Starting an SAT essay?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>There are 2 main ways to start an essay that I've heard going around,
1. Start formal, "There is no substitute to hard work and determination"
2. Start with a personal informal sentence, (general idea taken from Barron's Writing book) "Success by hard work or success by luck? Frankly, I'll take it either way"
Also, some places tell you to start with a quote.</p>

<p>Any opinions as to which would work better (or if there are any others)? I know for #1, you'd try to make the sentence sound as unhackneyed as possible, but #2 (which Barron's does all over the place) is nagging me.</p>

<p>And if this at all matters, I'm going for 800.</p>

2

<p>The difference between the two approaches that you describe is a difference of tone and style. In so far as your score is concerned, either approach could result in a 12 score. What is important is that the tone and style are appropriate to the content of the essay. If your development uses examples and arguments that are more appropriate to a formal style, then you should use the formal introduction. On the other hand, if you are planning a more personal mode of development, the informal approach would be better.</p>

<p>Once you’ve made that choice, be consistent throughout the rest of the essay.</p>