SAT
Essay Don’ts
1. Do not use YOU or
I on the essay. This is a persuasive essay not a personal essay. Your job is to
pick a side and prove the assignment. If you are using a personal experience,
then it’s ok to say I. At Kweller Prep, however, we suggest you do not use
personal experiences in your essay. Use historical examples or books.
2. Do not use more
than two examples. You only need 2 examples to get a 12 (perfect score on the
essay, so why use more?)
3. Do not write more
than 4 paragraphs. The SAT essay should look like this: ½ page paragraph 1; ½
page paragraph 2; ½ page paragraph 3; ½ page paragraph 4.
4. Do not put too
much information into paragraph 1. You only need to introduce example 1 and
introduce example 2 into your first paragraph.
5. Do not overlap
your paragraphs. For example paragraph 2 should only be dedicated to your first
example. Paragraph 3 should only be dedicated to your second example. Your
introduction should only introduce example one and example two. We don’t need to know all about it.
6. Do not throw in
the kitchen sink into your SAT essay. You need to write just enough on the SAT
essay to prove your point.
7. Do not deviate
from the assignment. Your assignment is where you get
points!!!
8. Do not argue both
sides. Pick only one side and argue only that one side. This is a persuasive
essay; do not be tempted to argue each side. Your job is to prove the assignment
using 2 examples (not three) and to do this in two solid pages.
9. Do not NOT finish
the essay. You need to write until the very last line, the highest score you can
get is a 9 if you do not write to the very last line.
10. Do not repeat
words. Use synonyms instead of using the same word numerous times. For example
do not use the word “people” 10 times, do not use the word “success” 10
times.
11. Do not switch from
script to print. Stick to print if possible. Begin with a sharpened pencil. Do
not use a mechanical pencil. Do not use a lot scratch marks. Use an eraser
rather than scribbling over your words. If you write in script, you must press
down firmly on the paper, and be consistent with your choice of handwriting.
Make sure you always use a traditional wooden pencil for your essay.
12. Do not think too
much about what to write. You will only have 25 minutes to write the entire
essay from start to finish. You should spend no more than 1 minute thinking
about 2 topics. GO INTO THE EXAM with at least 15 topics that you are
comfortable writing about; 5 books, 5 historical examples, and 5 people. There
is no such a thing as a bad example so long as you always connect it to your
thesis statement.
13. Do not make the
essay too short. It has to be horizontally and vertically very long. You need to
have at least 8 words per line. If you have very big hand writing, practice
writing smaller.
14. Do not use simple
words. The purpose of this essay is to get into college. College bound students
need to have college bound vocabulary. You are learning hundreds of SAT words;
use them in your essay.
15. Do not use
sentences without a transition. Start every sentence with a good transitional
word. Examples being however, thus,
furthermore, in fact. Using the word “thus” makes you look
smart.
16. Do NOT forget your
grammar skills. Either-or neither-nor. One teacher teaches, other teachers
teach.
17. Do NOT stop
writing. Keep writing until your hand begins to hurt J REMEMBER you need
to write 2 full pages.
18. Do not look at
other people in the room while you are writing your essay. They are a
distraction.
19. Do not look at
College Board for sample SAT essays. They post essays to trick or mislead you!
Remember this company is making billions by misleading you.
20. Even if the kid
next to you pukes/ throws up, keep writing! No matter what, keep writing.
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