don't think anything that has to do with expressing an opinion relates to something standardized. In fact, having people grade it makes it even less of a standard, in my opinion. I do understand that writing skills are important, and that the persuasive power of a piece of writing can greatly affect one's future, whether in a job application or a college essay; however, I disagree with including the essay portion in the SAT. Maybe I'm just being nitpicky about the stupidest of things, but I think if you're going to call something standard, it darn better well be standard -- not subjective. OBjective. Standard.

Also, reflecting on what was said in class, what Mr. Watson told us was the exact opposite of what my first semester English teacher told us. Everything was different -- in fact, I could say that everything my first semester teacher said to do, Mr. Watson said not to do it. For example, I was told that more examples are better; however, we just found out that all the sixes had one in-depth example versus several smaller, specific ones. Also, I was told to make a choice: Yes or no. Not somewhere inbetween. Now, I am being told otherwise.

This is another reason I have a problem with the essay portion of the SAT being called "standardized." The difference in the opinions of two people can be anywhere from a small gap to the grand canyon.

One thing Mr. Watson brought up was the aforementioned choosing a side. I think you should be able to get a six by picking a side. What's wrong with choosing a side and persuading the audience? Or showing them your opinion clearly and decisively. Yes, there are an infinite number of variables involved. Yes, the level of complexity involved in 99% of the SAT essay prompts is far beyond a simple yes or no; however, I think a point-of-view essay is what they asked for. Right? So why can't we state an opinion?

I'd like to point any readers in the direction of Elise's blog, which I'm too lazy to link to. Her views are always interesting, and her writing is clear, as well as concise. Hard-hitting, one could say.


II


"I am an arms dealer, fitting you with weapons in the form of words..."
-- This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race, Fallout Boy

"It is impossible to love and be wise."
-- Francis Bacon

" 'You shouldn't exist.'

'How can you say that? Even if it is true.' "
-- KHII