College Writing
Mr. Rorem
October 2, 2009
SAT Essays
For a sample SAT Essay to be a good guide in helping you study it must fit each of the
following criteria:
1.
The essay must be over 400 words in length. Research has found that 90% of
essays over 400 words in length receive the highest score of 12.
2.
The sample SAT Essay must use scholarly examples. There should be two or
three examples with at least one from literature. Examples from history are also good.
If an essay uses primarily personal experiences it is not a good guide to helping you
learn as SAT graders don't score these as highly as essays that use content learned in
school.
3.
The essay must be organized into paragraphs. At the minimum there is an
introductory paragraph with at least a sentence or two. Then one paragraph to cover
each example. And often a short conclusion. If the essay has paragraphs that cover
multiple examples it won't score as well and won't serve as a good example for your
learning.
4.
The essay must make its points explicitly. If you are reading a sample SAT Essay
that you must read between the lines to get or re-read in order to understand it is not a
good sample for you to learn from.
5.
The essay must come with a prompt so that you can see what it takes to follow the
prompt. If the essay is given as an example without this critical piece of information
there is little you can learn from it.
Read more: http://www.sat-essay.net/sample-sat-essays.html#ixzz0So3xkoNk
6 SAT Essay Tips To Get You A High Score
Follow these 6 SAT Essay Tips and you'll leave the test confident you've achieved a high
SAT Essay score.
1. Read the sat essay prompt carefully
This is the step where many students go wrong. Read the prompt and with your pencil
underline the main idea you need to be writing about. Most students who get low scores
fail to read the prompt carefully. Don't be one of them.
2. Decide on a thesis
Now that you understand the prompt, choose one side of the issue presented. Your thesis
must be the equivalent of a 'yes' or 'no' to the prompt. Don't be afraid to use the words of
the prompt in your thesis. For example if they ask, "Are people basically good?" You can
have a thesis that says "This essay will show that people are basically good."
3. Brainstorm 3-4 examples to support the thesis
Now that you have a thesis you can go in search of examples to support it. Quickly make
a list of several works of literature you read in school or events you studied in history that
support your point of view. Once you have these go on to the next step.
4. Create a short introduction that incorporates the thesis
You basically have the outline for your essay now. A thesis and a one sentence
description of each of your examples. Now begin writing the introduction by saying a
few words about the topic. Then one sentence on your thesis. It does not have to be
anything fancy.
5. Write 3-4 body paragraphs
Now that your introduction is written support your thesis with the examples you
generated in step 3. Make sure that in your paragraph you tell them what you are going to
prove in the first sentence. Give a few details that prove your point in the next two
sentences. And finally give a concluding sentence that tells how your example supported
your thesis.
6. Write a conclusion that uses an analogy or metaphor to back up your thesis
The best sat essays end with an analogy or very brief anecdote that drives the point home.
You can also make a prediction about the future. Whatever you do don't force yourself to
come up with a brilliant conclusion. At the minimum you can just summarize the
evidence you came up with to support your thesis.
Read more: http://www.sat-essay.net/sat-essay-tips.html#ixzz0So4MGF0q
SAT Essay Question 2: How is the SAT essay scored?
Two graders give your SAT Essay a score on a scale of 1 to 6. You can achieve a total
score of 12 (6 from each grader) on the SAT Essay and a low score of 2 (1 from each
grader). SAT Essays that are off topic are given a score of 0.
Graders are asked to grade your essay “holistically.” This means that they are instructed
to look at your essay as whole judging the quality of your ideas, and how you prove them
to come up with your score.
However, research has shown that there is one factor that has the strongest impact on
your score and that is length. Essays that had more than 400 words achieved the highest
score of 12 about 90% of the time.
Other important factors include:
Subject matter used to prove your essays: Literature and history examples tend to help
an essay score better. Examples based on personal experiences tend to score lower.
Organization: One paragraph per example scores better than paragraphs with multiple
examples.
Explicitness: Tell readers what you are going to tell them in your introduction and the
first sentence of each paragraph. Use the last sentence of each paragraph to remind them
and the conclusion to repeat your main point.
