The SAT Essay is a crucial part of the SAT exam, which many students find intimidating. However, with the right preparation and guidance, you can ace this section and boost your overall test score. In this article, we’ll explore the SAT Essay 2017, its purpose, structure, and scoring criteria. We’ll also provide some helpful tips and strategies to help you write a winning essay.
Key Takeaways:
- The SAT Essay 2017 is an optional section of the SAT exam.
- The essay is scored separately and forms part of the Writing section score, which ranges from 200-800 points.
- The essay requires you to analyze an argument and explain how the author builds their case.
- The essay is 50 minutes long and is a response to a prompt that requires critical reasoning and analysis.
Purpose of the SAT Essay 2017
The primary purpose of the SAT Essay 2017 is to test your ability to:
- Analyze an argument critically
- Explain how the author builds their argument
- Use evidence from the text to support your claims
- Write clearly and coherently
The essay section of the SAT is optional, but many universities require it for admissions. Therefore, it is essential to prepare and perform well in this section if you want to secure admission in a top-tier university.
Structure of the SAT Essay 2017
The SAT Essay 2017 is a standardized test that follows a specific format. The essay is 50 minutes long and requires you to analyze an argument critically. Here’s what to expect from the essay structure:
Essay Prompt
The essay prompt is a passage of about 650-750 words that presents an argument. You are required to analyze the argument and explain how the author builds their case. Some prompts may ask you to compare the author’s argument with another perspective or point of view.
Reading
During the reading phase, take about 5-7 minutes to read the essay prompt carefully. Highlight key points, evidence, and other relevant features of the argument.
Analysis
The analysis phase requires you to analyze the author’s argument critically. Focus on how the author builds their argument, including:
- The author’s use of evidence
- The author’s use of rhetorical devices, such as metaphors, allusions, and the like
- The author’s tone and style
Planning
After analyzing the author’s argument, spend about 5 minutes outlining your essay. Your outline should include a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Writing
Writing your essay should take up the majority of your time. In the writing phase, you will:
- Introduce the author’s argument
- Explain how the author builds their argument
- Use evidence from the text to support your claims
- Write clearly and coherently
Your essay should be well-structured, coherent, and free of grammatical errors.
Scoring Criteria
The SAT Essay 2017 is graded on three criteria:
- Reading
- Analysis
- Writing
Each criterion is scored on a scale of 1-4. Your score in each area is then combined to give you a score out of 24. Some key scoring criteria include:
- Responding to the prompt
- Demonstrating critical analysis skills
- Incorporating evidence from the text
- Using appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure
Tips & Strategies
To write a winning SAT Essay 2017, consider the following tips and strategies:
- Understand the prompt
- Analyze the argument critically
- Write a clear and concise introduction
- Use specific examples from the text to support your claims
- Use strong transitional phrases
- Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Conclusion
The SAT Essay 2017 measures your ability to critically analyze an argument and communicate your ideas effectively. By understanding the structure of the essay, the scoring criteria, and some helpful tips and strategies, you can prepare and perform well in this section. With hard work and dedication, you can get your desired scores and impress your university admissions committee.
FAQ
Q: Is the SAT Essay section mandatory?
A: The SAT Essay section is optional. However, many universities require it for admissions. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your university admissions office to see if an essay score is necessary.
Q: Can I prepare for the SAT Essay section?
A: Yes, you can prepare for the SAT Essay section by reading critically, practicing analyzing arguments, and honing your writing skills. There are many resources available online, including sample essays, essay prompts, and test-taking strategies that can help you prepare for the SAT essay section.