SAT Test Prep
Lesson #5 – Essay
Source: AVID Coordinator’s Training on February 6, 2014 by Study Smart Tutors http://studysmarttutors.com/
“To succeed, we must first
believe that we can.”
-Michael Korda
Essay Quick Facts
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Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills;
students produce a written analysis of a
provided source text
Essay is graded by two different people on a 6
point scale. The scores are added together
for a total score out of 12.
Readers spend 90 seconds to 3 minutes
grading (skimming) essays.
You have 50 minutes to write the essay.
Essay Requirements
• Fill in the space (longer essays tend to
receive more points)
• Indent each paragraph
• Write clearly and neatly (neat essay are
scored higher that sloppy essays)
• Use proper grammar, vocabulary, and
punctuation
• Give good examples
• Organize your essay (see next slide)
Use an Essay Hook
• The Rhetorical Question – a question that
has an implied answer
• The Anecdote – a short story or quip
• The (Fake) Quote – A statement from a
know person in society. If you don’t know
a quote, make it up!
Essay Hook Examples
• The Rhetorical Question – Where would
society be without creativity?
• The Anecdote – Steve Jobs started a multibillion dollar company in his garage based
on a simple idea.
• The (Fake Quote) – Martin Luther King Jr.
once said, “Today’s complex problems
require creative solutions from all walks of
life.”
With a Small Group…
• Read and analyze the sample writing
prompt and sample essay.
On Your Own
• Read the writing prompt and write your
own essay in 50 minutes. You may start in
class and finish at home.