For the SAT and ACT Essays, you will be given a prompt, usually a short passage from literature, philosophy, or other written work, and then given a question, almost always worded the same way, asking your opinion, one way or the other, on that passage.

For example: "Global Warming is currently the source of controversy and debate, both in, and out of the scientific community. There are those who believe it signals the end of life on this planet as we know it, and others who believe climate changes are the result of naturally occurring phenomena. Still others believe we are actually in the beginnings of another ice age, and that global warming is working against that occurrence."

Write an essay explaining your opinions on this topic. Draw on your reflections from art, science, literature or personal experience or observation as you develop your ideas.

Past tests have included passages and questions related to such questions as:

• What are hour ideas on right vs. wrong?

• Is cheating ever acceptable?

• Is lying, for any reason, the wrong thing to do?

• Is change for the better?

• Does technology stifle creativity?

• Has technology changed our lives for the better?

• Are our lives controlled by external circumstances or do we make our own opportunities for success?

• Is progress always beneficial?

• Can success be disastrous?

• Are rules made to be followed?

To write good five-paragraph essays, in class or out, keep a template in your mind of how to structure the essay, and you will have a head start on the competition.

In most essay assignments, you would want three-four minutes to plan before you begin to write.

However, for the SAT and ACT essays assignments, if you develop and practice our template as you prepare for the test, you can shorten that to about a minute, and finish a three paragraph, or (preferably) five paragraph essay in the time allowed. This is because you have a solid idea of the form in your mind, and have only to figure out your position, come up with a three examples, and draw it all together with the conclusion.

Can you make up your examples for the SAT and ACT essays? Yes, you can. However, make them logical, well written, and be sure to stick to the topic. Instead of writing three paragraphs about your friends or yourself, try to stick in ideas of characters from a play, novel, movie, or other medium as much as possible.

Remember: READ THE PROMPT AT LEAST TWO TIMES, AND REFER TO IT WHILE WRITING. Write legibly. Stick to the topic. Provide an introduction, three examples, with reflection, a conclusion. Finish on time.

Format for the SAT and ACT Essays

I. Introduction

II. First "Example paragraph

III. Second "Example paragraph

IV. Third "Example" paragraph

V. Conclusion

AH, yes, but what goes where, you ask?

Most essay assignments ask you to take a position, so when you look at the question, decide if you want to agree, disagree, or allow for conflicting opinions.

So, for instance, Global Warming. You would decide if you agree with the prompt, disagree, or want to explore both sides. Personally? I would skip exploring both sides, it is not necessary, and is more difficult, especially when you have little time.

Practice this format each time you take a regular SAT test during your SAT or ACT preparation. It will lead you to the completion of a five-paragraph essay in the time allowed.

I. Introduction

• For the introduction, decide whether you agree, disagree, or are not sure what you believe about the question.

• Avoid using personal pronouns, and state your position.

• Then, state the opposing position to get it out of the way. Try to avoid writing an essay comparing two views, it is too difficult to pull off in twenty-five minutes.

• Go back to your original statement, which is now your thesis, and re-state it

II. Example number one:

• Topic sentence for the paragraph.

• Three-Five sentences, with a topic sentence, explaining your example supporting your thesis statement.

• Two-three sentences reflecting on your examples-drawing conclusions

III. Paragraph Three, Paragraph Four:

• Repeat the the style of paragraph two, starting with a topic sentence for this paragraph.

• Give two more examples with commentary/reflection after three-four sentences in each to explain your example.

• Repeat the previous steps. Don't forget to reflect!

IV. The Conclusion:

• Repeat your thesis, and draw your three examples back to your topic sentence. Then state your thesis again.

  ---

  Write an essay each time you take a practice SAT or ACT test. Be sure you have:

  • Written legibly

  • Stayed on-topic

  • Given three examples, with commentary, and written a strong conclusion.

  • Warning: It takes practice to learn to get this all done in 25 minutes. Start with 40 minutes and gradually trim your time to 23 minutes, leaving two minutes for proofreading.

If you practice for the SAT and ACT essays, just as you are practicing to take the test, you will be prepared to write a well-crafted rough draft on your exam, which is the goal of this portion of the test.

---

In my view, the ACT writing portion is easier than the SAT essay requirement. The ACT asks for a specific opinion on a topic: do you believe 18 year olds should have restrictions on their driving, or, should schools have open campus policies during lunch.

The SAT, which in my opinion is the more scholarly requirement, asks philosophical questions, more like what is expected by a college professor.

Extra information about the essays

• The ACT essay question usually ask for an opinion on an every-day issue. A question might ask if you think high schools should concentrate on teaching academic subjects, or if they should also teach social behavior. You have thirty minutes to write.

• The SAT essay questions are more open ended, and include a short paragraph, usually a quote by a famous person, or a section from a paragraph on the topic of the prompt. You have twenty-five minutes to write this essay.

  I suggest that students preparing for the essays jot down the names of books they have read. It is not necessary to re-read them, but rather to remind yourself of what you have read and who the main characters were.

About the SATS and the ACTS

Study SATs

Study ACTs

SATs - Questions and Answers

P>

---

Search GOOGLE for SAT and ACT Information

	Enter your search termsSubmit search form
	Web www.Everything-about-college.com

P>

---

Top of Page for SAT and ACT essays

SAT Tips and Strategies

Return to Everything-about-College Home Page



2006 Everything-about-college.com. All rights reserved.


SBI!