Writing a Winning SAT Essay: Easy as Pie

What part of the upcoming SAT is scariest to your child?   That’s easy.  The essay.  Just ask; that’s what they all say!  . . . and it’s not just the SAT essay;  the  SSAT,  ISEE,  and ACT essays all provoke that same panicky look.   

You can reassure your child, before the June test, that the essay is the actually the easiest part of the SAT. 

Tell your child that writing the SAT essay is just like baking a basic apple pie.  All you need is a frozen crust and easy directions for the filling.  Here is a simple recipe for a winning essay:

The Crust

a.       The form of the SAT essay is always the same :  4 to 5 distinct paragraphs: introduction, 2-3 supporting paragraphs and conclusion.  A 4- paragraph essay will have:

PARAGRAPH 1:  The introduction contains an opening sentence, a restatement of the question phrased as an opinion, and a mention of the 2-3 supporting ideas.

PARAGRAPHS 2 and 3:  Each of these development paragraphs has two parts:  the first part of the paragraph describes the supporting idea and the second part shows how that idea supports the thesis.  

Some prep books say that you should use 3 supporting ideas.  However, you only have 25 minutes. Don’t try to write too much; writing 2 good paragraphs is way better than writing 3 weak ones or than writing 3 good ones but no conclusion.  Make sure you don’t run out of time; the conclusion is absolutely necessary.  Practice and, if you find that writing 3 supporting paragraphs in 25 minutes takes too long, write 2.  I always recommend that my students use 2.

PARAGRAPH 4. The conclusion is the inverse of the introduction: first it mentions the 2-3 supporting ideas, then restates the thesis, and then makes a closing statement (often relating to the opening statement).

Be sure you have transitions between the paragraphs.

While the specific content differs, this form is always the same.  This form may not be exciting, but, if you only have 25 minutes, a set form is easy and certain.  Practice it until it is automatic; then you won’t even have to think about it during the test.

b.      The Appearance: 

1)            Neat.   Write clearly and keep your margins on both sides straight.  If your handwriting is messy, print. The scorers spend about 2 minutes on each essay; they have hundreds of essays to read. They are tired, rushed, and probably grumpy.  An illegible or messy essay is sure to frustrate the scorer and lower your score.

2)            Long Enough. Fill in the lines.  A scorer who sees a half-page unfilled starts with a negative opinion.   There are about 45 lines to fill.  If you have two supporting ideas, think of the introduction and conclusion as having roughly 7 lines each and the supporting paragraphs as each having 15.

The Filling:

a.     An Answer to the Question.  Does this statement seem silly?  The most common mistake on the SAT is not reading the prompt carefully and not answering the question exactly.  You should read the quote above the question and use it if you want, but you have to answer the question.   Use your pencil to underline the key parts of the question.  Create a thesis statement that answers it exactly.  Repeating part of the question ensures that you actually answered it.  Then keep checking to see that you’re proving it with every statement.

b.    2-3 Supporting examples taken from literature, history, science, or other disciplines. Even though the prompt says that you can use personal examples, don’t. Using literature, history or science shows that you learned something in school.  It also often supports your point better. 

This is a persuasive essay. You’re trying to convince your reader that your thesis statement is right so you need good, specific evidence from your academic studies. If you’re afraid you can’t come up with two or three examples quickly during the test, prepare ahead of time. Pick two or three novels that have many themes (such as Lord of the Flies) and two or three historical events  (such as Reconstruction).  Then write a notecard for each with the names, dates, places, and themes in the novel or event. Review your notecards the night before the test.  Then you’ll have those resources in mind when you write the essay.  A detailed knowledge of 3 novels and 3 big historical events will probably cover all the possible questions.

If you get into the test and you still can’t think of anything, go ahead and use personal.  Personal isn’t good, but it’s definitely better than nothing.  Even if you use personal, be specific – names, dates, particular details.

c.     Mature vocabulary appropriate to the subject. For example, if you’re writing about a novel, mention “plot,” or “symbol.”  If you’re using “Reconstruction,” mention “impeachment.”

d.    Simple clear ideas. In 25 minutes, you’re not going to be brilliant or original.  Don’t waste time reaching for a great idea.  Go for the obvious.

e.    Simple, clear sentence structure. Use simple sentences and active verbs. Don’t waste your time or the scorers’ with unnecessary words; avoid intensives such “very.”  Also, don’t say “I think” and “in my opinion.”  It’s all your opinion.  Remember that tired, grumpy scorer? She’s mostly concerned with getting through the day.  She just wants direct, clear and on topic.

f.      Careful Pacing.  In a 4 paragraph essay, use 4 minutes to plan, 4 minutes for each paragraph, and 4 minutes to revise.  If you write a 5 paragraph essay, you only have 3 ½ minutes each for planning, writing the 3 supporting paragraphs, and revising.

g.    Revisions. Use your pencil. When you finish the essay, read over to make sure you kept to your topic and didn’t make any glaring errors.  If you see a big mistake, cross it out.  The scorers know you only had 25 minutes and they’re grateful if you make sense. They don’t mind a few neat cross-outs.

Even professional writers need more than 25 minutes to write a great essay.  So no one expects the SAT essay to be much more than a clear, persuasive, and legible answer to the question. The scorers, in fact, have a long hard day of scoring, with no more than a couple of minutes for each essay.  They appreciate an essay that is easy to read and understand.  Your child can create that essay by simply following the recipe.

Best,

Joan Barickman

Tutor for Tests, Study Skills, and Academic Class Work