<p>In general, which do you think is preferable for the SAT Essay : personal examples, or examples from literary works? I always try to have both, but sometimes I find this difficult. I am wondering whether it would seriously affect my mark if I use only personal examples (they come more easily to me!)</p>
<p>Thanks for your opinions...!</p>
<p>from literary works definitely because you can score a 10-12 by giving literary examples. One of the reasons for this is because the essay-graders than actually know what you're talking about. Also, using literary examples shows that you're familiar with current events, or historical events which is a +. You should only use personal examples as a second resort.</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>Bump!!!>>>>>>></p>
<p>Use whatever example you can work the best with as far as writing style goes. They aren't quizzing you on intricate historical or literary knowledge, they want to see how well you can argue, write, and and answer the prompt</p>
<p>MAke it really long....</p>
<p>Cover both pages......</p>
<p>Yeah, literary examples are probably better, but I like forming personal experiences to fit the question and my opinion perfectly.</p>
<p>sr6622, so you can get a 11-12 with good personal examples?</p>
<p>I think you can, BUT I haven't taken them, so I honestly do not know.</p>
<p>Although, if you are creative and can fabricate things to perfection, I suppose you could try....</p>
<p>The essay is really Subjective...I hate that.</p>
<p>One person could give you a 6 and it is possible that the next person could give you a 3....</p>
<p>I don't use the literary ex. and my scores on the SAT and ACT were 10s ...I'm hoping that it goes up on my SAT this Monday :D I'm so excited!!!!!!</p>
<p>Given the time limit, for me, it's easier to go the mechanical route: one lit example, one historical example, and one current event. People are warned against using personal experiences because it's so easy to get derailed. Then you end up telling a story and running out of time before you can fully answer the prompt. </p>
<p>ssr6622 - That is highly unlikely. Six essays generally have few grammatical errors, they fully answer the prompt, and the quality of writing is high. The same can't be said for a three essay. Also, I believe it's a rule that if the two scores differ by more than 2, the essay is regraded. However, I do agree with you in that the essay grading is subjective.</p>