<p>I wouldn’t say your essay is bad, but it’s pretty confusing stuff for a person who hasn’t the vaguest idea what its about. The intro started off rather well, but tapered as your examples were a bit muddled.
Vocab was good, but I had a vague feeling that although you knew what you were talking about (or had a vague notion yourself), it wasn’t apparent enough to the reader.</p>
<p>Solid 10.</p>
<p>Thanks, blubberxyz and Jarn. I now know what I can improve for next time. So in truth I actually am capable of getting a 12 on an SAT essay?</p>
<p>While your essay is good, it lacks the mastery of language that would guarantee a 12. Some words and phrases are used unnecessarily and make it a little clogged with “sophisticated” language. A 12 essay will usually be concise and well-worded. And as for critical thinking, it’s good, but not a 12. </p>
<p>And I think the people who posted their essays only wanted to give you examples of essays that scored an 10 or 11 so that you could get a better sense for how the scorers think. They can just as easily create their own thread; don’t think that your own thread is so precious that it merits “hijacking.”</p>
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<p>Perhaps not. How in the world are we strangers supposed to know what you are capable of doing?</p>
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<p>can you give me examples of what you mean?</p>
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<p>rawr lol…it was just a question. i thought soo many people who visit this board have retaken the test 3x…and are such good writers that they always get 12s. there has to be some of those people, which is why i asked that in the first place.</p>
<p>i think this thread is done, thanks for everything guys.</p>
<p>CliffHanger,</p>
<p>I believe the biggest difference between a 10 and 12 is how well analysis is interwoven into each paragraph of the essay. The most common mistake I have seen among smart students is that they give lots of interesting “facts” about a case but don’t actually answer the prompt until the final sentence of the paragraph. The purpose of each paragraph’s conclusion is to sum up your analysis, not to introduce it.</p>
<p>This is something that is easier said than done, but I think it is the primary thing that separates the good essays from the great ones. While this quality is inherent for some writers, I think it can be learned as well. </p>
<p>Just my two cents.</p>
<p>Well, since you asked Cliffhanger, I’ll just answer anyway. I think Duper said something that was very similar to what I said, and he (?) gave some very good examples (his post is at the end of the first page). You just have to remember that the readers like you to be as concise and clear as possible. They only have a minute to read these essays, so sometimes they will be annoyed when you write sentences that could be simplified. Though, you still have to use elevated vocabulary sometimes, but only when it fits perfectly. (Takes some practice)</p>
<p>I think if you got a 10, and you know what to work on, you are capable of getting a 12. The main thing is that you don’t have something seriously, fundamentally wrong with your writing.</p>
<p>^^Agreed…essay doesn’t count…what a scam</p>