<p>I have a few tips–these are just my opinion:</p>
<p>a. When you read the prompt and question, think about what kind of essay it is looking for.
b. Make sure you take a position and defend it. Don’t argue both sides.
c. Make sure your examples support your position. It’s OK to have some universal examples in mind, but if they don’t fit, think of something else.
d. Don’t worry that your examples are likely to be common–it is more important that they are stated well and support the thesis. They don’t have to be original or different.
d. Don’t use a word–big or small–unless you really know what it means and how it is used.
e. It is my opinion that if you’re on the fence about which position to take on the question, choose the one that is the more positive (i.e., argue that the world is getting better, not getting worse). Your essay is being graded by a human being using a somewhat subjective rubric–a positive outlook may help you.
f. Similarly, if you are on the fence, agree with the statement in the quote. You are more likely to understand it if you agree with it.</p>