<p>A template suggests a possible organizational structure that you might use. But the score of the essay is based on much more than that. By far, content is the distinguishing factor between an 8 essay and a 12, and a template does nothing to help you with that.</p>
<p>Look at SignatureCC’s post. It comes closest to describing what goes into a 12 essay, but it still doesn’t get you any closer to where you want to go. I will show you why.</p>
<p>Signature says: "All that’s important is that you have a clear thesis statement that addresses the prompt, smooth transitions (However, Although, Just as), and 2-3 relatively detailed, pertinent examples. "</p>
<p>It sounds simple, but it is the same as my saying, “To score 800 in Math all you have to do is correctly analyze the problems, select and apply the most efficient approaches to their solution, and record your answers.” It’s true, but it’s virtually useless because it skips over the most important elements of what must be done. You must have enough background knowledge about math concepts and enough practice in analyzing and solving many different kinds of math problems in order to put my advice into practice. The advice itself tells you nothing. It names goals, ("…2-3 relatively detailed, pertinent examples") but it skips over the background knowledge and experience you must have in order to achieve those goals. What details? Which examples are pertinent? What ideas make an example pertinent to this particular prompt?</p>
<p>The answers to those questions come from you. They come from your knowledge, your experience, your thoughts about your knowledge and experience, and the meanings and associations you have drawn between them and the world at large. You must know things about life and people and events and history and philosophy in order to know what is an interesting hook and what makes your example pertinent.</p>
<p>Like the advice about templates, I often see advice about which examples are the best to use. Some people have their favorites prepared and waiting. Sometimes that will work, because the example actually illustrates several DIFFERENT and SIGNIFICANT ideas about the prompt. The same example will fall flat if it is simply illustrates another instance of the same, single, repetitious idea about the prompt, or if it is really irrelevant but twisted and jammed into a prompt where it doesn’t belong.</p>
<p>Here’s the truth. There are no shortcuts. Anybody can give you good advice, but it won’t do you a bit of good unless you have done the work and preparation that is required to accomplish the goals that the advice suggests. You must learn and practice the math. You must know and think about the wider world outside of your own. There is no way around that, and anyone who tells you otherwise is doing you no favors.</p>
<p>Look at the last paragraph of Signature’s post. That is what you really need to know.</p>