The Sat Essay Formula: That Gets High Scores

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by Andrew Carson

All high school and college students know that getting good marks on essay tests is one of their biggest tasks in any academic year. If you can learn how to consistently write good essays then you will have gained an academic tool that will be of immense value to you in the coming years. In case you need some tips on how to be a better essay writer, then I would like to share my experience with you.

1. Take a careful look at the exam and plan your response accordingly. Don’t start writing immediately. Go through all of the questions carefully and find out how many questions you have to do and see if there are any choices that you can make. If you start writing without a careful look at the entire exam there is even the chance that you may leave out a question, and this could cost you dearly.

2. Budget your time and make an outline of your essay. Once you know how many questions there are and which ones you have to answer, then it is crucial that you allocate your available time for each part of the test. Carry a watch with you because you may not get a seat with a good view of the clock. Besides time budgeting it is also a good practice to plan what you are going to write by creating an outline of the points that you are going to cover. When your outline is ready, then start writing and stay within the allotted time for each question.

3. Start off with a good introductory paragraph. Your first few sentences can influence the whole essay, either positively or negatively. So start it right by restating the question and then give a sketch of how you are going to tackle the question. This introductory paragraph will prepare the teacher for what is coming next and it will also help guide you through the next part of the essay.

4. Demonstrate your knowledge of the course material. In the main body of the essay, following the opening and before the conclusion, you have to show that you are familiar with what was taught in the classes and what was covered in the reading assignments. If you express any opinions on the subject, then it is important to back your ideas up with references to other authors, books and authorities in your field. Don’t try to cover up your deficiencies with flowery language. Rather it is better to concentrate on what you remember and what you really know about the topic.

5. Write simply but intelligently. In order to do well on any essay test it is important to prepare and assimilate the course material, but it is also important to be able to communicate clearly and efficiently. It is not a good idea to use or misuse terms that you are not familiar with. Make it easy for your instructor to read your essay, and remember that she might have 40 other essays to read as well!

6. Finish it off with a good concluding paragraph. Summarize everything that you have said in the last paragraph. You can point to items you were setting out to accomplish in your introduction, and tie it all up with a sentence or two that demonstrates your mastery of the subject.

If you follow these tips, and work on developing your writing skills you will not only do well on your essays in school, but will have acquired a valuable skill that will help you throughout your entire life.