How to Write an SAT Essay?

How to Write an SAT Essay?

 In the year 2005, the essay part of the SAT was introduced amid a broader overhaul of the test, which included the elimination of verbal analogies. Each SAT essay constitutes a passage between 650 and 750 words that you will read and then respond to. The SAT essay is allocated a maximum of 50 minutes, after which you are expected to have completed it.

The SAT essay has been revised and is currently optional. Despite being optional, it is an excellent avenue to enhance your writing skills further, which will come in handy at the university or college. The test is tailored to test your capability to analyze and evaluate an argument. To write an exemplary essay, you must understand how the author uses reasoning, evidence, and other rhetorical techniques to build an argument. With this said, stay put as I invite you on this wonderful expedition of discovering how to write an outstanding SAT essay.

How to Tackle an SAT Essay?

 	
Read the passage within the first 5-10 minutes.
 	
Use the next 10-12 minutes to analyze, evaluate, and plan your points.
 	
Write the essay for at most 35 minutes.
 	
You can use the remaining 2-3 minutes to revise your work and ensure it is error-free.

Format of the SAT Essay.

Like any other essay, it consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should be concise and explicit. The body should contain facts and evidence that support your claim, and you should acknowledge the author's argument. You can provide counterarguments backed with rational reasoning. You then end the essay with an interesting conclusion that is both insightful and invokes curiosity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an SAT Essay.

 	
Read and analyze the passage

It is advisable you spend the first 5-10 minutes reading the passage. While reading the passage, it is important to understand the author's main point and how they make their argument. Keep track of the persuasive elements used in the passage that may include reference to a scientific study. It will help if you read the passage twice to comprehend the author's argument fully. Remember it will be required of you to illustrate an understanding of the text's main point and the employed rhetorical techniques.

 

 	
Identify and underline relevant examples

To adequately illustrate an understanding of the passage, you will be required to cite relevant examples from time to time. It is prudent to underline the relevant examples for easy identification. You can label the example to help you remember that it will be used to expound a point. You can also jot down key points and the rhetorical devices employed.

 	
Identify how the author builds and supports their argument.

Understanding the author's argument is the most important part of writing an SAT essay. You do this by figuring out the author's central claim and how to make it convincing to the reader. Relevant examples will be useful as you will use them to back the central claim. The choice of stylistic devices used by the author forms part of the argument, and you should cite them as evidence of the central claim. An argument by the author may be built in the following ways;

 	
They may make use of rational reasoning [logos] to establish an argument. This means that the author uses factual data and comes up with a logical conclusion. For example, obesity is a risk factor for many chronic illnesses, and cutting down weight would preclude these diseases.
 	
They might assert their authority [ethos] by listing factual evidence, including citing recognized scientific studies. As a student, it may be an excellent opportunity to add your input, particularly if the passage needs adequate evidence. You can illustrate how the use of statistics could be used to fortify the author's claim.
 	
The author might reinforce or demystify topics relevant to the reader by use of passionate language that adds force to the claim [pathos]
 	
Focus on the most relevant persuasive elements of the passage.

For example, our earlier example states that obesity is the risk factor for many chronic illnesses, and cutting down weight would preclude these diseases. The persuasive element in this context would illustrate factual evidence of the correlation between obesity and chronic illnesses and how weight loss could be achieved.

Tips for Writing an Exemplary SAT Essay

 	
Read the instructions carefully and follow the rules

Each SAT essay has its own specific instructions and the bare minimum to be observed. Understanding and following the instructions will earn you more marks. Deviation from the examiner's instructions will subsequently lead to hefty penalization. At all costs, do not attempt to set your own question.

 	
Divide your time.

Remember to allocate a range of specific time for different activities during the test, as mentioned earlier. You should keep track of the time you started and how you utilized your time throughout the test. Time discipline will save you a lot of trouble, such inability to complete the test in the required duration.

 	
Be firm in your essay writing.

It is imperative to display an understanding of the subject you are writing. The best way to do that is to take a stance and explicitly illustrate its reasoning. It will be invariably unfavorable to be undecided and sit on the fence. Pick a side of the claim that you support and back it up with evidence, and in so doing, it sets you up for an excellent score.

 	
Do not attempt to change the subject.

The subject under evaluation is always almost clear by carefully reading the passage. Sometimes your examiner will save the agony by placing it under the instructions. Keep referring to the subject when writing the essay, as it affirms your reverence in your discussion. An attempt to digress from the subject will awfully undermine the score you will be awarded.

 	
Work with an outline.

It is prudent to have an outline. Often you will be bombarded with numerous thoughts during brainstorming. An outline will help you organize your thoughts, which will consequently ensure your essay flows smoothly.

 	
Talk to your reader.

A better way of writing an essay is by assuming you are actually conversing with someone. Engage the reader, who is most likely a trained educator- a high school teacher. Writing an essay based on formulating an argument like you are conversing with someone is an excellent approach.

 	
Vary your sentences.

Varying your sentences establishes a command of the sentence structure. Employ complex, sometimes mid-sized, and two-word sentences to invoke the reader's interest. You can slip in some vocabulary to display command of language. Refrain from repeating the same point repeatedly, as the examiner will undoubtedly notice that.

How are SAT Essays Scored?

How SAT essays are scored is a concern for every student, and it is important to understand that;

 	
The essay will be read and awarded scores by different scorers.
 	
Each scorer will award 1 -4 points based on the following metrics:


 	
Reading
 	
Analysis
 	
Writing


 	
The scores from both scorers are added together.
 	
Based on the metrics mentioned above, you will be awarded three scores ranging from 2 to 8 points.

The SAT essay is one of the test parts and is no longer mandatory after the revised SAT. However, adequate preparation is the way to go if you plan on writing an essay. You can begin by revisiting previously tested SAT essays to jog your brain and give you a rough idea of what is expected. Writing an SAT essay will definitely bolster your writing skills, and with the application of the tips in the above blog post, good luck in all your endeavors.

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