Sat Essays: Get A High Score In 6 Easy Steps
1. Read the prompt carefully
This is the step where many students go wrong. Read the
prompt and with your pencil underline the main idea you need
to be writing about. Most students who get low scores fail
to read the prompt carefully. Don’t be one of them.
2. Decide on a thesis
Now that you understand the prompt, choose one side of the
issue presented. Your thesis must be the equivalent of a
‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the prompt. Don’t be afraid to use the
words of the prompt in your thesis. For example if they
ask, “Are people basically good?” You can have a thesis
that says “This essay will show that people are basically
good.”
3. Brainstorm 3-4 examples to support the thesis
Now that you have a thesis you can go in search of examples
to support it. Quickly make a list of several works of
literature you read in school or events you studied in
history that support your point of view. Once you have
these go on to the next step.
4. Create a short introduction that incorporates the thesis
You basically have the outline for your essay now. A thesis
and a one sentence description of each of your examples.
Now begin writing the introduction by saying a few words
about the topic. Then one sentence on your thesis. It does
not have to be anything fancy.
5. Write 3-4 body paragraphs
Now that your introduction is written support your thesis
with the examples you generated in step 3. Make sure that
in your paragraph you tell them what you are going to prove
in the first sentence. Give a few details that prove your
point in the next two sentences. And finally give a
concluding sentence that tells how your example supported
your thesis.
6. Write a conclusion that uses an analogy or metaphor to
back up your thesis
The best essays end with an analogy or very brief anecdote
that drives the point home. You can also make a prediction
about the future. Whatever you do don’t force yourself to
come up with a brilliant conclusion. At the minimum you can
just summarize the evidence you came up with to support your
thesis.
More Education Articles
