Tips for Timed-Writing

Things to Know Timed-Writing is graded holistically – Readers look only at the overall impression; not expecting a polished essay– readers grade as if it were a rough draft… since that’s what it is! – Two people will read your essay; each will give a score on a scale of 1-6 (6 is the highest) – Usually 25 minutes given Opportunity to show how effectively you can develop and express ideas – Develop your point of view – Present your ideas logically and clearly – Handwrite or print legibly

What Are The Essays About? The Prompt has two parts: 1. You will be given a quotation or a short passage that states one or more opinions on a generic topic: Example: In his poem, “ In Memoriam,” romantic poet Alfred Lord Tennyson expresses his view that loss is an unavoidable consequence of love. Yet, rather than shunning love because of this, Tennyson resolves to accept both the experience of love and the pain that inevitabley comes with it. As he writes in his often quoted passage, “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” -- adapted from James R. Kincaid, Tennyson’s Major Poems

What Are The Essays About? (cont.) 2. You will be asked to write an essay discussing your position or viewpoint on the opinion that was given in the passage. Example: Assignment: Are people unwise to pursue love even when they know it will cause them pain? Plan and write and essay in which you develop your point of on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

Take Time to PreWrite! 25 minutes to plan, develop AND write 3-5 paragraphs Use 3-5 minutes to brainstorm your ideas– it will make the writing of your essay much easier

How Much Do I Write? You must shoot for writing a 5 paragraph essay. This is about giving yourself a chance to earn more points! – Intro Paragraph with Thesis Statement – Body (3 paragraphs) – Conclusion Paragraph Advice: Do NOT write less than 3 paragraphs.

Introduction Paragraph CHOOSE A SIDE! Clearly state your position on the topic given (THESIS STATEMENT). – Don’t be “wishy-washy”

The Body of Your Essay – Include STRONG EXAMPLES– at least 3 of them– to support your position! – Try to give at least 3 different types of examples/evidence: Personal Experience Historical/Current Event Literary Reference (story, novel, poem, play, nonfiction work) – Use 1 of each, if possible. (Try to avoid using only personal examples.)

Conclusion Remind reader of your position on the topic Summarize the main points made in the 3 body paragraphs Give closure to your essay

Scoring (See Handout: “SAT Timed Essay Rubric”)