October 02, 2006
My writing faced the SAT challenge (and lost)
In some sort of massive linkbaiting scheme, "scienceblogs.com" asked bloggers to enter SAT essays similar to those now written by college students. They were then graded by a team of "experts". My entry (which you're encouraged to vote on) has won especial reknown. The average score was around 3, with some as high as 6. Mine got a 1:
Of course, I don't know whether it received that low score because of the fact that it's a satire and they didn't get it, or because they did get it and, being satire "experts" as well, they didn't appreciate its sheer brilliance:
I completely disagree. He who dies with the most toys wins, as the license plate frames say on all those toy haulers that I see. Never let it be forgotten that Booker T. Washington lived in a different time and a different place. I'm not entirely sure of when or where that was, but I am also equally sure that it was not now and here.
With all due respect to Mr. Washington, he could not invision the microwave oven or plasma televisions or power boats or any of our other modern accoutrements.
Furthermore, I find this question and the desired response extremely negative and quite possibly this is an attempt by the people behind the SAT to accustom their young charges to failure. What are we doing, raising a country of people accustomed to failure, and prepared to consider it commendable not to succeed?
Why is the SAT trying to prepare students to fail? Should they not encourage them to succeed, and make them painfully aware of all penalties for failure? This essay should instead offer intense opprobrium to all those who think failure is an option. We must go for the gusto, and we must encourage the same in the youth.
Posted to WackyHumor at October 2, 2006 11:05 AM
Unfortunately, the SAT guidelines don't really allow for satire; they ask you to take a clear position. I liked your essay, though!
Posted by: Dave Munger at October 2, 2006 11:56 AM
Mine got a 1:...
We're not surprised.
Posted by: eh at October 2, 2006 11:58 PM
