It is often the case that revealing the complete truth may bring trouble—discomfort, embarrassment, sadness, or even harm—to oneself or to another person. In these circumstances, it is better not to express our real thoughts and feelings. Whether or not we should tell the truth, therefore, depends on the circumstances.
Assignment:
Do circumstances determine whether or not we should tell the truth? 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.
"What you don't know won't hurt you," and "Ignorance is bliss," are popular clichés that have at one point or another proven themselves to be true in one's life. I believe that certain circumstance do not allow room for honesty. This can be seen in George Orwell's 1984 (underlined) and through my experience with the NASA SS contest.
In Orwell's 1984, the main character, Winston Smith, is living in a dystopian society in which his life is firmly controlled by the government. Desperate to break free of these chains, Winston beguiles those watching him and commits acts of rebellion for internal satisfaction. Had Winston come up front and admitted his deeds, he would've surely been condemned to death. It becomes necessary for him to surreptitiously go about life and commit his crimes; in this case, what the government doesn't know won't hurt Winston. It was these circumstances that forced Winston to choose dishonesty.
In my case, I was dishonesty not in fear of an oppressive and menacing government, but of the wrath of my best friend. Those both of us decided to team up and enter the NASA SS contest where we would design a full fledged model of a space shuttle that was both as energy and cost efficient as possible. Though the feeling we felt was generally esoteric amongst others our age, the added perk was a $100,000 check to the grand prize winner in return for permission from NASA to adapt the model. We worked hard, but I couldn't get the project mailed in on time. As devastated as I was, I knew that I would not tell my friend about it. The winner was announced on live TV, and I let him think that we had lost simply because our project wasn't good enough. He would've crushed knowing that we would never know how well our project might have done. The circumstance of saving him from further dismay forced me to be dishonest; what he didn't know never hurt him.
Circumstance clearly plays a significant role in deciding whether honesty is in fact the best policy. Though the alternative of honesty may not always lead to death, it may in fact do more harm than good.
I'd give this one a 4. Here are some things to consider:
In the first instance of use, you need to spell out what "SS" stands for.
"to surreptitiously go about life and commit his crimes"
Awkward -- move "surreptitiously" so it is positioned between "and" and "commit."
"It was these circumstances that forced Winston to choose dishonesty"
Wordy -- better phrased this way: These circumstances forced Winston..."
"In my case, I was dishonesty"
What??
"Those both of us"
What??
"contest where"
Is a contest a place?
"He would've crushed"
I think a word is missing.
The conclusion is skeletal! Barely there!
In order to write an essay on this topic, you can follow these steps:
1. Introduction: Begin by introducing the topic and providing a general overview of the issue at hand – whether circumstances determine whether or not we should tell the truth. You can use a catchy introduction or a relevant quote to grab the reader's attention.
2. Thesis Statement: Clearly state your point of view in a thesis statement. For example, "I believe that circumstances can influence the decision to tell the truth, as honesty may not always be the best policy in certain situations."
3. Body Paragraph 1: Provide evidence and reasoning from the novel 1984 by George Orwell to support your point of view. Explain how the circumstances in the dystopian society of the novel forced the main character Winston Smith to choose dishonesty in order to protect himself from harm or even death. Discuss specific examples from the novel that illustrate this point.
4. Body Paragraph 2: Share your personal experience with the NASA SS contest to further support your argument. Describe how the circumstance of wanting to spare your friend from further dismay and disappointment led you to be dishonest about your failure to mail in the project on time. Explain why you believe that in this particular circumstance, not telling the truth was the best course of action.
5. Counterargument: Acknowledge and address the opposition's point of view, which might argue that honesty is always the best policy regardless of the circumstances. Address this counterargument by explaining why circumstances can sometimes override the principle of total honesty, emphasizing the potential harm or negative consequences that may result from telling the truth in specific situations.
6. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate your thesis statement, emphasizing that circumstances do play a significant role in determining whether or not we should tell the truth. End with a thought-provoking statement or call to action.
Remember to use clear and logical reasoning, provide specific examples and evidence, and structure your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.