<p>I am shooting for at least a 750 on the writing section though. The main part that I need your guys help on is the essay. (I am working on the multiple choice though). </p>
<p>The last two times I got scores of:
42 right 5 wrong 0 omitted 9 essay out of 47 questions 690
44 right 3 wrong 2 omitted 9 essay out of 49 questions 680.</p>
<p>After the first time, I hadnt really practiced, so my result was pretty much the same. But, I really want help with the essay. I know I can get an 11, I just need some tips and advice.</p>
<p>I am not a bad writer, I do fine in all my English classes (and I'm not trying to brag at all), its just frustrating to get a score of 9 twice. </p>
<p>What are some of the things that I really need to keep in mind or try to do in order to get at least an 11 which I know I am capable of hitting?</p>
<p>I do try to use some advanced vocabulary, and I usually try to make my essays really personal--though the last two times I think I tried to put in too much personal details and so I became bogged down on one body. As a result, I did not have much time to expand in the other body/bodies.</p>
<p>I'd say practice! Do a few essay prompts a week, and work on pace. Make sure you have enough time to go back and proof read, because you will catch tons of mistakes!</p>
<p>And critical thinking is very important in the essay scoring also. You need to show how your examples link back to the prompt and your thesis statement. Take an interesting stance on the topic, and give clear, specific examples with details to support your opinion. And never waver. End with a strong conclusion, and sprinkle properly used higher-level vocabulary throughout to make it sound stronger.</p>
<p>Check out the sparknotes website SAT prep and read "How to Beat the Essay" if you haven't already. It has pretty good tips and organization tips. </p>
<p>BTW, I noticed you use personal examples. Historical, literary, artistic, scientific, etc. evidence/examples are usually stronger. Stick to the well-known ones such as Civil War, American Revolution, Shakespeare plays, etc., which will usually serve for any topic.</p>
<p>I got a 10 again. I consider myself a pretty good writer, but I guess there are some guidelines (that I don't know of) that are considered standard.</p>
<p>The most common difference I see between 9/10 essays and 11/12 essays is the lack of explanation in a 9/10 essay. Most students are great at providing the background on their example. For example, your thesis is "People do not need to compete in order to be successful." One of your examples is Mother Teresa. You have 5 to 7 sentences explaining who Mother Teresa is and what she has done. But you never say "This proves my thesis because...." thus resulting in a 9/10. Spend less time providing background information (the readers are are college-educated, after all) and more time proving why you're right.</p>
<p>well ive taken the sat 3 times, the first two times i got 11s, the last time i got a 10... so i think it might have to do more with examples... my examples on my 10 essay were controversial - saying that hitler was overblamed for ww2, saying that bush hasnt done as bad as most perceive him as, etc... so pick topics that people generally agree with..</p>
<p>Well when I write mine I am putting all my conservative view points aside, and even though I have heard that the graders are more liberal mostly ( teachers Union english teachers or w/e they are), I am not planning on taking up a fake liberal view point as was suggested in another thread
You took a risk defending Bush, surprised they were not so biased the gave you a four.</p>