SAT Essay
What does it look like?
• You have 25 minutes.
• You are given a prompt. You do not get to
choose what you write about.
• The prompt is followed by an assignment.
This is also where you get your specific
instructions.
• Students need to state a position supported
with examples from schoolwork, literature,
history, or their own experience.
Things to Remember
• You do not have much time. Once you start
something you need to go with it.
• Brainstorming should only be a minute of
determining a thesis and listing examples to use.
• SAT wants a 5 paragraph essay. You need an
introduction, 3 body paragraphs and a
conclusion.
• Make sure you stay on topic.
• This is your opinion. That means you can get
away with the I statements.
• They know you don’t have much time. It should
be a polished rough draft.
Strategies
• Choose a point of view to argue, and stick to it. Hint
– Pick the side with the stronger support!
• Develop your ideas logically (use transition words,
and don’t jump randomly from one thought to
another).
• Support those ideas with appropriate examples and
evidence (think concrete and precise)
• Use clear, concise language, and proofread for
spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes.
• Write only in the space provided
Sample Prompt & Assignments
• Prompt:
"That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too
lightly. It is dearness only which gives everything
its value."
Thomas Paine
• Assignment:
Do we value only what we struggle for? Plan
your response, and then write an essay to
explain your views on this issue. Be sure to
support your position with specific points and
examples. (You may use personal examples or
examples from your reading, observations, or,
knowledge of subjects such as history, literature,
science.)
Plan of Attack
1. Put the quote in your own words. This will
help you understand what is being said and
how to proceed.
2. Look at the assignment. Here it is asking
our opinion.
3. Decide your response and list your
examples.
4. Start writing!
Sample Prompt & Assignments
• Prompt:
“The price of greatness is responsibility.”
Winston Churchill
• Assignment:
Do we expect too much from our public
figures? Plan your response, and then
write an essay...