May 10, 2013 by Yolanda Fontanez-Coleman | SAT Prep, Test Prep
The SAT essay tests your ability to develop and support a point of view about an assigned issue. Below are some tips to help you write an essay that successfully displays your ability to clearly develop and express ideas supporting your point of view.
Read the assignment carefully:
The assignment for the SAT essay contains a short paragraph about the issue from a specific author or book. Take your time with this section in order to gather your thoughts before you form a thesis regarding the assigned issue.
Pace yourself:
You only have 25 minutes to answer the SAT essay. Keep this in mind as your form your thesis and choose examples that support your thesis in order to use your time wisely.
Stay focused:
Your essay represents your opinion about an assigned issue. The quality of your essay is very important. Use a few well-developed examples to clearly support the position you took in your thesis and offer evidence that solidifies your position so that you can write a solid conclusion that ties your thesis and examples together. Also make sure you include a quote in your essay!
Remember grammar and mechanics:
Writing a quality SAT essay involves using proper grammar and mechanics. Be certain that your writing is legible as well. Points will be deducted if the essay is difficult to read.
You are less likely to make errors if you pace yourself and stay focused after you read the assignment carefully. Why wait until the SAT to try these tips out? Practice writing an SAT essay using these tips and essay questions from the most recent SAT here so you have a better idea of what to expect on test day.
What tips have you used in the past to answer your SAT essay? Leave a comment on our Facebook page to let us know!