All about SAT Essay writing

All about SAT essay writing  

Introduction: After 2016, the college board has made it optional for the students to take  the SAT essay but still there are a lot of confusions around whether one should be taking the test or not? Some universities still accept the essay. However, there are many tips and tricks around acing the SAT essay. Read on the article to find out.
 

What is SAT essay writing ?

A passage of 600-700 words is given to the student  to read and write accordingly. Total time given is 50 minutes to complete the passage. The essay evaluates the students ability to comprehend and elaborate on the author’s argument. The students need to remember that their goal is not to agree or disagree with the author, instead explain the arguments and how it persuades the audience will fetch you more marks. 
 

Tips to write the essay

1.Read the passage carefully 

Read the passage properly as you then have to write your essay based on the arguments in the passage. If required, read it twice to clear out any confusions. A better understanding of the passage will prompt you to write a meaningful essay with all the points. 

2. Draw a structure 

Before attempting to write the essay, make sure you plan out a rough framework of your writeup. This technique is totally recommended as it saves your time and gives you a direction to successfully write your essay. Some may think it is time consuming but in fact it structures your essay. 

3. Make notes 

Making notes might sound too old school and an extra effort but this trick will give you momentum. While you read your passage, make notes of the important points as you come across them. This will help you remember to add these pointers in your essay and will save your time. 

4. Craft a hooking introduction 

When you begin to write your essay, give it a minute’s time to think about how you are going to start and end it. Your introduction will be the first few lines that will decide the fate of your essay. Be a little extra careful of what you write. You can start with a phrase or by stating an important point from the passage. You must not sound rude or lecturing in your essay. 

5. Make the body informative 

The body of your essay is the information centre of your write up. Make sure you elaborate all your points with facts and figures in the body. Add all the necessary information about the topic which develops interest in the reader. Use transitions and examples to make your essay richer and more authentic.

6. Add a concluding note 

When you are about to finish your essay, make sure you add a conclusion and closing statements to your essay. Concluding notes must have a brief mention of the author’s argument along with examples that have been used in the body. A conclusion is a closure to all your arguments in the essay and it is necessary as it completes the essay.It could be just 2-3 lines too. 

7. Revise 

After you’ve finished writing your essay and you have some time left then you must definitely revise. Make it a practice so that while you are writing you can finish it quickly in the first attempt as you do not have to worry about mistakes then. When you do the revision of your essay, you can change the vocabulary, check spellings and correct your arguments if required. Therefore revision is very important as it gives your essay an instant  makeover. 

8. Use appropriate vocabulary and language 

Make sure your language is upto the mark in the essay. It comes with practice so don’t worry now. Avoid using the first person like ‘I’ or ‘MY’ in your essay. Stick to the formality and don't get personal. Make sure you are not repetitive with your statements. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are a big NO. 

9. Use information only from the passage 

Don’t get too carried away with the essay to include all you know about the topic. Instead draw information only from the passage to show that you have read it thoroughly. Remember it's not a thesis. 

10. Emphasise on relevant details 

While you may find a lot of information useful in your essay, you need not mention it all in your essay. To make your essay more concise, you need to focus on the most important details in your essay. Pick 4-5 most important statements and revolve your essay around it. 

At last, make sure you write more than one page as anything less than that is marked under ‘inadequate writing’. At least write one and a half pages. Plan in advance about what you’re going to be talking about in each paragraph of your essay. It makes it more meaningful and avoids repetition too.