Is it wrong to tell a lie?

gzlaser

A Shameful Lie

Sometimes we tell lies to comfort our families. Sometimes we tell lies to get something. I've always thought that we could tell lies as we like. However, yesterday, I was forced to tell a lie, even though I didn't want to lie to anybody.

As a freshman in university, I applied to volunteer with many different organizations. Unfortunately, I wasn't accepted by any of them. Feelings of nervousness, sadness and anger filled my heart. I really wanted a chance to improve myself.

Then, yesterday, I went to my last interview – it was with the Red Cross. Four other interviewees and I introduced ourselves, one by one. Then, the managers began to ask us questions. They seemed to lose interest in me, and they didn't ask me any questions for a long time. Finally, a manager saw my face, stared at me for a minute, and asked if I held any position now.

I thought quickly. Our class had yet to choose its leaders, but I was afraid to say that I held no position. This is my last chance, I thought to myself, so I told the managers that I was the class monitor.

After a while, we left. I had mixed feelings about what I had done, and I began to feel even sadder.

I've always told myself to be an honest person, but, on the other hand, I have been eager to get a chance to work with an organization. At the time, I really didn't know what I should do. That night, I couldn't fall asleep. I kept thinking over and over again about what I had done. Maybe it is wrong to tell a lie, but I'm not God. I can't control myself all of the time. Maybe, now, I should just try to be a real monitor.

◆ Editor's comment ◆

This essay's introduction is short and direct, although perhaps a bit fuzzy around the edges. Tests like the TOEFL and GRE require students to begin their essays by stating their main idea. Here, we learn what the writer thinks about lying. We also learn that the writer recently told a lie. But we don't learn how telling that lie changed him or her. The writer can be more specific by explaining how the \"lie\" experience changed the way he or she looks at lying.

The writer has set up the story perfectly. After the introduction, we are walked through the entire interview experience. However, some readers may wonder why the manager suddenly seemed to take notice of the writer. A little more information here might help clear up this question.

Or: My mind raced.

Notice that the writer doesn't use the verb \"lie\". This is a nice touch. From the very beginning, we can tell that the writer is struggling with the morality of telling a lie. By not mentioning the word directly in the essay, the writer brings us even closer to \"feeling\" or \"sensing\" his or her internal battle.

The last section of the essay is full of reflection. The essay is well-balanced, with a strong introduction, a compelling story, and honest reflection. What makes this essay particularly excellent, however, is its honesty. The writer makes him or herself vulnerable by admitting to something that each of us can understand. The writer comes away looking human – like every one of us.

◆ Editor's tips◆

(1) Plan before writing. Write down some key ideas, or talk with friends. The more you plan in advance, the more thoughtful your first draft will be.

(2) Remember to reflect. Everyone likes a good story, but, when you're writing a formal essay, be sure to leave room for reflection and/or discussion.

(3) Tell the truth. Giving readers a piece of your story can help them understand you better. Had the writer of this essay not been very honest, you wouldn't have enjoyed the essay. And Green Ink wouldn't have published it.

◆ Pick up a pen ◆

For the next columns, Green Ink will feature first-person essays written by readers on one of the following topics. There are no right or wrong answers here, but remember: Do be creative.

1. Explain how you feel when you see someone your age who will quite likely never have a chance to study at university (for instance, a waitress at a restaurant or a conductor on a bus).

2. Explain one way in which foreign movies have changed the way you see the world. Be as specific as possible.

3. Explain what happened the last time an advertisement made you crave a product.

4. Recall the last time you told a lie and discuss whether you think it was right or wrong.