Using pop culture on the SAT essay?

Test Preparation
1

<p>Ok, I know this question might sound really dumb, but I need to ask.</p>

<p>For the SAT essay, is it okay for me to use figures in pop culture as examples if they <em>are</em> completely relevant? For example, let's say my prompt says, "If one wants to succeed, is motivation more important than talent?"</p>

<p>Then let's say that as one of my examples, I discuss how Madonna, as a kid, wasn't as gifted as other children in singing or dancing, but she worked really hard due to her motivation and is now the most successful female artist of all time. (Of course, I'd go into more detail than that.) Would that be an okay example? If not, why not?</p>

2

<p>you are graded on your writing ability, not your knowledge of facts. Remember: there is no penalty for making up your own facts. ^.-</p>

3

<p>^while this is true, most readers tend to be put off by examples taken from pop culture. For example, Harry Potter and Twilight are basically taboo. I never allow myself to use examples from pop culture because there will always be better examples. I know it’s tough and sometimes these pop culture examples ARE meaningful and ARE relevant, but really try to think of something else b/c you don’t know who the reader is.</p>

4

<p>^ Alright, I understand how Twilight can be seen as taboo, but what about Harry Potter?</p>

5

<p>I don’t know; for most English teachers, Harry Potter is just a no-no.</p>