美国学术能力评估考试（SAT）
问答题Practice 10 Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below. We don’t really learn anything properly until there is a problem, until we make a mistake, until something fails to go as we had hoped. When ever
题目
问答题
Practice 10 Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below. We don’t really learn anything properly until there is a problem, until we make a mistake, until something fails to go as we had hoped. When everything is working well, with no problems or failures, what incentive do we have to try something new? We are only motivated to learn when we experience difficulties. Adapted from Alain de Botton, How Proust Can Change Your Life: Not a Novel Assignment: Does true learning only occur when we experience difficulties? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observation.
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相似问题和答案
第1题：
问答题
Practice 12 ● You work in a company which deals with industrial waste. You have read about a new kind of pump which could save your company thousands of dollars in servicing and maintenance costs. ● Write a memo of 30—40 words to your Head of Department saying: ● where you read about the new pump, ● why you think it could be a good investment, ● how you might get more information about it.
正确答案：
【参考范文】
To: Head of Department
From: Char Shui
Re: Diskflow pump
I read about the Diskflow pump in the commercial section of this morning’s newspaper, which needs very little maintenance and consequently could save the company a lot of money. If you are interested, I could call Diskflow Company for more information.
To: Head of Department
From: Char Shui
Re: Diskflow pump
I read about the Diskflow pump in the commercial section of this morning’s newspaper, which needs very little maintenance and consequently could save the company a lot of money. If you are interested, I could call Diskflow Company for more information.
解析：
暂无解析
第2题：
问答题
Practice 4 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: As global trade increases, many goods, even some daily goods, are exported to another country, which includes long-distance transport during shipping. Do you think its benefits outweigh its drawbacks? You should write at least 250 words.
正确答案：
【参考范文】
As globalization develops, people worldwide can easily get access to international goods of all kinds. Some may make emphasis on the benefits of long-distance transportation, but others believe that the drawbacks outweighs the benefits. Personally, both sides of the issue should be considered.
There are three benefits of international goods: Firstly, importing those international goods, to some extent, enriches diversities of the goods locally so that, citizens do obtain more choices for the same category of commodities. Secondly, some global companies build some local plants in order to lower its costs of goods, which enlarges the market of employment for local residents. Without it, countless local people will be out of work. Lastly, it leads to healthy competition, with which the international companies will help the local government to eliminate some unqualified companies in the first round. If the local and the global companies can work together, it will form a win-win situation undoubtedly.
However, the disadvantages should also be taken into account: On the one hand, long-distance transportation means more fuels and therefore more wastes entered into the air. For instance, the global shipping requires a huge amount of oils and other resources, which will produce more pollution to the air, water and soil. On the other hand, the costs of goods will definitely contain transport charges and tariffs, which will increase the price of goods when they come to the consumers after a long distance. The more imported goods people want, the more money they will pay for those stuff.
All in all, it is better and smarter to use global cooperation to develop the local companies, and effective and efficient to hunt for some imported goods for local residents.
As globalization develops, people worldwide can easily get access to international goods of all kinds. Some may make emphasis on the benefits of long-distance transportation, but others believe that the drawbacks outweighs the benefits. Personally, both sides of the issue should be considered.
There are three benefits of international goods: Firstly, importing those international goods, to some extent, enriches diversities of the goods locally so that, citizens do obtain more choices for the same category of commodities. Secondly, some global companies build some local plants in order to lower its costs of goods, which enlarges the market of employment for local residents. Without it, countless local people will be out of work. Lastly, it leads to healthy competition, with which the international companies will help the local government to eliminate some unqualified companies in the first round. If the local and the global companies can work together, it will form a win-win situation undoubtedly.
However, the disadvantages should also be taken into account: On the one hand, long-distance transportation means more fuels and therefore more wastes entered into the air. For instance, the global shipping requires a huge amount of oils and other resources, which will produce more pollution to the air, water and soil. On the other hand, the costs of goods will definitely contain transport charges and tariffs, which will increase the price of goods when they come to the consumers after a long distance. The more imported goods people want, the more money they will pay for those stuff.
