Answers to
the Real Essay Questions
Analysis of Issue
These essays are not "perfect"
answers, but represent what could be done in a 30 minute time
period to get a score of 5 or 6.
Issue
#1: Radio and TV Censorship
The censorship and regulation
of broadcast media for offensive material involves a conflict
between the freedom of expression and the duty of government
to protect its citizenry from potential harm. I believe that
our societal interest in preventing the harm that exposure to
obscenity produces takes precedence over the freedoms of individual
broadcasters.
Firstly, I believe exposure to
obscene and offensive language and behavior causes people to
mimic such behavior. There is anecdotal and scientific evidence
to support this contention.
Secondly, I believe that obscene
and offensive behavior is damaging to a society. It weakens moral
character and weakens human relationships and it promotes a tendency
toward immoral and antisocial behavior. These effects weaken
the civil cords that hold a democratic society together.
Some argue for that free speech
is the basis of a democratic society. However, the founding fathers
never intended the constitution to mean an unrestricted license
to wanton profanity. Advocates of free expression might also
point out difficulties in defining "obscene" or "offensive"
language or behavior. But, however difficult it may be to agree
on standards, the effort is beneficial insofar as it helps to
maintain the civil cords of a democratic society.
In conclusion, government should
take a role in regulating speech, but only speech that is patently
offensive. Regulation of media may infringe on freedom of speech,
but it is worthwhile if it can restrict the exposure of damaging
offensive material.
Issue
#2: Energy Sources and International Effort
The statement argues that international
leadership is necessary to conserve energy for the future. The
passage makes the reasonable assumption that individual nations
will not unilaterally cut their energy usage, and that international
cooperation is necessary to conserve resources. However, the
sub text of the argument, that resources are diminishing and
that international regulation is the only way to protect resource
availability may not be valid. This calls into question the legitimacy
of the statement.
It is reasonable to expect that many individual nations will
act in a rational (self-interested) manner. Some nations, such
as the U.S and the E.U. may cooperate to reduce resource depletion,
but rogue nations such as the P.R.C. and North Korea will likely
not comply with cuts on a volunteer basis. Thus, an international
organization would indeed be necessary to apply sanctions and
compel compliance. In this respect, I agree with the argument.
However, the argument is too
vague and fails to define (1) what resources are approaching
depletion and (2) if regulation restricting usage is the most
effective means of conservation. Oil reserves, for example, have
been increasing, not decreasing, over time because of improved
technology used in drilling has allowed greater access. In addition,
if technology can improve access to resources, provide access
to renewable resources (such as solar power), and improve conservation
(energy efficiency), then regulations that could impede technological
advancement could exacerbate the situation. Thus, an international
regulatory regime may not be effective at maintaining adequate
resource supplies.
In sum, it is likely true that
an international regulatory regime would be required to regulate
global resource consumption. However, it is unclear that such
a regime would be necessary or effective to maintain adequate
resource supplies globally.
Issue
#3: Flat or Pyramid Organization
The author tries to argue that
corporations should use a "flat" structure and eliminate
salary grades. This, according to the author, would benefit worker
morale and encourage camaraderie. I disagree with the author
because it is likely that such a corporate structure would diminish
corporate profits and potentially decrease worker morale.
The principal flaw with such
a structure is that it fails to incentivize workers and reward
them for their own performance. Without individual merit, workers
have no self-interest in their own performance and results. In
a dynamic business environment, workers must be able to take
initiative and effect change. In a flat organizational structure,
such behavior would be indirectly discouraged because the risk-taking
necessary to catalyze change would not be rewarded. Thus, companies
with such a structure would likely have less motivated and entrepreneurial
employees.
The speaker also assumes that
such a flat structure would increase camaraderie. While it is
true that such a structure may reduce envy among employees by
reducing inequality, it is not clear that such a structure is
conducive to decisive leadership. In a organization where all
are equals, there are no leaders. Without leaders, there are
no arbiters in times of disagreement or leaders in times of change.
Thus, the flat organizational structure may devolve into an anarchistic
one.
In sum, the opinion that a "flat"
organizational structure conducive to collegiality and cooperation
is likely inaccurate. Such a structure would probably reduce
profitability and create a chaotic work environment that lacked
a decisive decision-making capability.
