<p>Apparently not by doing what I did, LOL. I got an 8 and a "maintained focus on prompt" comment.</p>
<p>I just got my writing score using a new strategy, so maybe this will help:
Old Idea (got an 8): Get 3 main points, the last one opposing the counterargument, organizing an intro/body/conclusion using basic ideas.
New Idea (got an 11!!!): Just write, and let it flow. I immediately think of three main ideas .. it goes like this
+ idea 1
+ idea 2
- idea 3
I put a minus by idea 3, since it is more of an attack on the counterargument than supporting my argument.
The key here is to write a lot. I had 3 1/4 pages filled. Throw in a few big words (but don't go crazy or make them forced) and show the reader you know how to use punctuation ( : ; hyphen/dash) and you will score well.
Hope that helps .. i'm not an expert but I did improve and am very happy! :)</p>