1. SAT Essay
About it & Tips

2. SAT ESSAY One prompt. Scored on:
50 minutes to read/analyze passage and respond in a well-developed essay.
Task: analyze a provided argument in order to explain how the author builds his/her argument to persuade an audience
Just like a Question 2 for AP Language
Scored on:
Reading – how well you demonstrate understanding of the passage
Analysis – How well you analyze passage and explain how the author builds his or her argument to persuade an audience
Writing – How skillfully you craft response

3. Focus on:
Focus primarily on HOW the author develops an persuasive and powerful argument (you must also understand his/her claim)
HOW = evidence, reasoning, and stylistic/persuasive elements
Choose the most relevant, effective rhetorical strategies to analyze
Just because you know what chiasmus is, doesn’t mean it’s the most important characteristic to analyze
Choose two or three devices, appeals, etc. to analyze. It’s better to have a strong analysis of fewer items than a long list of devices with only surface analysis.
Consistently explain the use of the device and WHY it is effective (how does it help the audience follow along with the author?)
Intro – DEFINITELY need a thesis. If time allows, feel free to include a hook/attention getter and background before the thesis to introduce your essay

4. Other tips! Attack the prompt. Stay objective. Stay organized.
Read carefully so that you understand what prompt requires. Be sure that your essay fully addresses the prompt.
Stay objective.
The SAT graders do not care about your opinion on the topic or passage. They want to assess your ability to analyze. Do not use first or second person throughout your essay.
Stay organized.
Plan a brief outline before writing. Use indentations, transitions, topic sentences, etc. to signal a shift in ideas.
Use direct quotations as examples/support for your argument.
Lead in properly. Provide a transition phrase, context, and the speaker.
Write neatly.
Graders will only grade what they can read.