Really important question about the SAT Essay

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>I don't seek to be innovative with my essay or take a fecund approach; I just play it safe and jot down the generic intro-3body-conc response. I believe mastery of this format is the easiest way to obtain a high score, but I have a critical question about how I should describe my examples. I have a propensity to go literature-literature-history/current event, but when I'm detailing the examples that pertain to literature, should I focus more on thematic elements that support my thesis, and mention the plot in a cursory manner? For instance, if many of my sentences in my body paragraph are composed such as this one:</p>

<p>"Ultimately, through his experiences with the supposedly lower-class members of society, Joe, Biddy, and Magwitch, Pip learns that ambition for progress in societal rank and education are not germane to the individual's true worth, for conscience and affection are the pillars of the pure, uncorrupted, and invaluable aspects of life."</p>

<p>Now, I failed to provide significant details about the plot of the novel and what Pip's "experiences" entailed. I realize that utilizing specific examples is a vital part of literary analysis, but what do the creators of the SAT prefer -- a thorough explanation of how plot elements fit with the thesis or a thematic-oriented response with insights primarily keying in on allegorical aspects? I fear that with time and length constraints, the first type wouldn't allow me to delve into the interconnected themes between my three examples and would be prosaic, but the second type wouldn't be as comprehensive.</p>

<p>I got an 11 in 8th grade, so I presume that just keeping it simple would suffice, but I would have to change my current writing style to fit that mode. I know many of you will say try to have a motley of both, and I will try that, but it's easier said than done. I haven't really done any practice with the Essay portion because my reasoning is that I got a 11 in 8th grade, and I've obviously become a better writer, so there should be no need for me to do prompts. However, I would greatly appreciate your opinion on this matter. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Don't mind me, I'm just bumping this.</p>

3

<p>Come on, I can't be the only one with this question.</p>

4

<p>This is the SAT, not the AP Lit test. Do whatever you prefer to give the graders some evidence that you can think fast, write long, and connect well. </p>

<p>Literary analysis was the last thing on my mind. That's simple not possible when the prompts are so varied. The key is to twist the story/plot/theme to fit your argument. In other words, no one cares about how you say things, as long as you apply what you write to your stance.</p>

<p>With that said, I'd give a short summary of the plot, and focus on the actions that pertain to the theme or whatever point you are trying to make.</p>