I think that your essay is great, and I would give it either an 11 or 12. One suggestion that I have is that perhaps you should make your introduction more general instead of starting with the specific example of new years resolutions, which may fit better in its own body paragraph. Otherwise, I think that your examples, writing, and organization are all really strong. Your transition seems fine to me. Great job! I suppose that you should just work on your timing like you said now.
Can you please comment on / grade mine in exchange? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1729406-grade-comment-on-my-practice-essay-please.html