<p>I'm taking the December 3 SAT and I just started preparing for it. However, I prepared a lot for the PSAT last month so I'm feeling pretty good about it except for the essay. I'm using the blue SAT book, and one of the examples for a perfect essay uses a story about the writers life as the example, and the other uses historical examples. It seems on here though that many people recommend only using historical examples or examples from literature, neither of which I know enough about to be comfortable using. So, should I spend my time memorizing facts to plug in as examples or is it doable to just use examples from my life?</p>
<p>If you have time, I recommend it. I also recommend watching documentaries instead of reading if reading makes you sleepy. Search on youtube for documentaries. If you can’t find any, just post here to let me know.</p>
<p>I always pick a book + a (exaggerated/fake) personal experience. </p>
<p>It works well.</p>
<p>I realized that this week I won’t have time to watch documentaries or research anyway, thanks for your input though jasonjackson. CrazyPluto I just remembered that I’ve read The Crucible and Into the Wild recently for English, so I think I’ll try your method, and then fall back on two personal experiences if I can’t seem to fit those books to the prompt. Thanks both of you. :)</p>
<p>2 essays… 2 examples per essay… All four examples were personal examples. 11 on both essays. Take that for what you will.</p>
<p>It’s way more important to use specific examples that thoughtfully back up your thesis than it is to use historical examples.</p>
<p>That said, a thoughtful, detailed, historical example is very powerful. </p>
<p>Focus on getting a good, detailed example first.</p>