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<p>I used the McGraw Hill SAT 2009, and I got a 11/12. It works. The standard 5 paragraph essay (I have no idea where the previous poster comes from) will get you a top score anywhere. It’s the ONLY reason I got a 4 on the AP Euro exam, too.</p>
<p>applicannot, the mcgraw hill method is four paragraphs, not five- intro, two body and conclusion. is that what you used for the SAT?</p>
<p>It honestly is equal parts luck and skill. I got a 9 on my essay, using a 5-paragraph format (meaning there were three ‘body paragraphs’). One of the comments was that I needed more examples. I was like, ***? Persuasive writing is a crucial skill, sure, but there is absolutely no point in giving someone a timed writing test. Like, are we all going to crank something out in half an hour like the freakin Gettysburg address? I think not. All the readers do is glaze over it, and you’re better off writing a little bigger because you need to fill both pages. Anything less just ‘looks bad.’ Believe me, I know people who consistently medal in the Essay subject in Academic Decathlon competitions and only receive 7s or 8s on their SAT essays. It’s too subjective, IMHO.</p>
<p>I got a 12. One of the best ways to get one is to have at least two very solid literary references. But for more details, scour the SAT thread</p>
<p>I got a 12 on my essay
I agree with what has been said already. The readers like when students use solid literary examples or historical examples.</p>
<p>I used 3 historical examples. </p>
<p>It doesnt matter if you use 2 or 3 examples as long as you support them well.</p>
<p>Hey, Ritsuka, how do you know your graders thought you needed more examples? Do you get comments on the SAT essay?</p>
<p>Not to take away from my daughters performance, but she got a 12 and is not a modern day Ernest Hemingway! I think an organized essay with references to modern times and historical significance are important, and it is relevant how cleverly you can intertwine the two, all the while keeping alive the theme of the essay. Of course this is all the while keeping an eye on the clock!</p>
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<p>Graders leave comments?</p>
<p>i got a perfect perfect =P i think the essay is more about the flow and the overall impression that is made with clearly written supporting examples. the grammar section seems more formulaic to me if you ask me. well not really formulaic but rather a step-step process. there are only so many grammar rules. it gets really easy when you catch the patterns and such.</p>
<p>I got an 11 the first time and a 12 the second time. It’s not hard if you’re a decent writer and can convey your message articulately.</p>
<p>Though the written part was my only strong point. The rest of my test scores were very low.</p>