<p>I know a lot of you have pre-set examples, such as WWII and whatnot, but let’s say you only have 3 examples chosen and are ready to use them on whatever prompt is given out. </p>
<p>Do you morph your examples or use them differently on whatever prompt is given, or do you have to use new examples, because the ones you have can’t seem to be good examples for the prompt?</p>
<p>Use classic films, TV shows, etc. that you have seen as a child. For example, you can use themes or characters from superhero films as examples for a variety of different topics, including:</p>
<p>“Can people achieve success only if they aim to be perfect?” (Superheroes can’t please everyone, so no . . . or yes–it depends on your argument.)</p>
<p>“Is the effort involved in pursuing any goal valuable, even if the goal is not reached?” (Superheroes try but don’t always succeed. Even though a single goal may not be reached–e.g., getting the girl–an overall goal is still accomplished in the process–i.e., saving the girl.)</p>
<p>“Do people truly benefit from hardship and misfortune?” (Spider-Man lost his uncle.)</p>
<p>“Is it necessary for people to combine their efforts with those of others in order to be most effective?” (Batman and Robin.)</p>
<p>“Should we admire heroes but not celebrities?” (Yes.)</p>
<p>You could also use a historical figure that you learned about as a kid, like Christopher Columbus:</p>
<p>“Is identity something people are born with or given, or is it something people create for themselves?” (The latter.)</p>
<p>“Do highly accomplished people achieve more than others mainly because they expect more of themselves?” (No.)</p>
<p>SOURCE: essay topics taken from this thread: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/855751-sat-essay-topics.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/855751-sat-essay-topics.html</a></p>
<p>In other words, don’t try to force a predetermined example into your essay. Given a prompt, you could probably say a lot. You just have to stick with things you know, which do not necessarily have to be premeditated, not things you memorized the night before.</p>