<p>Is it ever acceptable to write an essay in which both favor/oppose examples are discussed and the conclusion is neutral? It would be easier to come up with examples for both sides of the argument, yet most essay guides always tell you to take one side and defend it solidly and never digress from your argument. Why is this so? I see a lot of CB/prep book essays that are neutral, so can I write a 2-sided essay too as long as I develop an "insightful POV" and exhibit "exemplary critical thinking"? I promise to also use effective examples, stay focused, and be largely free of S&G errors(LOL). </p>
<p>You know those 'one personal example' example essays? HOW ARE THEY ASSIGNED 6's? If I wrote the same thing, I would not receive a 6 OR a 12, if halving the 2-reader score makes a difference. Maybe with one reader, you only need half the examples for an excellent essay? Haha.</p>
<p>writing a neutral essay is really not recommended. also, those examples are graded on length and are not indicative of real SAT essays. take a side and provide three extremely strong, well written examples and you’ll get a 12</p>
<p>Because arguing in absolutes is easier. Take Obi Wan Kenobi’s words: “Only the Sith deal in absolutes!” Presumably, this is because Jedi put much more time into their thoughts and actions. It is easy to fall to the dark side and become a sith. Jedis have to be much more careful, and this carefulness is hard, as it were.</p>
<p>In terms of pure argument, your best bet would be a qualified essay. This basically means everything between two extremes. If you don’t know how to properly qualify an essay, please learn for your own sake. </p>
<p>If you have trouble writing about extremes, then write a qualified argument. Taking the middle ground is acceptable (got me an 11 on ACT I think), but it takes more time. It also requires a bit more critical thought, because you pretty much have to define your middle ground. I pulled it off because I’m a fast writer. Again, it’s easier to just take one side. It’s slightly harder to qualify that one side. On some of these prompts though, a middle ground essay, pulled off, is what is necessary.</p>
<p>There’s just not enough time and space to cover both sides of the issue in any sort of meaningful way. A 2-sided essay may work, but it’s just a lot safer and easier to chose one position and stick with it.</p>
<p>Always take a position- but don’t go too extreme. it’s always nice to present a few sentences where you address the counterargument and limitations to your argument. Just so you don’t sound like… a religious fanatic xD</p>
<p>When I write a essay on my sat i just think of 3 reasons why somthing should be that way and make a chart… take about 2 minutes to plan… then go…</p>
<p>Both times i took the SAT i argued a side I didn’t believe in…</p>
<p>I guess I should try to write a one sided essay most of the time, then. There seems to be one way to satisfy the SAT: serve up fast food. And only with exact condiment preferences.</p>