Sample 12/11 SAT Essays

<p>I'm taking the SAT in April, and one problem that continously hinders my writing score is the essay. I've been taking an SAT Prep class at Princeton and I am, on average, recieving about 8/9 essay scores (I've been desperately holding onto a belief that Princeton can't grade properly since im usually a good writer in school).</p>

<p>I was hoping people could post their 12/11 SAT Essays in this thread if possible. </p>

<p>I am a bit confused about how to use literary examples: for instance, how detailed must I go into the book? is it just a short summary with an ending sentence that ties the example back to the thesis? In addition, when writing essays, what is the best way to relate the examples back to the thesis and what is the best way to transition between examples?</p>

<p>I've written timed essays at school in my AP English class, but apparently all the techniques and methods I have used on them are inncorect on the SAT exam. I could really use some help! Thank you.</p>

<p>edit-</p>

<p>heres an essay i wrote in the class. it recieved a 9. i ran out of time and was unable to write a proper conclusion. in addition, i left about 2 lines blank on the answer sheet. look back, maybe i should have recieved a 9. any constructive criticism?</p>

<p>Prompt: In your opinion, what is necessary for people to perform their best? Support your view with an example or examples from...</p>

<pre><code>Although there are several diverging viewpoints when considering what is vital for success, it is of general consent that focus and practice are necessary. Without both of these necesities, one would be unable to perform at his or her greatest potential This is often observed in the arts and even in my own life.
Of all the outstanding musicians of the earlier time periods, Mozart stands as one of the greatest. His music was widely known during is own time period, and it has become prominent in our current time. How was Mozart able to achieve such greatness? The answer is through focus and practice. At a very young age, Mozart observed his sister playing the piano and very soon, he wished to play as well. Although his father doubled Mozart’s determination at first, Mozart proved himself to be an amazing musician. He practiced everyday for hours with his father, focusing soley at music. By his 10th birthday, Mozart was already traveling around Europe and playing piano for kinds and queens. He was well known through Europe, and many people sought him so that he could perform for them. Mozart was only able to achieve all this with focus and practice.
Unfortunetly for me, I did not obtain Mozart’s determination until I was a bit older. In grade school, my parents tried to motivate me to work hard at my school work. They offered me money as a reward for good grades. However, this never truly motivated me to do my best. Instead, it hindered my studies because I though the money was insignificant and as a result, I viewed my own studies the same way. Not until late into grade school did I realize that I needed focus and practice in order to perform my best. As a result, my parents discarded the “reward system” and implemented a tough regiment of studying. Everyday I did practice problems in order to improve my academic skills. I also attended several “extra-help” classes that helped me to reach the leave of a scholar. Now, I am currently a hardworking student who receives high grades and I thank all my success to the focus and Practice I underwent during my childhood years.
Focus and practice are necessary for success and performing at ones best peak performance.
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