Note: Is this truly a six essay? Probably not, it fails to
provide a real world example or an example from experience.
Issue
#4: Power
This quote states that people admire those who show restraint
in exercising power. Rather than a sweeping statement, this statement
is sometimes true and sometimes not. The statement's truth depends
on the context of popular opinion at the time.
The most famous example of a man relinquishing power at the height
of his power is George Washington. During his presidency he could
used his fame to take absolute control of the early United States.
But unlike Caesar, George Washington did not destroy the republic
to become dictator. Instead, he refused much of the power that
was being offered to him. This was one of the few times in human
history that a man did this (Napoleon certainly did not) and
it set a precedent of governmental restraint that continues to
this day in the United States. At the time, people around the
world were awestruck and the poet Lord Byron romanticized Washington
as the "Cincinnatus of the West."
However, another great man, Winston
Churchill, lost political power for his restraint. In 1946, Winston
Churchill, the brilliant war leader during World War II, lost
an election for Prime Minister to his socialist opponents who
argued for the nationalization of industries. Churchill could
have certainly used his prestige to nationalize industries or
offer a host of entitlements to Britain's citizens, but instead
he refused to exercise power in such a way and ended up losing
an election to a candidate who argued for much greater use of
governmental intervention in the economy.
In conclusion, showing restraint in exercising political power
is often admirable and romanticized. However, for a politician
it may be a dangerous and risky move that could endanger their
power. In some circumstances it is appropriate, but often politicians
must exercise all the power they have at their disposal in order
to retain power.
Issue 5: Decision-Making in an Organization
This author argues that responsibilities
should be collective and that individuals are not effective at
getting things done. I agree that in certain circumstances a
team approach is more effective, but in other instances the flexibility,
creativity and accountability of individuals is more effective.
Both approaches have strengths and weaknesses.
Complex tasks that require a variety of skills and viewpoints
are generally better done by teams. For example, if a project
required skills in marketing, computer programming and finance,
it is unlikely that a single individual could execute the project
effectively. For those projects a team would be highly effective.
On the other hand, tasks that require high degrees of creativity,
quick response time and intuition while also requiring tight
accountability, should be done by individuals. A good example
is stock trading. Traders need to act quickly and decisively
to changing market conditions. Often, there is no time to call
a meeting and come to a group conclusion about what to do. In
addition, by having the responsibility handled by a single individual,
there is a high degree of accountability since that single individual
is completely responsible for his actions.
In conclusion, the statement makes an inaccurate generalization.
Certain circumstances favor teamwork while others favor individual
action depending on the responsibilities and duties the position
requires.
Issue #6: The definition of success
The author of this statement
defines success by the ability to "spend life in your own
way." It is freedom to act and the ability to choose your
own destiny free from direct accountability. This is highly attractive
lifestyle to many people and makes a reasonable definition of
success. However, it seems that freedom alone is not an indicator
of success.
When we think of individuals
who spend life in their own way we think of great people who
have earned independence and freedom through their successes.
A good example is Jim Clark, who founded Silicon Graphics, Netscape
and Healtheon. He is arguably the most successful entrepreneur
in history and is in complete control of his life and destiny.
He has the ability to create new ventures from nothing and create
companies with billion-dollar capitalizations. His life, by this
definition, has been a remarkable success.
However, extending the Jim Clark example reveals problems with
this definition. He has had many difficulties in his personal
life, and in this respect his life has not been a success. Success
is often a function of our effectiveness working within a structure,
whether that be a marriage or an organization.
In addition, individuals may acquire high degrees of freedom
without any accomplishments of their own merit. Many people inherit
money or come into freedom through no merit of their own. Thus,
freedom itself may not be an accurate indicator of success.
Perhaps the author's original
statement could be qualified. Being able to "spend life
in your own way" is not necessarily a definition of success,
but a benefit that success often entails.
Issue
# 7: Giving advice to other people
Is the best way to advise people
to simply find out what it is they want and help them attain
it? This is a sound policy to helping people and should always
be the concern when offering assistance. Make sure that you are
indeed helping the person rather than your misconception of what
that person wants. This approach is usually valid unless the
person does not know what is best for himself.
The main problem with giving
advise to other people is that you may confuse what is good for
yourself and apply it to that individual. The person you are
trying to help, however, may be in a situation you do not understand.
