<p>In order to get an 11/12, do you pretty much need to have 3 body paragraphs? Anyone have soem good, verastile hsitorical examples?</p>
<p>Just remember: Content is valued more than quantity.</p>
<p>I was thinking that too. I just can't seem to get 3 paragraphs under the time limit...</p>
<p>Four (2 supporting ev paragraphs.) Don't bother trying to do five. Quality over quantity.</p>
<ol>
<li>Intro. (thesis)</li>
<li>Example 1</li>
<li>Example 2</li>
<li>Example 3</li>
<li>Conclusion (3 sentences would be good enough)
This is the structure that I have been doing for 2 months, and it really works:)</li>
</ol>
<p>i used to do it "fallinwater"s way, but after i read some of the (6)s on the collegeboard new SAT book, i started using only one example...</p>
<p>ill probably use 2 tomorrow though</p>
<p>I don't think that five paragraphs is really necessary, nor do you really have sufficient time (in most cases) to write that much. Four (or even three) paragraphs is enough. Your thesis (even if it's extremely generic) and ability to support that thesis coherently with relevant examples (even if they, too, are extremely generic) is what the essay is really graded on.</p>
<p>Have at least two solid examples and at least 4 paragraphs. Although it is possible, it's very difficult to earn a top score with fewer than 3 paragraphs and fewer than 2 examples. Quantity DOES matter to a certain extent.</p>
<p>The first thing a scorer notices is the length and construction of the essay. I'm going to brainstorm as fast as possible---if I an fit in 3 examples without taking too long to get my thoughts together, I'll go for it. If not, I'll stop at two.</p>
<p>actually, aignam, that is not true. my english teacher is a certified SAT grader for the collegeboard (incredibly helpful btw), and she says she never considers length or even notices it. also, she says the method shes uses is to check every sentence and give "credit" for it, basically she was checking to see if everything you say advances the essay. the "checks" are meaningless in terms of the grade on the essay though, that is based on overall impression and continuity, and if you came "full circle" in your essay.</p>