1. SAT Test Prep Lesson #5 – Essay Source: AVID Coordinator’s Training on February 6, 2014 by Study Smart Tutors http://studysmarttutors.com/

2. “To succeed, we must first believe that we can.” -Michael Korda

3. Essay Quick Facts Students will be required to respond to a prompt by making, and persuasively defending, an argument. There are no “right” answers. 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. Essay is 250 of 800 points for English section You have 25 minutes to write the essay.

4. 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)

5. Essay Organization The format of SAT essays differs from most essays you write in English class. SAT essays should follow this format: Introduction Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Conclusion

6. Essay Introduction Structure 1.Essay Hook – Grabs the attention of the reader 2.Essay Preview – One or two sentences to describe your examples and how they relate to your argument 3.Thesis – the central statement in your essay that argues your perspective in body paragraph #1 and #2

7. Essay Hooks The Rhetorical Question The Rhetorical Question – a question that has an implied answer The Anecdote The Anecdote – a short story or quip The (Fake) Quote The (Fake) Quote – A statement from a know person in society. If you don’t know a quote, make it up!

8. Essay Hook Examples The Rhetorical Question The Rhetorical Question – Where would society be without creativity? The Anecdote The Anecdote – Steve Jobs started a multi- billion dollar company in his garage based on a simple idea. The (Fake Quote) The (Fake Quote) – Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Today’s complex problems require creative solutions from all walks of life.”

9. Essay Preview Example “This essay argues that creativity is an essential part of success and is validated by referencing the successes of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Both business leaders achieved success through innovation and creativity.” “This essay argues that creativity is an essential part of success and is validated by referencing the successes of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Both business leaders achieved success through innovation and creativity.”

10. Thesis Example “Indeed, creativity is the mother of innovation, and in today’s competitive world, innovation is king.” “Indeed, creativity is the mother of innovation, and in today’s competitive world, innovation is king.”

11. Tips for the 2 Body Paragraphs Address the prompt Support your argument (thesis) Do not use examples from your own life Do not use highly controversial examples Have 3-4 examples in mind that you can use for any question. Books, historical events, and speeches are great sources.

12. Body Paragraph Structure “Does questioning authority make society stronger?” Assume the essay question is: “Does questioning authority make society stronger?” Use the following question template: Who in your example questioned authority? Who was the authority? How did this person question authority? What was the result? How was society made/not made stronger as a result?

13. Body Paragraph Example Who in your example questioned authority? - Martin Luther King Who was the authority? - United States racial segregation laws, especially in the southern confederate states. How did this person question the authority? - MLK opposed the laws in many ways, for example with his “I have a dream speech” and many other rallies. What was the result? - The Civil Rights Act was the result that combated institutional racism. How was society made/not made stronger as a result? - African Americans gained specific rights and society achieved greater equality, thereby strengthening society.

14. On Your Own