SAT Essay Examples

HeyImAlok
Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:12:42 +0000

Hey guys,

I’m looking for some solid examples for SAT essay prompts. I know many can be generally categorized into archetypes. Here’s a link to a post with the main SAT essay archetypes:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/764514-sat-essay-prompt-archetypes.html

Thing is, I’m having trouble finding concrete examples for each category that apply to all sub-prompts (know what I mean?). Can you guys share your examples for each of the following (or just see that thread):

Individuality
–Following the Crowd
–Following Authority
–Following Creativity

Motivation and Success
–Hardship and Success
–Self-Determination and Success
–Self-Expectation and Success
–Collaboration and Success
–Ethics and Success
–Quality or Quantity and Success

Technological “Progress”
Heroes
Loyalty
Tradition

Others (less clearly defined; separated by spaces)

Is compromise always the best way to resolve a conflict?
Should people choose one of two opposing sides of an issue, or is the truth usually found “in the middle”?

Is the main value of the arts to teach us about the world around us?
Can books and stories about characters and events that are not real teach us anything useful?

Can common sense be trusted and accepted, or should it be questioned?
Do people put too much emphasis on learning practical skills?
Should people take more responsibility for solving problems that affect their communities or the nation in general?

Should people let their feelings guide them when they make important decisions?
Can people have too much enthusiasm?
Do images and impressions have too much of an effect on people?

Are decisions made quickly just as good as decisions made slowly and carefully?
Should people change their decisions when circumstances change, or is it best for them to stick with their original decisions?
Is it better to change one’s attitude than to change one’s circumstances?

Is criticism—judging or finding fault with the ideas and actions of others—essential for personal well-being and social progress?

Does having a large number of options to choose from make people happy?



Again, this is all from the thread mentioned. Anyways, please share your examples for each type of question, I’m sure many of us could benefit from it. Thanks guys, looking forward to your input!

Oh, and if your examples could be unique, that’d be great. I’m sure collegeboard is tired of reading about Fahrenhieit 911, Of Mice and Men, and Animal Farm :)