<p>I know you write an essay, but do they give you a topic? Do you have to think up one on your own? How much time do you have?</p>
<p>You definitely get a topic and you have 25 minutes to write. This is the first section of the SSAT. The topics have quite a range - best is to get a book and find some ones for practice. The best essays are related to the topic but also make literary references. Ideally, you will write 3-4 cogent paragraphs; pay attention to grammar and spelling also!</p>