More SAT Essay Advice III

By: Sean Savoie 

Continuing our study of the essay required on the new SAT, we should examine four introductions. Two introductions will support the position, and two will go against it. Keep in mind that an effective introduction leads the reader into the main idea of the essay. Therefore, do not simply jump into an opinion. Remember from the previous lesson that the supporting ideas to be used in the body of the essay have already been written down. Craft your introduction toward these three central ideas.  

Example from the previous lesson:

Example quote by Joe Fictishus:  “Based on strong principles, Congress must clearly dictate who among the Mexican illegals can stay and who cannot. New immigrants who do not assimilate into American culture, often due to lack of English communication skills, should be given warning. Those who commit serious crimes should be deported.”

            Essay assignment: Develop a cohesive essay in which you agree or disagree with Joe Fictishus’ position that language ability should be a factor in judging legal status. Use examples, personal experiences, statistics, and/ or quotes to support your position.

            Assume that, during the five minutes of pre-writing, you have discovered that the general support for the body of the essay is:

If “agree”:

1.      basic respect

2.      communication for social cohesion

3.      economics

Example introduction I (very academic):

            Communication is the core of civilization. In the absence of an ability to express, people lack the power to comprehend and secure civil liberties necessary for a democratic state of existence. The social fabric of the United States is multi-colored, yet unity is merely an abstract concept without clear verbal interaction. The social and economic success of an immigration policy depends on careful planning and education, the latter of which requires a common language. Congress had best legislate that English language acquisition is a serious requirement in the immigration process.

Example introduction II: (more personal)

            Acceptance of a new Mother Country as home involves an active participation in the customs of that new society. In the past the United States was referred to as a “melting pot”, whereas today it seems to have come to resemble a “salad”. Arriving in the USA a few decades ago, immigrants would struggle hard to integrate. Many newly-arrived families would insist on speaking only English at home, which shows a willingness to belong. Even small businesses and industry, which the US has incorporated to become the number one economy, has depended on clear communication. Unity is the result of both the desire to become unified and the active study of language and customs. The developers of immigration policy must mandate that immigrants make English language proficiency a priority.

            Assume that, during the five minutes of pre-writing, you have discovered that the general support for the body of the essay is:

If “disagree”:

1.      cultural freedom

2.      1^st Amendment

3.      Multiculturalism

Example introduction:

            Throughout history, societies have evolved as a result of migration. The development of ideas, customs, and symbols has moved over the globe in ways that have prevented stagnation. The spreading of these ideas has come about through the learning of languages. It is unfortunate that native-born Americans do not attempt to master various languages as do the Swiss. As a dominant and liberated country, America should embrace the acceptance of multilingual interaction as part of becoming the global society it espouses in its business and banking practices. Congress should welcome immigrants and encourage them to speak English; however, making the English language a requirement for citizenship would create limits for America’s development.

Example introduction:

            The United States of America is in no position to impose language restrictions on the immigrants who help the country to grow. Cultural assimilation, in the best of situations, is a natural process, free from the restraints of a stifling government. Indeed, the freedom of speech guaranteed to all has been a staple in the prosperity of this constantly progressing society, and the mandatory imposition of an exclusive language is counterproductive at best. Commerce drives the development of a democratic society, and this administration must embrace the freedom of expression when determining future immigration laws. 

            In reading the above example, you may notice that either side of the argument may be supported. Notice how each example introduction, though different from the next, offers a strong movement toward the main idea with rushing into the ideas more clearly expressed in the body of the essay.