SAT Prep The Essay *Adapted from MISD and Atlas: College Readiness in Action

The Basics 50 minutes total. 4 available pages on which to write. You will READ and ANALYZE a provided passage of text. The prompt is the same on all exams; however, the passage will change from year to year. You will write an ANALYTICAL essay, not an ARGUMENTATIVE one.

Scoring You will receive a score from 1-4 in the following areas: Reading-The College Board wants to see evidence in your essay that you have read and understood the passage. The best way to do this is to quote from the passage. However, you must quote effectively! Analysis-Analyze the elements of someone else’s argument looking primarily at the author’s use of persuasive elements of language, such as use of appeals, diction, and literary devices. Writing-You must effectively convey your analysis to the reader. This is based on coherent organization, varied sentence structure, good word choice, and an academic tone.

Sample Essay Prompt As you read the passage below, consider how Bobby Braun uses evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims. reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence. stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.

The Assignment After reading the passage, you will read the following instructions: __________________________________ Write an essay in which you explain how Bobby Braun builds an argument to persuade her audience that the US government must continue to invest in NASA. In your essay, analyze how Braun uses one or more of the features listed in the box above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage. Your essay should not explain whether you agree with Braun’s claims, but rather explain how Braun builds an argument to persuade his audience.

Job #1—Read the passage Read the passage thoroughly Look for several things: Author’s purpose or argument Author’s use of appeals to logic, emotion, and credibility Author’s use of other rhetorical devices (such as tone, analogies, description) Author’s treatment of the opposing side Use about 10 minutes of your time to read and analyze the passage

Job # 2—Plan & Structure Your Response Introduction-5 minutes Body Paragraphs #1-#3-25 minutes Conclusion-5 minutes Proofread-5 minutes

Introduction-5 minutes 3-4 sentences; brief and straightforward. Recommended Structure: Sentence 1: include author’s full name, title of piece, a strong verb, and a statement of the main idea of the passage Sentence 2: list three or four of the moves the author makes to develop and support his/her argument (use of appeals, diction, structure, figurative language are a few examples). Sentence 3: connect the author’s use of strategies to his/her purpose with an “in order to” statement

Be sure to state the author’s name, article title, and main claim of the passage. This sentence outlines the organization of the essay and demonstrates understanding of the passage, related to the reading score. Sample Introduction In “Space Technology: A Critical Investment for Our Nation’s Future,” Bobby Braun argues that the US government should continue investing in our space program. Braun supports his claim by appealing simultaneously to logic and emotion, by providing lists of accomplishments and discoveries, and by delivering a call to action. Braun constructs his argument in order to convey his belief that NASA can provide several important elements to continue to advance our country. This statement reveals the start of your analysis of the passage.

Body Paragraphs—25 Minutes Although I recommend writing chronologically for the Rhetorical Analysis prompt on the AP exam, I recommend writing topically for the SAT: you will only talk about one method per paragraph

Body Paragraphs-Topical Start with a Topic Sentence that indicates a particular insight you have about how the author presents his/her claim (such as a use of appeals to fear) Write several supporting sentences that present and analyze the evidence from the passage and explain how it supports the topic sentence. Include direct (quoted) and indirect (paraphrased) references to the text to reveal your understanding. Concluding sentence-summarize the point of the paragraph. Use transitions!

Sample Body Paragraph--Topical 1Braun appeals to his audience’s emotions throughout his article. 2He first maintains that our study of aviation and space flight is part of both “our national fabric” and “our nation’s trade balance.” 3Here, Braun plays upon the audience’s sense of patriotism along with our desire to remain economically competitive. 2After immediately connecting with his audience’s emotions, Braun lays out his argument: that we must keep investing in “the people who will create the breakthroughs of tomorrow.” 3Braun knows that Americans are a proud people who want our country to remain as an economic and technological superpower, so his use of emotional appeals are particularly effective. 2Later, Braun speaks of the “tens of thousands of engineering and science students” across the country who will lose the opportunity to use their incredible genius to create the next major innovations. 3Again, Braun tugs on our emotions, helping us see the ramifications—both to our future inventors and to our own progress—if we refuse to increase NASA’s budget. (1)Topic Sentence (2)Presentation of Method/Evidence (3)Analysis

Conclusion-5 minutes Should be clear and brief. DO NOT add new arguments. Simply, restate the methods you’ve already analyzed and offer a restatement of the author’s purpose. A successful conclusion can be achieved in 1 to 2 sentences.

Sample Conclusion emotional and logical appeals, listing NASA’s 1Braun employs several strategies, including emotional and logical appeals, listing NASA’s multiple technologic and economic contributions, and delivering a call to action in “Space Technology: A Critical Investment for Our Nation’s Future.” 2His use of such strategies forms a compelling argument that may convince his readers to call upon their representatives, demanding an improved budget for aerospace advancement. (1) Restated Methods (2) Restated Purpose

Basic Things to Remember! DO NOT write outside of the lines provided! This is all that will be scored. Nothing written in the margins will be seen by the scorer. DO NOT skip lines. Write neatly and legibly! Be thorough in your essay and take your time to show a thoughtful response to the prompt. Write AN ESSAY-introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This also provides some structure so the reader can follow your argument more easily. DO NOT write an essay in which you support or challenge the author’s belief.

Basic Things to Remember! Be explicit-state your analysis as clearly as possible. Refer to the passage! This ensures you convey to the scorer that you read and understood the passage. Revise! You may be penalized for grammar and mechanical errors, especially if it makes the text difficult to read. The readers don’t mind when you cross out errors; they like to see that you are editing your work.

Wrap Up Questions? Concerns? Needs?