GRE® essay sample: Capital punishment

[Sanchan89]

“A person who knowingly commits a crime has broken the social contract and should not retain any civil rights or the right to benefit from his or her own labor.”

"To err is human, to forgive..., divine"

It is in the nature of man to make mistakes. The importance of recognizing the fallibility of the human psyche, whose infinite creative capacity has led us on the path of progress and development could not be understated. The decision to partake in a crime, whether premeditated or otherwise, is a case of an error in judgment. It is simply, just another case where mind errs.

It would be irrational for society to expect each of its participants to be perfect in behavior. On the contrary, it is expected of society to show the right path to whoever loses his way, and most importantly, intends to find his way back. Therefore, any criminal who repents for his actions and actively seeks to regain his honor and life should never be denied the opportunity to engage in that endeavor.

With reference to the real world.., to deny any civil rights to a naxal who engages in terrorism is wrong. In his mind, his cause is noble. His wish is merely to make his voice heard, albeit in a most extreme way. Denial of his rights would solve the problem of neither the naxal nor the society who seems him as a threat.

To err is truly human. It is by forgiving the one who repents, and by showing him light, does civilization truly ascend to the heights of the immortals.

This is an essay I wrote in the 45 min alloted time. I understand it is a unprofessional and more philosophy like, and probably a little short for the GRE. But if you could tear it apart and point out every single mistake...., well, that'd be the best