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 approachYour 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 carefullyTo 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 www.collegeboard.com 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