How to Write the New SAT Essay

THE ESSAY PROMPT

The prompt (question) shown below, or a nearly identical one, is used every time the new SAT is given.

As you read the passage below, consider how [the author] uses evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.

• evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.
• reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence.
• stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.

Write an essay in which you explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience that [author’s claim]. In your essay, analyze how [the author] uses one or more of the features listed above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of [his/her] argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage. Your essay should not explain whether you agree with [the author’s] claims, but rather explain how the author builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience.

Source: collegeboard.org

"All passages are taken from high-quality, previously published sources. While the specific style and content of the passages inevitably vary to some extent given the College Board’s commitment to using authentic texts with this task, the passages take the general form of what might be called arguments written for a broad audience. That is, the passages examine ideas, debates, trends, and the like in the arts, the sciences, and civic, cultural, and political life that have wide interest, relevance, and accessibility to a general readership. Passages tend not to be simple pro/con debates on issues but instead strive to convey nuanced views on complex subjects. They are notable, too, for their use of evidence, logical reasoning, and/or stylistic and persuasive elements. Text complexity of the passages is carefully monitored to ensure that the reading challenge is appropriate and comparable across administrations but not an insuperable barrier to students responding to the source text under timed conditions. Prior knowledge of the passages’ topics is not expected or required" (collegeboard.org).

How long should your essay be? 400 to 500 words is a good essay length (about two handwritten pages).

What type of text will you analyze? A primary source argumentative text approximately 650-750 words in length. The text will not be informative or expository (similar to passages you read in a standard textbook). The well-written passage will be a text composed by a specific author with a strong claim.

My Suggestions

For the new SAT Essay, you will need to read a short argumentative passage and write why it is effective. You should focus on the techniques that the author uses to create a convincing/persuasive argument. Essential to your response is proof--quoted words and phrases (keep quotes short) or paraphrased ideas/points. Most important in your response is the commentary/elaboration/examples of critical thinking that you provide. A good rule of thumb is to write two to three sentences of commentary/elaboration for each instance of effective rhetoric (skillful use of language or examples).

Important: Do not give your opinion or argue with the writer. Assume that the argument is well written and persuasive. Your task is to explain why the argument is effective through your analytical response.

Warning: If you write an essay full of many quotes and not enough elaboration/commentary (your ideas), you have written a poor response. If you simply write which techniques the author has used without commenting on how and why those techniques are effective, you have written a poor response--you are summarizing; not analyzing an argument.

Below is a list of ideas to consider. Not every example in the bulleted list may be appropriate; nor will you have time to write about each instance of effective writing. You must be selective. You have only fifty minutes to read, brainstorm ideas, and write your essay. Choose the examples that most convince you of the author's main claim and write why. Aim to write a two-page essay (five paragraphs--seven sentence paragraphs are substantive; short paragraphs show a lack of developed thinking). Your introductory and concluding paragraph need not be long. If you are pressed for time, tag a concluding sentence onto the end of your last body paragraph so that your response seems complete:

• ethos (How does the author establish credibility and exactly why does that credibility add to the argument?)
• logos (What facts, statistics, appeals to authority, convincing anecdotes, specific examples does the author use?) How and why are the examples of logos effective?
• pathos (How does the author use emotional appeals to persuade?) How and why are the examples of pathos effective?
• Is the main claim well supported? Which supporting examples are most effective and how and why do they strengthen the argument? 
• Does the author effectively address counterclaims and prove that his/her claim/point of view is more convincing? What examples/proof is provided to rebut or refute another person's claim (counterclaim)? Which particular rebuttals or counterclaims are especially effective? How? Why?
• Does the author make any concessions? A concession is an acknowledgment that the author considers some aspect of an opposing argument valid. By conceding a point, the author demonstrates his/her fairness and willingness to admit that other people make good points, which adds to the credibility of the author of the argument in front of you.
• Consider the organization/structure of the argument. How and why is the order of the material presented convincing? How and why are the choices that the author makes strategic?
• Comment on the tone/voice of the author, if appropriate. In what ways, does he/she sound fair and reasonable? What is your proof? How does the author create this effect? Where in the text especially?
• Does the author utilize sub-claims (additional "mini-argumentative" points) that further support the main claim? What are those sub-claims and how and why are they particularly effective?
• How are the diction (word choice) and syntax (phrasing) effective? Does the sentence structure and writing style make you more likely to side with the author? Which particular sentences are very well written and convincing? How and why?
• Is there description/imagery/vivid language? Which particular examples are effective? How and why?
• How is the overall (mood) of the piece appropriate and why does the mood strengthen the main argument/assertion/claim? For example, maybe the mood is passionate and/or enthusiastic. How and why does the enthusiasm persuade you? Which words show enthusiasm and passion?
• Are there instances of figurative language--similes, metaphors, personification, etc? How and why is the author's use of figurative language effective? Cite and comment on why specific examples are persuasive.
• Does the author ever directly address the reader? Why is this effective? How do you relate to the point he/she is making?
• Does the author use rhetorical questions? How and why are they effective?
• Does the author use historical or literary allusions? How and why are they effective?