All in all, it is better and smarter to use global cooperation to develop the local companies, and effective and efficient to hunt for some imported goods for local residents.
解析：
暂无解析
第3题：
reflect is to think carefully about sth., or to say sth. that you have been thinking about.()
此题为判断题(对，错)。
参考答案：对
第4题：
问答题
Practice 6 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people believe that these environmental problems are too big for individuals to deal with, while others think that individuals should take some action. Discuss both views and give your opinion. You should write at least 250 words.
正确答案：
【参考范文】
Nowadays, environmental protection has become an urgent task, and who should take the responsibility or more responsibility? Some experts believe that as long as all the citizens take actions on to protect the environment, could the pollution problem be solved. On the contrary, others think that some problems are too big for citizens and the government should take the duty. Personally, the two sides can not be separated.
There are at least three things which are within individual’s reach: Firstly, developing green habits is contributing to the environment. It is a good one to conserve nonrenewable resources in daily routines. Not only should people make full use of the nonrenewable resources but also try to use some alternative ones. Secondly, it is fashionable for young people to follow the new trend called the low-carbon lifestyle. The idea of “low carbon” is to complete daily routines without discharging much waste. Lastly, people can also enhance the green awareness day by day as the society makes progress. If people have environmental-friendly values, they will protect the local surroundings without deliberate reminders.
Individuals, however, can not do everything as their capabilities are limited. Firstly, as for some huge constructions like dams or power stations, it is impossible for individuals to build or even think about them out of the restriction of funds and labors. Furthermore, individuals do not have force to stop illegal damages to the environment. Only if the legislative authorities draw up and put into practice relevant laws can citizens have rules to obey and can the destroyers be punished based on legal grounds. Lastly, citizens can only realize the importance on their own, but there is little chance to popularize these ideas to the public, so the media should make more effort by designing a theme TV program about eco-protection for the general public to have a full awareness of eco-protection.
As is mentioned above, protecting the local environment is the obligation for both individuals and the government. The government should make more efforts and build a platform on which citizens can have the chance to make some contributions.
Nowadays, environmental protection has become an urgent task, and who should take the responsibility or more responsibility? Some experts believe that as long as all the citizens take actions on to protect the environment, could the pollution problem be solved. On the contrary, others think that some problems are too big for citizens and the government should take the duty. Personally, the two sides can not be separated.
There are at least three things which are within individual’s reach: Firstly, developing green habits is contributing to the environment. It is a good one to conserve nonrenewable resources in daily routines. Not only should people make full use of the nonrenewable resources but also try to use some alternative ones. Secondly, it is fashionable for young people to follow the new trend called the low-carbon lifestyle. The idea of “low carbon” is to complete daily routines without discharging much waste. Lastly, people can also enhance the green awareness day by day as the society makes progress. If people have environmental-friendly values, they will protect the local surroundings without deliberate reminders.
Individuals, however, can not do everything as their capabilities are limited. Firstly, as for some huge constructions like dams or power stations, it is impossible for individuals to build or even think about them out of the restriction of funds and labors. Furthermore, individuals do not have force to stop illegal damages to the environment. Only if the legislative authorities draw up and put into practice relevant laws can citizens have rules to obey and can the destroyers be punished based on legal grounds. Lastly, citizens can only realize the importance on their own, but there is little chance to popularize these ideas to the public, so the media should make more effort by designing a theme TV program about eco-protection for the general public to have a full awareness of eco-protection.
As is mentioned above, protecting the local environment is the obligation for both individuals and the government. The government should make more efforts and build a platform on which citizens can have the chance to make some contributions.