Following Directions: You need to answer the topic and make it obvious that you are
answering it. The easiest way to do this is to paraphrase the prompt in your thesis and to
mention your main idea at the start of each body paragraph. Remember: essays that are
off topic get a score of 0.
SAT Essay Question 3: Who scores SAT essays?
College and high school teachers who have been teaching writing for a minimum of five
years score SAT essays. Most of these graders are high school English teachers and have
had extensive training provided by The College Board.
SAT Essay Question 4: What effect will the SAT Essay have on my overall score?
The SAT Essay is about 10% of your total SAT score. This is how I figured it. Your total
score is a result of your scores on the Math, Critical Reading and Writing sections. Each
section is worth 800 points out of 2400 possible. The SAT Essay is 30% of your writing
score or about 240 points. Two hundred and forty points is 10% of 2400.
SAT Essay Question 5: What effect will my SAT Essay score have on getting
admitted to college?
That depends on which school you apply to. Some will use the test to determine who
among equally qualified candidates they will admit. Some will use it to determine if a
student has cheated on their essay. To find out how your school will use the SAT Essay
visit their website and view their admissions page or visit my page on the SAT scoring
policies of the top 374 schools.
SAT Essay Question 6: What are the best ways to prepare for the SAT Essay?
There are two great ways to prepare for the SAT Essay. One is to read the book Rocket
Review Revolution, do the exercises in the book and use their computer grading program
to get feedback on your essays. You can get the book by visiting www.rocketreview.com.
The other is to read the material on this site. All of this material has been tested with
hundreds of my students and has helped them achieve high SAT Essay scores.
SAT Essay Question 7: What kinds of topics will they ask me to write about on the
SAT?
Just about anything is fair game. However, they will not ask you to write about political
issues like the war in Iraq or religious issues like gay marriage. The questions are strictly
philosophical.
Read more: http://www.sat-essay.net/sat-essay-questions.html#ixzz0So6Uh9HG
5 Ways to Write a Great Essay on the SAT
by Justin Dolecki
The Princeton Review
The SAT has recently undergone some major changes. Among the modifications to the
test, the addition of a new writing section has made many students particularly anxious.
Even though the prospect of writing an essay on the SAT may seem a little bit scary, it's
actually quite painless to prepare for and is probably one of the easiest sections in which
to shine. Why? Because a strong SAT essay is surprisingly formulaic. ETS (Educational
Testing Service, the people who write the SAT, among many other tests) says the essay is
graded holistically. Simply put, they judge your essay by the overall impression it makes.
So how do you go about making a good impression? Here are 5 no-nonsense tips on
how to score big on the SAT essay:
1. Neatness counts
The idea of having to handwrite an essay may seem quite old fashioned, somewhere
along the lines of sending a letter through the mail. But like it or not, you won't be using
Microsoft Word on the SAT. Therefore, one of the simplest ways to earn a good score is
to write legibly. You see, graders are responsible for getting through tons of essays each
day, and so they usually only spend around 2 minutes reading each one. When they come
upon an essay that is messy and makes life more difficult for them, right away they are
left with a bad impression. Translation: a lower score for you. Who can blame them
though? If you had to read a bunch of messy essays that make you squint and squirm,
wouldn't you be annoyed? So print neatly, because the graders will appreciate it. (Yes,
print--no script!)
2. More is more
You've probably heard the maxim, it's not the quantity, it's the quality that counts. Good
advice in the real world, but here in SAT land, quantity is just as important as quality.
Remember, ETS graders will read your essay holistically, meaning they look at the
overall package and won't really get down to the nitty-gritty. So when grading an essay as
a whole, longer always looks better. There are 45 lines to fill--get as close to that as
possible. Filling 40 lines is good. Only twenty ... not so good. Oh, by the way, for those
of you who usually have a lot to say, it's important to know that you can only use the
space that is given. So don't ramble on forever, because you won't be getting any extra
sheets of paper.
