The essay portion of the SAT exam, while discontinued for the general SAT administration, is still available for certain state partners as part of SAT School Day administrations. It occupies a 50-minute period, during which you will read, analyze, and comment on an author’s success at building an argument. You won’t need to decide if you agree or disagree with the author, but you will need to find evidence that the author did a good job or that he/she failed in any way. You will only write one essay based on one prompt and the reading of a 650- to 750-word passage.
The essay portion of the SAT exam is always the last section you will take. It is given after all of the multiple-choice sections. This allows students who choose not to take the optional essay test to complete their tasks and leave the test center.
All essays will be written in an essay booklet (separate from the test booklet containing the reading passage you will analyze) that will be provided at the test center. You will complete the essay in your own handwriting and only within the pages of the essay booklet. You may not write in the booklet containing the reading passage.
The same, or virtually the same, introduction and directions are used for all administrations of the SAT exam essay. Only the given reading passage will differ, but it will always be an argumentative or persuasive piece on a topic considered to be general knowledge. The directions will tell you exactly what to do.
Unlike many other essay tests, the SAT exam essay will not ask you to recount one of your past experiences or voice your opinion on an issue. In fact, your score will be higher if you rely solely on the material contained in the reading passage you are given to analyze. Combine that with your analytical and writing skills, and you’ll have the objective essay the test is seeking.
As you approach this test, it is important to consider just how your response will be scored. Two trained people will review your essay, and each one of them will assess the following three areas of performance and give you a score between 1 and 4 points, on each skill. These scores are based on a detailed scoring “rubric,” or set of guidelines, that is very specific. Then, the two scores for each skill area are added and you will receive an essay score of 2–8 points for each area.
Here is a brief description of the skill areas, or “dimensions” that will be assessed. You can find a detailed explanation of what constitutes the scores between 1 and 4. Looking at it will help you know exactly what level of writing is expected for each score level.
Yes, your reading ability is assessed in this writing test. While the test does not ask comprehension questions, your level of understanding will become very apparent through your writing. Scorers will consider things like your use and the interrelation of text details in your writing. You have to really understand a passage to do these things well.
Scorers will be looking for insight in your writing as proof you can analyze the given argumentative passage. Things like finding evidence in the passage and your commentary on the author’s style and use of writing conventions will be important. Citing support for every assertion you make in your essay is key. This evidence must be explicitly stated or implied in the given passage and you must point it out in your writing.
A high score on the SAT exam essay will also reflect your actual writing ability. Your essay will be evaluated for organization, language usage, sentence structure, and correct use of Standard Written English. Note that the scorers are looking for a formally written, objective essay—one that is free of errors and free of opinion. All statements must be based on something stated in the passage you read.
While you will be looking for specific statements by the author that support his/her argument, a major focus should be on how the statements were used. Were they just listed, all at once, or did the author take time to connect the reader through explanation? What kinds of examples were given and are they relevant to the author’s argument? Did the author rely too much on one piece of evidence and, thereby, weaken the argument? How can you use evidence when you write?
A writer can produce a very long passage, yet say nothing that really supports an argument. Examine the reasoning of the author and be sure the reasoning in your writing is sound and not just “fluff.” Does it speak to the point and is it valid? What is the premise of the author’s argument and is that premise true or valid? What assumptions does the author make and are they accurate and true? Finally, does the conclusion to which the author comes make sense, in light of the evidence he/she has presented? Is there anything missing from the argument? These are all questions that will help you formulate a well-written essay.
A writer’s style can make all the difference in passage effectiveness. The organization and structure of a passage are important. Sometimes, it is important to deal with the most important and strongest points first. For other purposes, authors may build to the strongest point, in a sort of “save the best for last” method. Know what style and structure to use for different purposes and be able to analyze what kind of style and structure the writer of a passage uses. For example, some writers use repetition of a phrase to emphasize a point. Others may use a questioning format to introduce topics, thus engaging the reader.
While basic structure and content form the skeleton of an essay, the particular words you use help flesh it out and can make your argument more effective. Look for varied and appropriate word usage in your writing and the writing of others. Develop an extensive vocabulary in both reading and writing. This does not mean that you should strictly pepper your writing with high-level words. Scorers will be looking for variety and appropriate use, so be sure you really understand the meaning of the words you use.
If you find that you make a lot of mistakes in grammar, punctuation, or spelling, take some time for extra practice in these areas and learn to spot mistakes. Be sure you know the rules. This will be important during the essay test as you proofread your finished essay. One important thing to watch for is the use of commonly confused words, like affect and effect. Part of your essay score will reflect errors of this type.