解析：
暂无解析
第5题：
问答题
Practice 1Directions: You are asked to write in no less than 150 words about the title of Increase of Farmers’ Income. You should study the following chart carefully, then write a composition to:1. describe the changes of farmers’ income in the past three years;2. give at least two possible reasons for the changes.
正确答案：
【参考范文】
Increase of Farmers’ Income This chart shows the increase of farmers’ family income in the county from 2006 to 2008. The farmers’ family income in 2006 was 20000 yuan per family. It increased by 50% to 30000 yuan in the year of 2007, and jumped spectacularly to 45000 yuan, increasing by another 50% of the amount of 2007.
From the result it can be seen that the farmers’ family income has increased sharply in the last three years, and they are living a better life now. I think several reasons account for the increase. Firstly, with the rapid development of our country’s economy, our government has paid more and more attention to the development of agriculture. Measures have been taken to encourage agriculture production and to protect the farmers’ interests. Agricultural taxes and other charges have been reduced, more funds have been invested in the development of agricultural projects, and crop prices have been raised. Secondly, thanks to the popularity of science and technology, and better education, many farmers are now using agricultural machinery or even high-tech in farming. Since mechanization and high-tech can help accelerate the increase of the output of agricultural products, farmers can sell more products and make more money.
As the development of the economy goes further on, I think the farmers’ income will continue to increase in the future.
【参考范文】
Increase of Farmers’ Income This chart shows the increase of farmers’ family income in the county from 2006 to 2008. The farmers’ family income in 2006 was 20000 yuan per family. It increased by 50% to 30000 yuan in the year of 2007, and jumped spectacularly to 45000 yuan, increasing by another 50% of the amount of 2007.
From the result it can be seen that the farmers’ family income has increased sharply in the last three years, and they are living a better life now. I think several reasons account for the increase. Firstly, with the rapid development of our country’s economy, our government has paid more and more attention to the development of agriculture. Measures have been taken to encourage agriculture production and to protect the farmers’ interests. Agricultural taxes and other charges have been reduced, more funds have been invested in the development of agricultural projects, and crop prices have been raised. Secondly, thanks to the popularity of science and technology, and better education, many farmers are now using agricultural machinery or even high-tech in farming. Since mechanization and high-tech can help accelerate the increase of the output of agricultural products, farmers can sell more products and make more money.
As the development of the economy goes further on, I think the farmers’ income will continue to increase in the future.
解析：
暂无解析
第6题：
单选题
A
To practice her presentation in front of him.
B
To find out who her audience will be next time.
C
To try not to think about her audience.
D
To learn from children.
正确答案：
D
解析：
[考点]细节题。对话最后建议女士下一次再有演讲的时候可以找他一起练习，把他当观众。A项正确。
【听力原文】
M: Hi, Sarah, what’s up?
W: Oh, hi. I just got out of a history class. I had to give a presentation.
M: How did it go?
W: Terribly. I’m sure I made a fool of myself.
M: why? Weren’t you prepared?
W: No, it’s not that. [1] I just get so embarrassed and nervous whenever I’ve to speak in front of a group of people. I stand up and my face gets red and then I get even more nervous because I know everybody can see me blushing.
M: It’s not so bad to blush.
W: But it happens all the time. If the professor asks a question and I know the answer, I’ll blush like crazy if he calls on me. Doesn’t that ever happen to you?
M: No, not really. [2] Maybe you should forget about the people. Look at something else in the room, like the exit sign.
W: I guess I could try that. But I doubt it will help.
M: You know we talked about this in psychology class. Blushing, even though it is involuntary, is more or less a learned behavior.
W: What do you mean?
M: [3] Oh, children hardly ever blush at all. And, among adults, supposedly women blush more than men.
W: I wonder why.
M: I don’t know why either. [4] Why don’t you use me as your audience when you’ve got an oral presentation in class next time?
W: Good idea. Thank you. Well, I’ve got to get going for my next class. I’ll talk to you later.
