'truthiness' in the writing sample

[shishicd]

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i've heard it said many times before that it's ok to lie and make up examples on the writing sample, but to what extent does this hold true? i have a terrible mind for dates and names, so if i cite some event in my essay, is it alright to completely make up the names of the key players? also, when fuzzy on the dates, is it better to give an estimate (ie the '1980s') or just guess a random year in that period? i figure whoever marks the essays doesn't have time to factcheck everything, but if your grader just happens to be familiar with your example and know that you've said something wrong, would that seriously affect your score?

 

[EulerianCircuit]

I think its more about evaluating your writing than your factual information. It is fine to make up hypothetical examples, but I wouldn't give specifics for a real example unless you are reasonably certain of them.

 

[sv3]

i personally either go truthful as much as i can (small approximations) or i would jsut go all out hypothetical - much easier that way if your gonna make larger approximations.

Also, if you choose a very popular topic, then i think you'd be a bit more scrutinzed for being truthful as opposed to a vague and hardly heard of topic.

but i could be dead wrong and you could potentially lie your butt off and it could be all good. I know if im really screwed, im writing an essay about something one way or another.

 

[muhali3]

I don't think it's good to make up information that should be general knowledge. It's better to make a generalization than a false piece of specific info.

 

[Longshanks]

Don't make up information. Sure, accurate historical or topical information isn't required, but once you start fabricating details you may get caught up in information that doesn't connect and contradicts itself, or spend too much time worrying about how to make this up then actually write. That will cause your WS score to suffer. However, if you can explore the topic with a hypothetical situation which you can write about in detail, you will be fine.

 

[rockaction]

My verbal/writing teacher in my TPR class said that it's risky but if you can pull it off, there's nothing stopping you. They won't fact-check you.