Example of analysis of an issue essay: score 6
Last updated: 13 Dec 2006
"Money is the root of all evil"
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion above. Support your point of view with reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.
It is a common criticism in our Judeo-Christian societies to consider that money is evil. However, it is impossible to do without in today's capitalist economies. So it is our duty to transform this necessary evil in a constructive tool for a better life.
The most accurate definition of money is probably the measure of human labor. It was invented in primitive societies to enable people to trade the product of their work, and thanks to money, bases for a complex economic system were created.
From the early Catholics to Karl Marx and 20th century socialism, money was accused of corrupting everthing that it touches. The person of the Christ was said to have lived in poverty. He is even reported to have said that it is easier for a Camel to walk through a pinhole than for a rich person to get into the Kingdom of God. There were good reasons at that time for people who wanted to fight for more equality between people to criticize the rich. There was no redistribution system. The taxpayer had to give his money away without receiving anything for it, and being a tax officer was considered the dirtiest job.
Likewise, in modern times, Karl Marx accused capital of being the reason for the oppression of people. It is true that in the middle of the nineteenth century, as the industrial revolution was under way, working conditions for the factory worker were so hard that it was realistic to compare it to slavery.
However, it can be argued that this stage was only a step toward economic development and that the average employee or worker today is happier and richer than before the industrial revolution. We could argue with Adam Smith ("the Wealth of Nations") that money amassed in capital is the most efficient way to develop output, which benefits to both the owner and the worker.
Therefore, money should not be considered as evil since it can contribute to such positive achievements as economic growth, employment etc. So, why do some people still think money is that bad?
The reason is how it is dealt with. It is important to remember the very function of it : measuring labor. It is not a measure for happiness or personal achievement. If used as such a tool, it will disappoint people. They will be bitter and sad and, again, will accuse money of being evil.
Comments
This essay scores a 6. This is an extremely well-written essay, as GMAT essays go. The argument is sound, the writing is clear, and the essay had a logical organization. There are some minor word choice problems, but on the whole, an excellent essay.
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