Questions 1 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
1. What was the woman’s problem?
2. Why might looking at the exit sign help the woman?
3. What does the man say about children?
4. What does the man suggest the woman do?
[考点]细节题。对话最后建议女士下一次再有演讲的时候可以找他一起练习，把他当观众。A项正确。
【听力原文】
M: Hi, Sarah, what’s up?
W: Oh, hi. I just got out of a history class. I had to give a presentation.
M: How did it go?
W: Terribly. I’m sure I made a fool of myself.
M: why? Weren’t you prepared?
W: No, it’s not that. [1] I just get so embarrassed and nervous whenever I’ve to speak in front of a group of people. I stand up and my face gets red and then I get even more nervous because I know everybody can see me blushing.
M: It’s not so bad to blush.
W: But it happens all the time. If the professor asks a question and I know the answer, I’ll blush like crazy if he calls on me. Doesn’t that ever happen to you?
M: No, not really. [2] Maybe you should forget about the people. Look at something else in the room, like the exit sign.
W: I guess I could try that. But I doubt it will help.
M: You know we talked about this in psychology class. Blushing, even though it is involuntary, is more or less a learned behavior.
W: What do you mean?
M: [3] Oh, children hardly ever blush at all. And, among adults, supposedly women blush more than men.
W: I wonder why.
M: I don’t know why either. [4] Why don’t you use me as your audience when you’ve got an oral presentation in class next time?
W: Good idea. Thank you. Well, I’ve got to get going for my next class. I’ll talk to you later.
Questions 1 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
1. What was the woman’s problem?
2. Why might looking at the exit sign help the woman?
3. What does the man say about children?
4. What does the man suggest the woman do?
第7题：
问答题
Practice 5 Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below. Nearly twenty years ago, President Ronald Reagan said to scientists and Nobel laureates, “You on the cutting edge of technology have already made yesterday’s impossibilities the commonplace realities of today.” In the same year, author C. P. Snow expressed a more ambivalent view: “Technology...brings you great gifts with one hand, and it stabs you in the back with the other.” (NY Times) Assignment: What is your opinion of the claim that the benefits of new technology always outweigh the costs? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
正确答案：
【参考范文】
Over the last two decades, the world has become increasingly aware of environmental damage caused by technology and industrialization. There are various international non-profit agencies, such as Greenpeace, and lobbying movements that continue to protest against the destruction of nature. In response, many companies have changed their policies to become eco-friendly, and new techno- logy has shifted from adding pollution to the world to recycling and reusing energy and material. Of course, there are exceptions, but current technological innovations are increasingly beneficial to the environment and human lifestyles.
Take for example, hybrid cars, which run on electricity and gas. When environmentalists began protesting against the massive amount of carbon emissions produced by oil-run transportation, car companies took note and began producing electric and hybrid automobiles. Now, Toyota, Honda, Ford, and GM, among other automakers produce such cars, and the Toyota Hybrid has become increasingly popular among green activists. The most popular hybrid car models produce less carbon emissions than the standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency. The relatively inexpensive price tag and reliability of hybrid car types also benefit consumers as well as the environment.
Another new innovation that has proven its usefulness is the rapid transit system, more commonly called the subway or metro system. Almost every major city in the world now has one, and though this system was first created in the 19th century, recent advancements made to current systems have improved efficiency and simplified usage. For example, the Shanghai metro system has recently increased the number of lines running for the World Expo, adding dozens of miles of track and increasing mobility around the ever-developing city. This allows visitors and residents to easily navigate a metropolis, and commute from home to the office. The metro systems around the world also tend to be electrically run, which also lowers carbon emissions and fuel dependency. Riding the metro has also been simplified with public transportation cards that deduct fares easily with one swipe on a machine.
Though transportation around the globe is still heavily reliant on oil and gas, new innovations increasingly abide by an eco-friendly mantra. Much of the world is very aware of the dirty footprint humans have left on nature, of the heavy damage construction and industry have wrought. Paired with new environmental protection standards and policies, technology and innovation will prove ever more advantageous to humans as well as the earth.
