More SAT Essay Advice
By: Sean
Savoie
The general purpose of an academic writer is to strongly express an opinion about something that has been learned and then mentally stimulate the reader. The most important goal is to express a clearly supported and organized opinion.
The College Board (www.collegeboard.com) has a great deal
to teach about the new SAT. According to this test making board, an ideal score
of 6 is described below:
An essay in this
category is outstanding, demonstrating
clear and consistent mastery,
although it may have a few minor errors. A typical essay
§
effectively and insightfully develops a point of view on the issue and
demonstrates outstanding critical thinking, using clearly appropriate examples,
reasons, and other evidence to support its position
§
is well organized and clearly focused, demonstrating clear coherence and
smooth progression of ideas
§
exhibits skillful use of language, using a varied, accurate, and apt
vocabulary
§
demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence structure
§
is free of most errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics
Pre-writing is essential. Techniques depend on essay types. For many modes of developing essays, comparison and contrast, process analysis (how-to), argumentation, narration, research, definition, description, and thesis essays, outlines are beautiful tools. The most important essay for college entrance is the ‘position paper’, which is most likely either a thesis essay or an argument. The thesis is most standard for the SAT; however, argumentation is possible (though more difficult with a 25 minute limit… Ouch!) If you haven’t practiced much, stay with a basic formula of organization.
Remember, five paragraphs; introduction, body 1, 2, 3, and conclusion (this five-paragraph formula is not required for the essay on the new SAT). Make the thesis (main point, a strong, controversial opinion) the center, and even purpose, of the entire writing. Anything not serving this purpose must have another specific goal. The five paragraph rule is broken when necessary. The lack of time is reason enough.
The key is in pre-writing, which, if practiced, eventually becomes easier and more automatic, enabling the writer to become less dependent on it.
Consider the scope of the idea, by
which is meant: How much are you attempting to say in this one essay? Too much,
and it is unfinished; too little and it is shallow. Before able to compose a
fine essay in 25 minutes as required on the new SAT and preferred on college
essay tests, one must see the whole idea as some form of map, which, if not a
genius, requires development in writing. For us mortals this means a fast
outline. Limit pre-writing to 5 minutes when tackling a short,
timed essay. Upon reading the quote and assignment on the SAT, TOEFL, and
other standard tests, focus on reasons to support why you believe one opinion
more than another. Why not test this on a current event?
Topic: Immigration Policy Proposals for Mexican
Illegal Aliens
Example quote by Joe Fictishus: “Based on strong principles, Congress
must clearly dictate who among the Mexican illegal immigrants 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.
HHHmmmmmmmmmm. OK. Now, if you are moderately creative,
there are possibly millions of ideas that may be written regarding the issue,
but your only goal is to simply answer the question. Sound simple? Here is a
trick. Because you do not have time on the SAT to write out the two or three
supporting reasons for your thesis in complete sentences in an outline, simply
dot down three generally stated ideas. Example:
If “agree”:
1.
basic respect
2.
communication for
social cohesion
3.
economics
If “disagree”:
1.
cultural freedom
2.
1st
Amendment
3.
Multiculturalism
Remember that these ideas will be
central to the three topic sentences that guide you through the body of the
essay. Do not just keep them in your head; write them down. From here consider
the example, statistics, experiences, and/ or quotes that could be used in each
body paragraph. Begin the introduction and push straight through the essay with
the 20 minutes that remain.
Some tips
Do:
Think with your pencil.
Vary your sentence patterns
Give yourself time to correct your grammar
Calm down
Keep an eye on the time
Remain focused on the main question
Do not:
Put down your pencil
Try to argue with the wording of the question
Let the pretty girl or boy sitting near you get your
attention
Try to write an idea too philosophical to express in 25
minutes
Be redundant
Focus on yourself in the essay