Essay Q

<p>I didn't finish conclusion today. I had like one sentence which wasn't that complete (It still made sense but somewhat made reader felt "unfinished"). But my introduction and body, at least I thought, were very strong. Do you think it's going to prevent me from getting at least 9 or 10?</p>

<p>no it's fine</p>

<p>the conclusion is the least important moment in that essay, because they know it's timed.
if the tehsis and body were strong, as you self-evaluated (and you would know b/c you've been practicing) then a reader can almost predict the conclusion. It's almost there just for the sake of form.
the scoring rubric doesn't say: 1-6 for the thesis, 1-6 for para 1, etc.
rather it's looking at the entire essay for "logic, clarity, language usage...etc
they can find all of that in everything above your conclusion sentence.
To the extent that HAVING a conclusion contributes to organization, its absence (or incompleteness) might reduce your subgrade on "organization" That'd be fair. So no 12but that alone shouldn't take you down to the land of 9!! </p>

<p>If the thesis and body were strong, then the conclusion is only a restatement of the thesis anyway. It's like wrapping a gift. Doing a conclusion = remembering to wrap the thing. Doing a great conclusion = all that, plus a shiny bow and ribbon. </p>

<p>That's not true of ALL essays and ALL tests,,,jus tthis timed thing for SAT Writing. It's their one evidence of HUMILITY, reaslizing what they've done to all of you making you write with only 25 minutes! </p>

<p>Maybe you shouldn't anticipate a 12 without a conclusion...but a 10 could certainly be yours.
And remember, it's not a humongous percentage of the SAT WRting score; the Multiple Choice part is weightier.
Grrr...I alwasy wish my "12" son had worked harder on his MC. I didn't understand the balance. With his 12 and nasty MC's, he ended up with a 650 on Verbal. Coulda/shoulda been a 700+. Eagerly awaiting 8 regular decisions on April l, so hopefully it'll work out for him.
Remember, NOTHING is ever the last day or the last chance of your life!!</p>