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SAT (Fall 2023)
Course: SAT (Fall 2023) > Unit 7
Lesson 1: The SAT Essay: overviewThe SAT Essay: What to expect
An overview of the SAT Essay.
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Some of my friends who have already taken sat says that focusing in essay is almost a wrong choice. They said that while I have time I need to be practicing more on language and writing and in the same time to reading. As my opinion as they say we do not actually need any formulas in math I think we should only practice a lot and have some hint. I want to knoow what you think aboout it. Shall we really need to use more colorful words instead of basic ones or will not even have time for guessing it.(13 votes)
If you are a very good writer than you should fell free to use big impressive words but if you are a little uncomfortable with righting an essay in the small allotted time, do not try to use words that you would not normally use. The reason I say this is that you will find yourself using very impressive words but in the wrong spots. When the essay is reviewed, the person scoring you might be put off he/ or she sees that you are trying to sound smart but don't even know what you are saying. For example, you wouldn't want to use the word "shall" instead of "should" just because it sounds more smart. You might later realize that you misused the word...(55 votes)
I am a very good essay writer, but I never hand write my essays and I go through many revisions before completion. As I realize that I will not have time to revise, how would you suggest that I write? How long should the essay be? Also, do you have any tips on handwriting techniques that will make my handwriting both clear and quick? Thanks.(13 votes)
Definitely make an outline first, there's a planning page in the packet. Make note of ethos, pathos, logos, reasonings, or any stylistic elements like rhetorical devices. An outline allows you to format your thoughts and get right to the point, so take notes while reading the essay and then take a few minutes to jot down a quick outline.
Other people in the comments are saying that you want to fill it in a lot without using too much fluff. Try to use at least 3 of the 4 pages.
Can't help you on handwriting though, mine's horrid as it is.
Good luck!(15 votes)
Is the SAT Essay similar to the AP English Language essays? Can our scores on AP English Lang be used as a predictor of how well we do on the SAT essay?(9 votes)
I find the prompt to be essentially the same as the AP Lang prompt - both asking to analyse a writer's/speaker's rhetoric (ethos, logos, pathos). It seems to me from SAT high scoring examples, they're looking more for clarity, and that may come across as simple writing; whereas in AP Lang, they seem more biased towards essays with more impressive command of diction and writing fluency. Such as, the SAT prefers "firstly, secondly, lastly, etc" but in AP Lang my teacher taught me to transition using subordination (absolutely hated what he called "elementary school transitions") and to stand out more, use figurative language to describe effect on audience (basically, not just being able recognising the language devices and how they work in passages, but using them in your own writing as well.) Also, in AP Lang you can get away without a conclusion or even an introduction paragraph (as long as there is a clear thesis) which does not suffice with the SAT essay. However, I scored medium on the SAT prompt in March, but scored high on the AP Test in May. Perhaps writing the SAT essay with an AP Lang mindset was my downfall.
I have heard from other friends how AP Lang was very helpful for SAT, and others who disagree - so I unfortunately don't have a clear consensus.
Despite the inconsistencies with scoring, AP Lang definitely prepares in the basic skills of timed writing - how to manage your time, analyse effectively, make a clear and effective thesis, outline, etc.(17 votes)
- How exactly does Khan Academy score the essay practices on the practice test? I think it's automatic, but how accurate is such a algorithm in the first place?(13 votes)
What is the word limit for the New SAT essay?(1 vote)- while there is no word limit, you are limited by the space provided to write the eassy. for all practical purposes 4 pgs, the given amount of space to write, is more than enough.(4 votes)
- Will you be given lined or plain paper for writing the essay? I would like to know as I would like to practice with the right materials.(7 votes)
Lined paper, they wouldn't give you plain paper. The essay is similar to the ACT essay only you analyze and authors piece.(3 votes)
When I take the SAT, should even do the essay portion of the test since it's optional? Is there any benefit to doing that part of the test?(3 votes)
It certainly depends on what college you are planning to enter. Some colleges might make the essay portion optional or vice versa. It is, however, recommended for you to take the essay portion of the test as it displays your reading, writing and analyzing skills to the particular college.(6 votes)
Exactly how long should your essay be for these SAT essays?(3 votes)- Length doesn't matter. It the same as any AP FRQ or ACT essay, it can be a full 7 pages and score a 4/8 or 2-3 pages and score a 7/8 (supposedly). What matters is content, what you wrote down matters more to the grader than how long it is. And keep in mind the more concise but well written essay you have the higher chance your score will be good, compared to a student who writes 5 paragraphs to get to their main argument. Make it easy for you and the grader, aim for about 1.5-3 pages, don't use all 4 pages.(4 votes)
so this is basically rhetorical analysis?(4 votes)- Yes. You analyze how the author develops his or her argument and you have to identify and analyze how it builds and strengthens their argument.(2 votes)
- Can i type my essay for the sat, i dont like righting.(3 votes)
No that is not an option at this time(1 vote)
Video transcript
The SAT consists of tests in Reading, Writing and Language,
and Math – plus an optional Essay. This video focuses on the Essay test. The SAT Essay provides you with a great opportunity to showcase
your reading, analysis, and writing skills, which are fundamental to demonstrating college and career readiness. To complete this section,
you’ll have 50 minutes to read a passage and write an essay analyzing how the author built his or her argument.
Here’s an example of an essay prompt. In this example, you are asked to explain how Peter S. Goodman persuades
his audience that news organizations should increase the amount of foreign news coverage they provide to people in the United States.
You would analyze how Goodman uses one or more of the features listed listed in the box — evidence, reasoning, stylistic elements (or
features of your own choice) — to strengthen the logic of his argument. Make sure your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of
the passage. The essay task will always be the same. While the passage will vary, it will always be a piece in which
the author is making a claim and trying to persuade the audience to agree with a specific position. Don’t worry about being familiar
with the subject. The passage will always be about a general topic and will not require you to bring any prior knowledge to the task. Remember: don’t summarize the information in the passage — discuss
how the author constructs the argument. Focus on how the author uses evidence, reasoning, and other techniques to make the writing
convincing, persuasive, and powerful. When you receive your SAT scores, you will receive three scores
for the SAT Essay, each on a total scale of 2 to 8. These scores will remain separate and will not be combined with
your Reading or Writing and Language Test scores. The scores you receive on the SAT Essay will give you important
feedback about your strengths in reading: how well you understood the passage; analysis: how well you analyzed the author’s argument;
and writing: how well you structured your response. Your scores will also help you see what you need to work on. You’re in the right place to learn more about the
SAT Essay Test – right here on Khan Academy. So, let’s get started with some free hands-on practice!