<p>I'm a junior about to take the SAT on January 25th and I'm having some trouble with regards to how to structure and write the essay. For example, is it ok to qualify an argument or should I only stick to one side? How long should my intro/conclusions be so that they arent too wordy but at the same time convey everything i need?
I would love just some general, helpful advice to help prepare me. Thanks!</p>
<p>The highest I’ve scored on an SAT essay is a 10. I’ll give you a general breakdown of what I do, just in case it might be helpful to you!</p>
<p>I always enter the test with the mindset that no matter the prompt I will utilize literary works as my argument. Rarely do I involve personal experiences or world events. To me, I find it easiest to choose classic novels that contain an array of themes! My favorites are The Scarlett Letter, Anthem, and Handmaid’s Tale. I did write about The Hunger Games in my last essay though (I didn’t need to increase my essay score so I chose to have some fun ;)). If you do mention literature, remember to underline the title and include the author’s name! Anyways, I tend to write 4 paragraphs, which include an intro, two bodies, and a conclusion. </p>
<p>Intro: I’ll begin with some broad topic sentence, such as “Human beings have always demonstrated a peculiarly curious nature—whether…” Then I add one or two more sentences on to that first statement (always relating back to the prompt and using some of the prompt-specific words). I’ll lastly mention the examples (or in my case, literary pieces) I plan to include, as well as my thesis that clearly chooses a stance to take.
Body #1: I will introduce the topic of this paragraph. I’ll write 5-6 sentences about it (giving a brief summary in 1-2 sentences and analyzing the example with the remaining space). Be sure to always relate it back to your thesis/argument!
Body #2: Same as Body #1, but I write about my next example.
Conclusion: I bring it all that I’ve said back to the original prompt within 2-3 sentences. At this point, I don’t have much time left to be detailed, but I be sure to add a final sentence that will linger in the reader’s mind (vague, but similar to my opening sentence of my introduction).</p>
<p>I feel relatively safe writing only 4 paragraphs with the amount of time given to us. I’ve never written a 5 paragraph essay for a standardized test and I’ve been absolutely fine! Also, I don’t keep track of how much space I take up, because quality overrules quantity.
Honestly, unless I feel as if I have enough time/evidence I won’t include the opposing viewpoint. However, sneaking a small sentence or two into your essay that acknowledges the other position is effortless and subtle. 
When I can I’ll substitute a “weaker” word with a more “powerful” one, but I avoid writing anything that I am not 100% sure will work… If you’re unsure about the meaning, do not include it!!!
My goal while writing is to be finished with Body #2 or at least close to finishing it right before the 5-minute warning is announced. My advice to you is to finish the sentence you’re on so that you’ll allow yourself time to wrap things up with a conclusion. Personally, I think the conclusion is equally as important as the introduction (although it doesn’t have to be as long)! I mean, would it make sense for you to put a front cover on a book, but not a back? Hehe.
Remember, this is a college readiness test so try to make your essay as formal as possible. If you write about personal experiences it’s absolutely okay to use first person prepositions! </p>
<p>I hope I make sense and I didn’t confuse you too much!
Good luck! :)</p>