Essay format -help needed

<p>This is driving me up the wall...what sort of format(or maybe structure is a better word) should the essay be in? I have seen several ideas and now I am very confused.</p>

<ol>
<li>Collegeboard's guide: the essays that scored 6 had one long example that ran nearly from beginning to end with nearly no discussion of the prompt. Which is exactly what my teacher says NOT to do. But it IS the official guide, so...</li>
</ol>

<p>2.Barron's guide: the sample essays had "sub-points". (As in, question: should one want to go to college? essay:yes.1.one would learn 2. one would get to party 3. one would get a degree, so yes.) I don't know if I'm making any sense, really. So sub points and then examples for each point.</p>

<p>3.A tutor's version. the essay should NOT have sub-points. you should pick one point, i.e. one would get to party, and provide several examples to make it last the whole essay. </p>

<p>So what do you think? Please give your opinion. Thanks in advance :-)</p>

<p>I know the essay is not suppose to be in a set structure, but I just want to know if I'm understanding what cb wants me to do...and I'm sorry if this question seems stupid...it's harder for a international to get information...</p>

<p>Well from CC I’ve read that it’s good to have at least 2 examples, going up to 3. I usually like to elaborate a lot so I don’t have enough room for 3 whole examples. On my last SAT, I did 2 supporting paragraphs, making my essay a total of 4 paragraphs, filling both pages. However, I don’t know how effective that method is as I have not recieved my essay score yet. I would definitely try to use elevated language and add as MUCH support as you possibly can. I’ve heard that readers like varied supporting paragraphs, so try to add at least more than one supporting example. In the end, it’s up to. You have to decide how comfortable you are with 2-3 examples, if it can fit in the two pages that are alloted, and how much you are able to elaborate on a given topic. If you’re good at thinking under pressure, than I think the essay portion of the exam will not be tough on you. Anyways, experiment with it and good luck!</p>

<p>Thanks for answering, but what about sub-points? this is one of my biggest questions about the essay…</p>

<p>I get 12s on my essays.</p>

<p>What I do:</p>

<p>I. Introduction (Thesis as the last sentence).
II. Supporting Idea #1
III. Supporting Idea #2
IV. Conclusion (Restate thesis, end with a nice closing prose).</p>

<p>Be sure to fill up the 2 pages.</p>

<p>Be sure to use good-sounding words like “furthermore” and “moreover.”</p>

<p>Since it is clear that it is possible to get a 12 with either one, two, or three examples, I think just write as much as you can, support your views clearly, and use big SAT words. Depending on the prompt and your knowledge with certain topics, this could range from one-three examples. So basically, how many examples you use is one of the least important parts - just make sure it is good writing.</p>

<p>So DMOC, by supporting ideas, do you mean sub-points? (see my above definition) Sorry if I’m being stupid. I just want to make sure. the tutor said express “a” point of view…</p>