The best way to help that person is to first find out what that
person wants.
However, the author's suggestion
will often not apply to circumstances where the person being
given advice is in no position to judge what he or she wants.
For example, an adult should not always advise a child about
how to get what he wants. In these situation, the best advise
is obviously not to find out what they want and help them attain
it, but to instead advise them on what is best for them.
In conclusion, giving advise
to people should depend on the person you are trying to help.
If the person is capable of determining what is in his best interests,
then advise should be given to help them. Otherwise, you should
be careful advising someone about what they want.
Issue
# 8: Monetary System
This is an interesting concept
for changing the world's monetary system of metal coins and printed
paper into a computerized system of credits and debits. However,
this system is already largely implemented. The final step would
be to create digital cash cards.
Much of the world's wealth is
already tracked digitally. Every day trillions of dollars are
shifted digitally around the world. This argument is somewhat
confused insofar as it poses its argument as if wealth and monetary
transactions have not already been digitized.
The last step in implementing digital monetary transactions are
smart cards that contain a chip that links to an account. This
would act as a credit card for small transactions. This would
provide a wonderful convenience and from a symbolic point, it
would ultimately mean that cash would be unnecessary.
However, I believe that technology should never be implemented
for technology's sake. Old fashioned cash and coins have great
convenient value. If I want to pay my nephew to mow my lawn,
I can't pay him in a digital manner. Can I tip a coat check girl
with a digital card. Indeed, under close inspection it becomes
apparent that coins and money have been around thousands of years
and should remain for thousands more.
Changing all money to a digital format is inconvenient and represents
technology for technology's sake. Cash and coins are highly convenient
and do not need to be replaced by an inconvenient and impractical
solution.
Issue
#9: Personal Lives of Employees
Should employees leave their
personal lives entirely behind them when they enter the workplace,
as the author suggests here? While it is true that employees
should not allow their personal lives to interfere with their
jobs, the author fails to consider that personal issues can help
to foster a workplace atmosphere that helps everyone do a better
job.
Bringing in personal interests
and activities can help build collegiality among workers. Discussing
personal activities helps to establish a rapport with co-workers.
Company-sponsored social activities help to produce greater cohesiveness
in an organization, by allowing relationships to develop among
workers.
However, employees be aware that
personal lives could intrude on job performance. At worst, personal
lives could become a distraction to work performance. Romantic
relationships between coworkers could create sexual harassment
liability and also need to be kept confidential. Another problem
with interjecting personal lives into work is that employees
who do not share their personal lives could be viewed as aloof
and may be resented by coworkers who perceive them as arrogant,
unfriendly or uncooperative. Thus, interjecting personal lives
into work presents risks.
In the final analysis, employees
should strike a careful balance when they mix their personal
lives with their jobs. Although there are some circumstances
in which bringing one's personal life to the job may be counterproductive,
for many reasons it is a good idea to inject small doses of personal
life into the workplace.
Issue
# 10: Process vs. Product
The passage states that "in
an enterprise the process of doing something is more important
than the final product itself." I wholeheartedly agree with
this statement, the process of doing something, if handled properly
will insure the final product, in this way, the process is what
makes the final product.
The quality of the process will
insure the quality of the results. For example, if a company
is processing its tax returns, then it must assure the legitimacy
of the processes of calculating those results. Were qualified
accountants used? Were they given the proper accounting process?
What is important is not the final return but the process that
leads to the final tax calculation.
In addition, in research the
process is often more valuable than the final results. For example,
at Bell Labs in the 1940s several scientists were trying to develop
transistor technology that could be demonstrable. Instead, while
developing the transistor the scientists stumbled upon a design
that laid the groundwork for the microchip. The process of research
led to a radical new design that was highly cost effective.
Finally, there is an ennobling
element to the process associated with any great accomplishment,
whether it be winning World War II, building the Hoover Dam,
or the Wright brothers development of motorized flight, in each
case the value of an accomplishment becomes especially sweet
in light of the sacrifices required to make it. When we collectively
reflect on these accomplishments, we cannot help dwell on the
courage required in the processes to make the final accomplishment.
In conclusion, the process of
doing something often is more critical and important than the
final product. It is the effort and brilliance in the process
that itself produces the result.
You have finished
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