DEMYSTIFY THESE RUMORS! (Please)

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>Okay, so my English teacher gave us a lecture on the SAT essay this past week, and she told us a few things that I am not sure about. Coupled with all the different “advice” given by the countless test prep books I’ve perused, I am quite confused. I figure that the best source is to ask people that have already had experience. So, I come to you, all the wise CC posters. </p>

<p>Are these true or false?

  • Writing in script gets you more points?
  • Filling up the entire allotted space gets more points?
  • Using historical/literary examples is better than using personal examples?
  • Two examples should be given in order to achieve the best score? The college board book awards a 6 to an essay that gives three examples, and then one that gives two.
  • The introduction should clearly state your opinion of the subject…and thats all. It is not neccesary to introduce the examples you are discussing later. </p>

<ul>
<li>What about conclusions? </li>
</ul>

<p>I would appreciate any advice or comments…</p>

2

<p>Well the first one is stupid. Script is harder to read so if they cant read it, your score might be lowered.</p>

<p>Well to get your point across you would need to include a lot of info but not necessarily enough to fill up all the space.</p>

<p>You should be using 1 historical/literacy example and 1 personal example.</p>

<p>Correct, 2 examples should be used.</p>

<p>Yes, state your thesis and end it.</p>

3

<p>Re: Using historical/literary examples is better than using personal examples?</p>

<p>The first time I took the SAT, I got a 9 out of 12 on the essay and I think that I used two personal examples–no others. The second time, I used one history and one literature example and got an 11 out of 12. It helps to know one historical event and one literary work really well and find a way to incorporate those examples into the essay no matter what the prompt is. It allowed me to spend less time on what I was going to write and more time proofreading and making it sound eloquent.</p>

4

<p>So your saying that you had a pre-chosen literary and historical example, and then manipulated these examples so that they applied to the prompt?</p>

5

<p>“manipulated” is a strong word, but in essense, yes. They were examples that had multiple themes, which helped (not that I can remember what they were).</p>

6

<p>As long as your 3 examples are relevant to your stance then it would probably be better to have 3 instead of 2, unless the 2 are very well developed</p>

7

<p>D found a study somewhere on the early grading of SAT essays, and there was a very strong correlation between length and grade. More is better, as long as you are including historical/literary examples and a personal example. Conclusion should be a restatement of your intro and your main argument/points.</p>

8

<p>

</p>

<p>Yeah, that’s the easiest thing to do. But incorrect grammar and punctuation might counterfeit any benefit you get from it.</p>

9

<p>Just write, write, write and write.
First time I wrote about 3 Pres and got a 11
Second time I wrote 2 paragraphs on one book and then like 6 lines on my personal experience. That got me that extra 12 points. But it was 2.5 lines longer than my first essay. But also take into account that I had to squeeze the last line in.
And use at least 3 advanced vocab. I’ve read essays that are my length and didn’t get a 12 (maybe a 10 or 11) and all I can conclude is that mine had more vocabs.</p>

10

<p>thank you all for your advice…my only fear is going blank when I read the prompt, and then having to resort to personal experience just because I can’t remember anything…maybe the testing room will have some inspiring decor or something…</p>

11

<p>Remember, you can use anything. Even movies.</p>

<p>-If you’re script is very legible, then yes. Otherwise, no.
-No. It has been found that one and a half page or more essays get the most points.
-DEFINITELY.
-I HIGHLY recommend 2 examples rather than 3. You won’t feel too rushed during the essay. BUT you must have 2 strong examples. I can never get to my conclusion on practice SAT’s unless I only use 2 examples. Also, I use 2 examples rather than 3 because my thesis and conclusion are both well-developed (takes time)
-True, but it can make the difference between 11 and 12
-I think that the highest you can get with no conclusion is an 8. Yet another reason to do 2 examples.</p>

<p>Some other tips:
-DON’T read the quote unless you’re blanking out
-DO create a basic outline of just what examples you’re going to use. Don’t worry about making this legible. Just scribble as fast as you can think.
-Before the test, start recollecting movies and books and other things and general themes
-DO be VERY specific.
-Don’t make up more than 1 or 2 facts. If the reader can see your lies, then that will give them some bias.
-One of the biggest differences between a 10/11 and a 12 is transitions.</p>

12

<p>Very interesting and enlightening post afruff!
It’s all great pieces of advice.</p>

13

<p>For some reason, I have found it helps to begin the essay with a quote from someone. So if you can remember one, use it.</p>