Over the last two decades, the world has become increasingly aware of environmental damage caused by technology and industrialization. There are various international non-profit agencies, such as Greenpeace, and lobbying movements that continue to protest against the destruction of nature. In response, many companies have changed their policies to become eco-friendly, and new techno- logy has shifted from adding pollution to the world to recycling and reusing energy and material. Of course, there are exceptions, but current technological innovations are increasingly beneficial to the environment and human lifestyles.
Take for example, hybrid cars, which run on electricity and gas. When environmentalists began protesting against the massive amount of carbon emissions produced by oil-run transportation, car companies took note and began producing electric and hybrid automobiles. Now, Toyota, Honda, Ford, and GM, among other automakers produce such cars, and the Toyota Hybrid has become increasingly popular among green activists. The most popular hybrid car models produce less carbon emissions than the standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency. The relatively inexpensive price tag and reliability of hybrid car types also benefit consumers as well as the environment.
Another new innovation that has proven its usefulness is the rapid transit system, more commonly called the subway or metro system. Almost every major city in the world now has one, and though this system was first created in the 19th century, recent advancements made to current systems have improved efficiency and simplified usage. For example, the Shanghai metro system has recently increased the number of lines running for the World Expo, adding dozens of miles of track and increasing mobility around the ever-developing city. This allows visitors and residents to easily navigate a metropolis, and commute from home to the office. The metro systems around the world also tend to be electrically run, which also lowers carbon emissions and fuel dependency. Riding the metro has also been simplified with public transportation cards that deduct fares easily with one swipe on a machine.
Though transportation around the globe is still heavily reliant on oil and gas, new innovations increasingly abide by an eco-friendly mantra. Much of the world is very aware of the dirty footprint humans have left on nature, of the heavy damage construction and industry have wrought. Paired with new environmental protection standards and policies, technology and innovation will prove ever more advantageous to humans as well as the earth.
解析：
暂无解析
第8题：
问答题
Practice 8 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people think people have benefited from modern communications technology, but other people think some people have not benefited at all. To what extent do you agree or disagree? You should write at least 250 words.
正确答案：
【参考范文】
Daily communication tools make the distance between people shrink. There are various ways such as mobile phones, Facebook, Twitter and E-mail which changes our life from daily life to work style. As for the dramatic and rapid changes, people in all walks of life hold different opinions. Personally, it is a must to be tolerant of the new technological innovations.
It is undeniable that all these high-tech tools can alienate the virtual interpersonal relationship that exists between people. If we want to tell somebody something, we do not have to really see him, and we can send a short message, a E-mail, or leave one on Facebook. Regardless of the convenience, face-to-face conversations are still one of the best ways to understand each other.
High technologies provide us with more choices which can yield higher efficiency, which can be illustrated from three perspectives. Firstly, it is a useful time-saver for people greatly enjoy social life. Social network enable them to spare the trouble of heavy traffic in rush hours when they need to have contact with friends. Secondly, it is also a money-saver. Compared with the high cost of an official visit to someone or some place, chatting on-site or through telephone is much cheaper. If each company has an E-conference system, information sharing should never be a daydream in the era of information. Lastly, and most importantly, with the great help of new inventions, people may communicate with others without being limited to geographical difference. Namely, no matter where one stays, he or she can get in touch with people on the Internet at any time.
In summary, modem technologies are excellent assistants of our life and work, so it is wise to accept them and make full use of them properly.
Daily communication tools make the distance between people shrink. There are various ways such as mobile phones, Facebook, Twitter and E-mail which changes our life from daily life to work style. As for the dramatic and rapid changes, people in all walks of life hold different opinions. Personally, it is a must to be tolerant of the new technological innovations.
