SAT- Model Expository Essay*
Topic: There are many individuals who make life impacting changes in other people's
lives within a society. Choose an individual(s) who has made a significant life
changing impact on others and their society for better or worse. Explain the
significance of what they did as well as how the lives of others have changed as
a result of their actions. Using an example from literature, history, science, film, world
news, or your own life, write an essay describing such actions.
Theme= heroes/choices/*influence
What would the world be like if there were no heroic individuals to make a
positive impact on others in society? People do not always realize the little effort it
takes to affect others resulting in a valuable outcome. The actions of a person can
change the life of another person or a civilization for the better. There have been
multiple examples in history and literature that exemplify this idea. Many
individuals have influenced others, impacting their lives in a constructive way.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States in the mid-1800s,
was a prime example of a heroic figure that strongly impacted others’ lives. During
this time period, African Americans were treated in a servile manner which was
unjust. The owning of slaves had been going on for centuries; it was time to abolish
the cruelty and inhumane treatment of these individuals. While president, Abraham
Lincoln enforced the Emancipation Proclamation which freed all slaves. This was a
colossal moment in history which forever changed the lives of millions, especially
African Americans. They were acknowledged as human beings and were no longer
permitted to be “owned” by another. Also, the country as a whole became stronger
and more civilized. President Abraham Lincoln greatly impacted the lives of the
African American community who had been treated unfairly for so many years.
Similarly, in the biographical novel, The Blind Side, by Michael Lewis,
taking place in Tennessee during the early 2000s, main character, Leigh Anne
Tuohy, inspires a poor African American teenager from the projects. Michael Oher
grew up with no parental figure, no education, and no money. However, this all
changed when he met Mrs. Tuohy. She adopted him and paved the path for his
future. She introduced him to football in which he ultimately became a professional
football player for the Baltimore Ravens. By showing him love and support, Michael
Oher was inspired to succeed. Tuohy changed Oher’s life for the better by proving
that no matter where one comes from, their life can turn around and be positive.
All in all, Abraham Lincoln and Leigh Anne Tuohy have proven to be
inspirational figures in society. They changed the lives of others for the better by
making decisions that would be beneficial to others. Very often it takes one person
to make a difference in someone’s life. Many people can walk in and out of others’
lives, but their powerful impact will remain forever.