SAT 4: THE ESSAY

GENERAL INFORMATION First part of the SAT Timed: 25 minutes Prompt topic will be “general” No specific academic knowledge is necessary Draw from what you have learned, read, observed Freedom of writing style Narrative Expository Persuasive Argumentative

WRITING EXPECTATIONS Strong development of ideas Ability to connect to audience Language use Organization Evidence/Support

GENERAL WRITING GUIDELINES How WELL you write is more important than how MUCH you write Writing more than a paragraph, but be concise Watch your handwriting If illegible, you may receive a zero Stay on topic Responses that do not relate to the prompt receive a zero

HOW THE ESSAY IS SCORED Holistic approach Your entire prompt, rather than it’s parts A perfect score is a 12 Two “readers” Each gives a score of 1-6

APPROACHES TO THE ESSAY Read the prompt carefully To avoid going off topic Decide your viewpoint of the topic Spend 5 minutes on planning Vary sentence structure Use clear, precise, and appropriate vocabulary Review!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Familiarize yourself with the Rubrics and Guidelines How the essay is scored What counts, what doesn’t count Variety of resources has provided several FREE practice methods Take the practice online and receive instant feedback Even take the essay online! Preparation is the key to confidence and success

THE PROMPT Excerpt Provided with information about your prompt topic Typically in a “text box” “Assignment” This is the question your prompt should answer Breaking down a prompt Focus on KEY words What is the main question Possible sub-questions What is your position or opinion on the topic

HOW TO PREPARE FOR TEST DAY Physical Preparation Get a good nights sleep Use the restrooms prior to the exam Eat a nutritious breakfast Bring a bottle of water Wear comfortable clothing Mental Preparation Study all available resources Relax Focus on easy questions first Skip hard questions and return to them later