3. Paragraphs are your friend
Remember that basic writing structure you learned in grammar school English: intro,
body, conclusion? Well, follow that same format on the SAT essay. First, your
introduction should include a thesis statement (the SAT asks you if you agree or disagree
with a given statement). Then you need three supporting paragraphs that back up your
thesis. And finally, you'll need a conclusion to sum it all up. By following this standard
format you will give the impression that you are organized (they don't need to know that
your locker is a disaster) and you know how to structure an essay. One other mini-tip-Clearly indent all of your paragraphs, about a full half-inch. The clearer you make things
for them, the happier the graders will be.
4. When Shakespeare comes in handy
You created your thesis statement in the introduction, but now you need to back up your
argument. The best way to do this is by citing examples. Some may be tempted to write
about stuff they've seen on TV or read in US Weekly to explain "the tragedy of war" (the
great feud between Hillary Duff and Lindsay Lohan), or their personal life to explain "the
sorrow of love lost" (your breakup with your boyfriend or girlfriend). But essay graders
will find illustrations from history or literature to be more persuasive. If you can display
that you are well read or that you know about topics like the Civil War, graders will be
impressed. Be prepared with some literary or historical examples before you take the
SAT.
5. Channel your inner Webster
Even though the SAT requires less knowledge of vocabulary than previous years
(analogies are gone), you can make a very favorable impression by simply adding a few
well-placed "big words." Ideally you will want to show off your considerable diction in
the introduction or conclusion, because your power words might get lost in the body.
Don't go overboard though and make sure you actually know the meaning of the words
before you use them. Short words are better than misused words any day.
http://encarta.msn.com/college_article_newsat5tips/5_ways_to_write_a_great_essay_on_
the_new_sat.html
The essay measures your ability to:



develop a point of view on an issue presented in an excerpt
support your point of view using reasoning and examples from your reading,
studies, experience, or observations
follow the conventions of standard written English
The essay will be scored by trained high school and college teachers. Each reader will
give the essay a score from 1 to 6 (6 is the highest score) based on the overall quality of
the essay and your demonstration of writing competence. For more information, see How
the Essay is Scored.
Directions
The essay gives you an opportunity to show how effectively you can develop and express
ideas. You should, therefore, take care to develop your point of view, present your ideas
logically and clearly, and use language precisely.
Your essay must be written on the lines provided on your answer sheet—you will receive
no other paper on which to write. You will have enough space if you write on every line,
avoid wide margins, and keep your handwriting to a reasonable size. Remember that
people who are not familiar with your handwriting will read what you write. Try to write
or print so that what you are writing is legible to those readers.
Important Reminders:

A pencil is required for the essay. An essay written in ink will receive a score of
zero.

Do not write your essay in your test book. You will receive credit only for what
you write on your answer sheet.


An off-topic essay will receive a score of zero.
If your essay does not reflect your original and individual work, your test scores
may be canceled.
You have twenty-five minutes to write an essay on the topic assigned below.
Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment
below.
Many persons believe that to move up the ladder of success and achievement, they
must forget the past, repress it, and relinquish it. But others have just the opposite
view. They see old memories as a chance to reckon with the past and integrate past
and present.
—Adapted from Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, I've Known Rivers: Lives of Loss and
Liberation
Assignment: Do memories hinder or help people in their effort to learn from the past and
succeed in the present? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view
on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your
reading, studies, experience, or observations.
Scoring
The essay is scored by experienced and trained high school and college teachers. Each
essay is scored by two people who won't know each other's score. They won't know the
student's identity or school either. Each reader gives the essay a score from 1 to 6 (6 is the
highest score) based on the SAT essay Scoring Guide.
SAT Sample Essay
The Essay
Score: 4
Essay
Interestingly enough, I fall in the middle of these statements. I believe that one should
remember the past and learn from those events. However, I also believe that many bad
memories harm the present and the future. The only way to continue, many times, is to
forget and forgive.
My brother, who is college, has proved to me the importance of getting good grades and
actively participating in extracorrecular activities. These two ideas helped him to get into
the prestegious college of the University of Notre Dame. His education there will allow
him to have a prosperous career as an adult. Reviewing these facts and ideas has led me
to believe if I do the same, I will have a similar promising career. Consequently, I have
gotten good grades and have seen interest from many prestigious programs.
