<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>Just wondering whether To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is now officially an 'overused' example on the SAT....it's a shame because I loved the book and it provides so many examples to use in a plethora of essay prompts. Any other topic to stay away from that you suggest? Ghandi, MLK are easy ones....maybe Hitler...Edison....?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>LilBallerx8,</p>
<p>I’ve never heard of this “overused SAT essay examples.” Granted, certain examples are cliche, but it isn’t the example you’re graded on. Its what you write about and how coherent you are with it. You can write about To Kill a Mockingbird, but as long as you elaborate on it, tie it back to your thesis, incorporate SAT vocabulary, and have it flow in your essay, you’ll score well.</p>
<p>~Aceventura74</p>
<p>Hi Ace,</p>
<p>Although I understand where you’re coming from with the coherency, I’ve been writing my essays with the premises that some examples are simply trivial and should be avoided. For example, personal examples about grades and how you turned them around through steadfast determination - blahblahblah. WAY too many test takers will panic and school is the first idea that comes to their mind. </p>
<p>Also, books that are commonly taught in school or contain a very easy plot without much of a critical aspect demonstrate that you as a person, cannot think of an example that is clearer, more professional, and overall reflects a higher level of understanding.</p>
<p>Just my opinion though.</p>
<p>The SAT essay tests how well you can make an argument, not how many facts you know. Sure, you should probably stay away from very common examples (like the ones you mentioned). However, you can still score very well with common examples if you argue them well.</p>
<p>Making up examples is the way to go, then you will never used one that is “overused”!</p>
<p>Yup, just wanted to have To Kill a Mockingbird as an example…it’s one hell of a book for examples lol.</p>
<p>LilBallerx8,</p>
<p>TKAM is a perfect example to use; keep in mind what 314159265 said: “The SAT essay tests how well you can make an argument, not how many facts you know.” If you really allude to how Atticus Finch goes against society to do what is morally right in an essay about morality, you’ll be fine. You just need to clearly develop an argument and write about it in a coherent dignified manner. </p>
<p>~Aceventura74</p>