SAT Essay

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>I have two main questions about the essay in the writing section of the SAT:</p>

<p>1. How likely is it that the essay graders will deem my essay illegible and give me a score of zero? I have no trouble reading my own writing, but it seems hat some of my friends have trouble reading it, and my dad is constantly bickering about how I should improve my writing.</p>

<p>2. Does anyone have a few examples (from literary works or historical events) that can be worked into any essay? Relatively foolproof essay examples, basically, that can support a wide range of topics. I live in Canada, so I do not really know anything specific information about the American revolution or anything like that. And Canada does not really have a history lol.</p>

<p>Help would be appreciated. Thx.</p>

2

<p>idk i somehow use world war II in every single one of my essays. this is what i do, i have two pieces of literature that we read this year in school and really dug deep into that i use on EVERY essay… so with those two books and ww2, i have my three examples. i have never scored under a 10 on any essay (if its a practice essay or real SAT test)</p>

3

<p>It is highly unlikely that you will get a 0 on the essay. My first essay that I wrote was utter crap, which barely even touched on the original question and I received a 9, so don’t worry about that.</p>

<p>First of all Canada has a history, probably a more interesting one than the United States has. Ok, so on my first SAT test (January 09) I completely blanked and used one “made-up” personal example to prove my essay (I scored a 9). This time around (March 09) I used a book that I had read in my AP Lit Class (Remains of the Day) and a personal story about cheating. This time around I scored an 11. The book that I used to back up my essay didn’t even really “fit” with my thesis, but the graders certainly didn’t know that. Use a book that not everyone has read so that you can mold it’s theme and plot line in order to more accurately prove your point. Personal examples are always good (don’t listen to some on college board who only use historical/literary examples. They grade you on your writing, not on the subject). Be sure to use lots of vocabulary words (I used hyperbolic and anecdote in my last essay). Some historical examples that are always good to use are the development/use of the atomic bomb, the Great Depression (Hoover), and the New Deal. For Canadian history I would recommend something with Quebec and their struggles to create a separate French state. Anyways, hopefully you can take at least something away from what I have said. Good Luck :]</p>

4

<p>Wow, thank you so much. That gave me so many ideas that I did not even think about before. Thanks again.</p>

<p>Going back to my first question, I was wondering if I might score a zero because my writing is illegible. Like you know, my handwriting and stuff. Does anyone completely change their handwriting for the SAT essay to make sure that the graders can read it? I am thinking about printing on the test (instead of handwriting) but have had second thoughts because it is so slow.</p>

5

<p>bump bump bump</p>

6

<p>i used words like “unscrupulous” and “malpractice” and got a 9. i have no idea why someone gave me a 4.</p>

7

<p>Please, i need this question answered. It is important:</p>

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8

<p>They put a copy of your essay online when your scores come back. I will PM you a screenshot of my essay (which did not receive a 0).</p>

9

<p>I can write an essay on any topic using Obama, Dumbledore, and my work experience as examples. No lie. I got a 10 and an 11. </p>

<p>P.S. - Vocabulary isn’t everything. A page from the thesaurus would score a 0.</p>

10

<p>My handwriting is often illegible to others. It is something you want to take into account, seeing as they scan the page in, so the quality only gets worse. My essay, however, received an 11, so I’m relatively confident in the fairness of the scorer. Don’t worry about legibility, but keep it in mind when erasing, crossing out, etc.</p>