Through my knowledge, I have learned that in many bad instances, time to forget is very
important. Ireland, for example, had been persecuted for many hundreds of years from
1000 AD to 1900 AD. After being granted the Irish Free State, they attacked many parts
of Britain for retribution of those many years of being oppressed. Consequently there has
been on going hostility between the two peoples. This hostility has cost the lives of many
hundreds of people. A quote once said, "Violence begets violence" is the perfect phrase
for this warfare. The only way to stop the loss of life is to forget and forgive; start anew.
Different situations require different actions to proceed in a positive manner. Many times,
people are required to use both elements. For example, let's forget this part and
concentrate on how to bring this positive part into light. Both of the ideas on
remembering and forgetting have their reasons for existing and both are positive.
Why this Essay Received a Score of 4
This essay provides adequate reasons and examples to support both aspects of its point of
view ("I believe that one should remember the past and learn from those events.
However, I also believe that many bad memories harm the present and the future"), thus
demonstrating competent critical thinking. The essay is generally organized and focused
and features coherence and progression of ideas. Facility in the use of language is
adequate, despite some inconsistencies ("Through my knowledge, I have learned that in
many bad instances, time to forget is very important"). The essay also has some errors in
grammar, usage, and mechanics. To earn a higher score, the writer should provide
additional appropriate evidence and use critical thinking to extend the discussion of
situations in which "people are required to use both elements." The essay demonstrates
adequate mastery and receives a 4.
SAT Sample Essay
The Essay
Score: 6
Essay
Without our past, our future would be a tortuous path leading to nowhere. In order to
move up the ladder of success and achievement we must come to terms with our past and
integrate it into our future. Even if in the past we made mistakes, this will only make
wiser people out of us and guide us to where we are supposed to be.
This past year, I was auditioning for the fall play, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." To my
detriment I thought it would be a good idea to watch the movie in order to prepare. For
two hours I studied Elizabeth Taylor's mannerisms, attitude, and diction, hoping I could
mimic her performance. I auditioned for the part of "Maggie" feeling perfectly confident
in my portrayal of Elizabeth Taylor, however, I was unaware that my director saw exactly
what I had been thinking. Unfortunately, I didn't get the part, and my director told me that
he needed to see "Maggie" from my perspective, not Elizabeth Taylor's.
I learned from this experience, and promised myself I would not try to imitate another
actress, in order to create my character. Perservering, I was anxious to audition for the
winter play just two months later. The play was Neil Simon's "Rumors," and would get
the opportunity to play "Chris," a sarcastic yet witty role, which would be my final
performance in high school. In order to develop my character, I planned out her life just
as I thought it should be, gave her the voice I thought was right, and the rest of her
character unfolded beautifully from there. My director told me after the first show that
"Rumors" was the best work he'd ever seen from me, and that he was amazed at how I'd
developed such a believable character. Thinking back to my first audition I was grateful
for that chance I had to learn and to grow, because without that mistake I might have tried
to base "Chris" off of someone I'd known or something I'd seen instead of becoming my
own character. I utilized the memory of the Elizabeth Taylor debacle to improve my
approach to acting and gave the best performance of my life so far.
Why this Essay Received a Score of 6
This essay effectively and insightfully develops its point of view ("In order to move up
the ladder of success and achievement we must come to terms with our past and integrate
it into our future") through a clearly appropriate extended example drawing on the
writer's experience as an actor. The essay exhibits outstanding critical thinking by
presenting a well-organized and clearly focused narrative that aptly illustrates the value
of memory. The essay also uses language skillfully, demonstrating meaningful variety in
sentence structure ("To my detriment I thought it would be a good idea to watch the
movie in order to prepare. For two hours I studied Elizabeth Taylor's mannerisms,
attitude, and diction, hoping I could mimic her performance. I auditioned for the part of
"Maggie" feeling perfectly confident in my portrayal of Elizabeth Taylor, however, I was
unaware that my director…"). Despite minor errors, the essay demonstrates clear and
consistent mastery and is scored a 6.