| Writing your SAT essay doesn't have to be difficult | | | | Taking the time to prepare an outline will keep you |
| or exhausting. Use the following formula to help you | | | | focused on the task at hand and allow you to make |
| write the best essay possible. | | | | the most of your time. |
| The Exam Structure | | | | The Outline |
| The first thing you need to do is to think of your | | | | - state your position |
| essay as three parts; the opening, the body and the | | | | - first point |
| closing. | | | | - second point |
| Your opening should consist of one paragraph of | | | | - third point |
| about three to five sentences. It should clearly state | | | | - strong closing |
| your view on the topic and how you are going to | | | | |
| support this view. Due to time limits, it is best to use | | | | Creating and Writing the Essay |
| only three points to defend your position. If possible | | | | Finally, armed with your outline, begin writing your |
| try to catch the reader's attention with a | | | | essay. Start your opening paragraph with an |
| controversial statement that compels them to read | | | | attention grabbing statement that will draw the |
| more. However, avoid clichés. | | | | reader deeper into your essay. Then state your view |
| The body is your content and should support the | | | | and the points that support that view. |
| three points made in your opening. Each point should | | | | Next write the body by supporting each of the |
| be explained in a separate paragraph and flow | | | | points in a separate paragraph. Remember, don't get |
| logically between ideas. Be direct and to the point. | | | | wordy just explain the points and move on to your |
| Don't get wordy or you will get stuck in these | | | | closing. |
| paragraphs and the body is not the most important | | | | You must have a closing! Do not get caught up in the |
| part of your essay. Support your ideas and move on | | | | body of the essay. You will not impress anyone |
| to the closing. | | | | without a closing. The closing is the most important |
| The closing is where you bring your message | | | | part of the essay. Make sure you have time to write |
| together. Review your position and the points that | | | | a well thought out closing that brings all your points |
| support your view, then call your readers to some | | | | together and moves the reader to action. |
| type of action by asking them to make a decision, | | | | If you follow this formula for writing your SAT essay |
| buy something or support an organization. | | | | you will have plenty of time to write and complete a |
| The closing is the most important part of your essay. | | | | good essay. Whether it will be a great essay |
| It requires your best effort. If you spend too much | | | | depends on your individual skills and ability to write. |
| time on your points and don't have a well thought | | | | The number one thing you can do to improve your |
| out closing it will cost you. It is better to have a | | | | SAT scores is practice, practice, and practice some |
| weak body and a powerful closing than a weak | | | | more. |
| closing or no closing at all. | | | | 10 Point Check Up |
| Start by Brainstorming | | | | 1. Decide your position and determine your supporting |
| You begin your essay by carefully reading the | | | | points. |
| assigned topic and deciding if you are pro or con. | | | | 2. Organize your thoughts with an outline. |
| Once you have decided your position stick to it. DO | | | | 3. Be direct and to the point. |
| NOT change your mind or try to straddle the the line. | | | | 4. Provide examples and clear explanations. |
| It will only hurt your score. | | | | 5. Avoid generalizations. |
| Now develop an outline that you will use as a guide | | | | 6. Use transitional phrases for a logical flow. |
| while writing your actual essay. The first part of your | | | | 7. Use variety in sentence structure. |
| outline should be a sentence that states your position | | | | 8. Maintain a consistent tone throughout the essay. |
| on the topic. Next, you should list the points that will | | | | 9. Don't use unnecessary words. |
| support your position and determine your body | | | | 10. PRACTICE |
| paragraphs. Finally, you should write a sentence that | | | | NOTE: The above is useful for writing an essay on |
| states your closing. | | | | any type of exam not just the SAT. |