It is undeniable that all these high-tech tools can alienate the virtual interpersonal relationship that exists between people. If we want to tell somebody something, we do not have to really see him, and we can send a short message, a E-mail, or leave one on Facebook. Regardless of the convenience, face-to-face conversations are still one of the best ways to understand each other.
High technologies provide us with more choices which can yield higher efficiency, which can be illustrated from three perspectives. Firstly, it is a useful time-saver for people greatly enjoy social life. Social network enable them to spare the trouble of heavy traffic in rush hours when they need to have contact with friends. Secondly, it is also a money-saver. Compared with the high cost of an official visit to someone or some place, chatting on-site or through telephone is much cheaper. If each company has an E-conference system, information sharing should never be a daydream in the era of information. Lastly, and most importantly, with the great help of new inventions, people may communicate with others without being limited to geographical difference. Namely, no matter where one stays, he or she can get in touch with people on the Internet at any time.
In summary, modem technologies are excellent assistants of our life and work, so it is wise to accept them and make full use of them properly.
解析：
暂无解析
第9题：
问答题
Practice 1 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some teachers think it is effective for students to study in a group while others think it is better to study alone. What are the benefits of each study method and which one do you think is more effective? You should write at least 250 words.
正确答案：
【参考范文】
As for choosing a better way of learning, some people believe that group learning is efficient in many aspects, while, others, on the contrary, think that individual learning can be give big harvests. Personally, both sides of the issue should be taken into consideration as follows.
The benefits of teamwork can be illustrated from two aspects: For one thing, the solidarity and power of a team can not be compared with by only an individual, which makes it possible the accomplishment of more advanced and tougher missions And at the same time, one can learn the good points which they do not have from their partners. For the other thing, it is also significant for people to improve their communicative skills in learning and social activities. Apparently, interpersonal relationships are among the most important ones in people's daily activities. At the same time, group learning means more people are sharing the fees, which can lower the ecomic burden of students. Anyhow, abtaining an equal chance to pursue education is of fundamental importance.
When it comes to learning individually, however, also two main benefits should be manifested: Firstly, it cultivates one's independence step by step. In other words, one tries to explore what he wants to learn through learning and thinking individually. Moreover, if one has to accomplish a project all by himself, it will be definitely necessary for him to devote himself to studying without any disruptions. With preoccupation, he may discover something new, besides discovering knowledge already existing, which is superior to group learning.
To sum up, both group and individual learning are essential to students. The ways vary from person to person based on one’s own demands and desires of learning. To solve this problem more efficiently and effectively, governments and experts should consider over this issue more insightfully and prudently.
As for choosing a better way of learning, some people believe that group learning is efficient in many aspects, while, others, on the contrary, think that individual learning can be give big harvests. Personally, both sides of the issue should be taken into consideration as follows.
The benefits of teamwork can be illustrated from two aspects: For one thing, the solidarity and power of a team can not be compared with by only an individual, which makes it possible the accomplishment of more advanced and tougher missions And at the same time, one can learn the good points which they do not have from their partners. For the other thing, it is also significant for people to improve their communicative skills in learning and social activities. Apparently, interpersonal relationships are among the most important ones in people's daily activities. At the same time, group learning means more people are sharing the fees, which can lower the ecomic burden of students. Anyhow, abtaining an equal chance to pursue education is of fundamental importance.
When it comes to learning individually, however, also two main benefits should be manifested: Firstly, it cultivates one's independence step by step. In other words, one tries to explore what he wants to learn through learning and thinking individually. Moreover, if one has to accomplish a project all by himself, it will be definitely necessary for him to devote himself to studying without any disruptions. With preoccupation, he may discover something new, besides discovering knowledge already existing, which is superior to group learning.
To sum up, both group and individual learning are essential to students. The ways vary from person to person based on one’s own demands and desires of learning. To solve this problem more efficiently and effectively, governments and experts should consider over this issue more insightfully and prudently.
