<p>I don't know why, but I just can't. I feel like I'm explaining my ideas and setting my thesis. I honestly have no clue what I'm doing wrong. Does anyone have any advice on how I could somehow practice better on my writing. (I have Kaplan's 2008 edition prep book). Also, does planning really help? I normally do plan, but I donj't have enough time to plan (usually finish with only a few seconds left).</p>
<p>I only got a 9 last time but I'll try to help. Kaplan usually advises you to use personal experiences but I would avoid that as much as possible because other classes tell you NOT to use that no matter what. Try to use books or historical events/people; both make you seem more intelligent than using real life experiences do. Make sure you have a strong opening and closing because they matter a lot. Planning does somewhat help. The night before, make a list of all the books you've read that could be of use and make a list of all the historical people/events that might help (for me, when I am under that SAT stress, I can't remember anything so if that information is fresh in your mind, it might help). Vary your sentence structure. Don't start every sentence off the same way and don't have every sentence in the same format. Lastly, before the test, study words that you might be able to use. Instead of using happy, use jocund, joy, elated, etc. Learn other synonyms for words such as good, bad... Try to predict different essay topics and learn words that might help you. Variety is key in the essay. You also need to know how to back yourself up. A few minor errors aren't going to change your grade so don't focus on them too much (as long as your essay is still readable), just I suggest learning variety because it really does help. I have hear stories of people who didn't even finish their essay, but still got a 12! It's all very strange but just make sure your essay is varied, sophisticated, and makes sense.</p>
<p>^ I respectfully disagree. It doesn't matter what kind of examples you use as long as they are coherent and relevant to your topic.</p>
<p>The night before the SAT, I decided to read up on Mike Barrett's Grammatix tips for the writing section from the sample on his site. I was amazed at how clear and easy he made the essay seem. I got a 11 on the essay using his method (or formula I could say even) which is an improvement from the 10 I had gotten previously. Not a drastic change, but I managed through the essay with much more confidence and ease. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.grammatix.com/sat-psat/%5B/url%5D">http://www.grammatix.com/sat-psat/</a></p>
<p>In the middle is the link for the sample but it looks like it's down. PM your email I think I have it somewhere on my comp. . .</p>
<p>I didn't do well on the writing either. I got a 7. If you write persuasive essays better, try the ACT. If you can write about personal experiences well, unlike me, try improving your writing for the SAT.</p>
<p>i hated timed writing (and random prompts) with a burning passion</p>
<p>Hey, it's on Mike's site again:</p>
<p>It worked for me simply by reading it the night before I took the SAT. If you use these methods and practice them (before just the night of the test lol), I'm sure you can improve your score.Good luck swim!</p>
<p>thanks!!! anyone else?</p>
<p>i got a 12 on the essay and i wrote about al gore among other things of course</p>
<p>I got a 10. I used literature for my examples, and I guess the graders thought that was neat or something.</p>
<p>AP Language sure did help!</p>
<p>Is that grammatix link all the sat writing they cover in their book? It had page numbers on the bottom so I guess they spend 10 pages going over the sat writing???</p>