The SAT Essay: Description, Timing and Strategies

A New 'Optional' Essay

Previously, the essay was the first part of SAT. Only 25 minutes were given to read a position and then make arguments. It was the completely unordered.

But with the revised SAT, essay section has changed. It is neither compulsory nor required to be attempted initially

You have now 50 minutes to attempt essay at the end. You are given context to which you have to read and then argue. You are advised to take SAT with essay to get yourself on safe side as it is required by some colleges even in application process. To know the strategies of attempting essay, stay tuned.

Facts About the Essay

Yes! You have made mind to attempt SAT with essay.

Following are the things you must know for that:

• The time allotted to write the essay is 50 minutes. It is a reasonable time.
• Be aware that the prompt is always the same.
• Analyze the argument presented in a passage.
• Evidence, reasoning, and style of the author must be kept under consideration.

Previous SAT demanded your own argument but now you have to tear the argument of author.

How to Time Your Essay

Time management is all the thing on SAT. As your essay have 50 minutes to be written, so you have enough time to work. Each have its own limits of time, so it could not be decided. Some spent time on analyzing the theme of passage and then write fast while others synthesize quickly and spent time to write.

• Firstly relax yourself as you have already attempted the parts of SAT continuously for three hours. And are going to perform the ending part of test. So, just chill and calm down.
• Planning is the second thing. Read the passage thoroughly, derive points, make notes and outlines to form structure.
• The third step is to mention and identify the arguments made by author as well as the evidences, examples and claims he made in his context. Be away to give your argument about the authors idea as it is not demanded on SAT. Just write on the part of writer.

Try to start with strong introduction sentences that would be followed by your conclusion. Split the essay in several paragraph and link each paragraph with each other. Put forward the claims, evidences and logics made by author. Use of transitions and stylistic tools would made your essay effective. Sum up the whole paragraphs in pre-conclusion paragraph and the move towards final note. Write clearly so your examiner would find ease in checking essay

Strategies for the Essay

By reading forward, you would learn several hints and tactics to mould the difficult passage into a comprehensive essay. These are 3 strategies:

Step 1: Don’t bother to read prompt. As it will always be same as you will see during practice. Do don’t waste time here.

Step 2: On moving forward, Coordinate your essay and revolve around the three main points by focusing the stylistics elements. Spend less time on reading so that you have reasonable time in moulding your dull expressions into the sardonic and sententious one.

Step 3: Don’t criticize the author. SAT dopes not ask you whether the author is saying correct rather it wants you to explain the writer’s standpoint.

Finally, proofread your essay so that you could recompense your errors.

Lesson Summary

SAT essay section is briefly explained above. You are advised to attempt SAT with essay as it would help you to apply in various colleges especially for which the essay is mandatory. You are told to read, analyses, and try to use the evidences, arguments, and claims provided by writer in a comprehensive and logical way by managing the 50 minutes. Finally, proofread your text at the end once or twice.