解析：
暂无解析
第10题：
问答题
Practice 8 Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below. We must seriously question the idea of majority rule. The majority grinned and jeered when Columbus said the world was round. The majority threw him into a dungeon for his discoveries. Where is the logic in the notion that the opinion held by a majority of people should have the power to influence our decisions? Adapted from James A. Reed, Majority Rule Assignment: Is the opinion of the majority—in government or in any other circumstances—a poor guide? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observation.
正确答案：
【参考范文】
“There is safety in numbers.” This old saying illustrates how comforting it can be to know that the majority is on your side and that you are not alone in your endeavor. When you are attempting to climb a mountain, or explore a hidden cave, or maneuver a football down field for a score, you certainly want a majority of your comrades to be there with you, urging you on and assisting in your quest. But when it comes to making important decisions, whether in your private or public life, a simple majority vote will not always be your best guide; indeed, in many cases, the majority may very well be wrong.
Take the case of an intelligent high school student who wants to be popular with her classmates. She could decide to be true to herself and join the other equally intelligent students who comprise the “nerd” minority at her school. But most likely she will be more attracted to the styles and behaviors of the majority—those students who think studying is for geeks, who are more concerned about the latest fashions than the latest ideas, and who may very well encourage her to experiment with drinking and drugs. The pressure of the peer majority is often irresistible.
Consider also the reaction of the majority of people to unfamiliar or suspicious behavior. A majority of people living in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 decided that 19 men and women were practicing witchcraft (based on the testimony of a few mean-spirited and histrionic girls) and carried them off to the gallows to be hanged. When Galileo dared to suggest (based on his factual observations) that the earth was NOT the center of the universe, a majority of Catholic Church fathers accused him of heresy.
Lastly, when it comes to the concept of “majority rule” in governmental institutions, how often have the results been skewed by the majority’s inability to think rationally and act reasonably? Average Germans in the 1930s gave their support to a new leader who they thought would lead them out of the economic bankruptcy caused by World War I. A majority voted for Adolf Hitler. Tyrants do not always take control of their countries by themselves; often they are elected by the very people they will later persecute. Yes, there may be “safety” in numbers, but there is no guarantee they will be fight.
“There is safety in numbers.” This old saying illustrates how comforting it can be to know that the majority is on your side and that you are not alone in your endeavor. When you are attempting to climb a mountain, or explore a hidden cave, or maneuver a football down field for a score, you certainly want a majority of your comrades to be there with you, urging you on and assisting in your quest. But when it comes to making important decisions, whether in your private or public life, a simple majority vote will not always be your best guide; indeed, in many cases, the majority may very well be wrong.
Take the case of an intelligent high school student who wants to be popular with her classmates. She could decide to be true to herself and join the other equally intelligent students who comprise the “nerd” minority at her school. But most likely she will be more attracted to the styles and behaviors of the majority—those students who think studying is for geeks, who are more concerned about the latest fashions than the latest ideas, and who may very well encourage her to experiment with drinking and drugs. The pressure of the peer majority is often irresistible.
Consider also the reaction of the majority of people to unfamiliar or suspicious behavior. A majority of people living in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 decided that 19 men and women were practicing witchcraft (based on the testimony of a few mean-spirited and histrionic girls) and carried them off to the gallows to be hanged. When Galileo dared to suggest (based on his factual observations) that the earth was NOT the center of the universe, a majority of Catholic Church fathers accused him of heresy.
Lastly, when it comes to the concept of “majority rule” in governmental institutions, how often have the results been skewed by the majority’s inability to think rationally and act reasonably? Average Germans in the 1930s gave their support to a new leader who they thought would lead them out of the economic bankruptcy caused by World War I. A majority voted for Adolf Hitler. Tyrants do not always take control of their countries by themselves; often they are elected by the very people they will later persecute. Yes, there may be “safety” in numbers, but there is no guarantee they will be fight.
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