<p>I am having a lot of trouble with the SAT essay. First, when I
look at the prompt, I get confused. It takes me some time to
come up with a number of solid examples. Second, I do outline
my essay, however, I do not know what is the best way to do this.
Should I just write down plug ins that have to do with
the thesis statement? Third, I am very slow at writing. How can
I stop being slow? Last, I just hate it when I cannot think of a way
to make an example fit into an essay. Should I just make up plug
ins for that example?</p>
<p>(1) Come up with examples before hand. Do a little research into inspiring people, think about some interesting books you read for English class, look at a couple of events from history, think about experiences you’ve had in sports or at work, etc. Since the SAT topics are broad, one example an apply to lots of topics. Somewhere on this board, someone has actually categorized all the SAT essay prompts into about 12 categories!</p>
<p>(2) You really only need one example. Two or three examples are sometimes recommended, but you CAN get a top grade with only one example as long as you develop it and explain how it supports your position.</p>
<p>(3) Pick a clear thesis. It does NOT have to be what you actually believe - just pick the side you think you can defend the best.</p>
<p>(4) Pick examples that actually do support your thesis. Develop the example (i.e. explain it, give details, etc.), and then be really specific when you show HOW it supports the thesis. </p>
<p>I can’t make you write faster, but if you plan ahead you won’t have to waste time thinking of examples!</p>
<p>I am probably not the best person to ask, as I have only taken the actual SAT once (scores pending)…but I have taken numerous practice tests with plenty of 12 essays. </p>
<p>Don’t worry, I also get a bit distraught when I first view the prompt. It helps to come in with about 10 historical/literary examples with 3 of those being ubiquitously applicable examples (ex: MLK Jr., Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, etc.). When you sit down and actually flip open the book, make sure to breathe and relax. Read the prompt, take a side, come up with examples…if you cannot conjure up more than one, then consider the other side of the argument. I personally do not make detailed outlines; I just write something like “yes” or “no,” my 3 or even just 2 (you can easily get a 12 with 2 examples), and then I begin to write quickly. </p>
<p>To write faster, honestly you just have to practice…when I began my preparation, it took me about an hour to write something 12 worthy. On the actual test day, I had about 5 minutes of spare time to proof read and improve my essay. I feel confident that I got about an 11+. </p>
<p>Other tips:
-Fill up the entire 2 pages
-Do not make your conclusion an afterthought if you can help it–as my tutor put it, having a good essay with a bad conclusion “tastes” like vitamin water: delicious at first, but often leaves the drinker–or reader, in this case–with a bad “aftertaste.”
-This sounds weird…but, on test day, it it usually early and therefore cold, so make sure your hands are not frozen and stiff when you go to take the exam, otherwise you may write slower (happened to me once when I took a proctored, practice exam–needless to say, I wore gloves up until I walked into the test room on Jan 22nd)</p>
<p>I am not sure if this helps, but either way good luck :)</p>
<p>Research what about the examples?</p>