Overview: Following Directions
Standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT allow a relatively small amount of time for students to develop meaningful responses on the essay portion. Examiners expect students to follow their initial directions, such as writing in pencil rather than pen, writing in the provided space on the answer sheet, and paying attention to time limits. In order to maximize writing time, they provide the topic and give important clues to the writing plan.
The Quotation
Before the questions for the writing assignment, examiners present a short excerpt or quotation. This usually sets the tone for the essay that students are to write. It may be something well-known from literature, such as a quote from Shakespeare, or a scenario from everyday life. However, the purpose for the quotation may not be apparent until the assignment a paragraph later.
The Assignment
These questions make the quotation explicit, and provide structure for the student essay. If the question is asked to develop and defend opinion or point of view about a topic, stay on that topic. Students are asked to support their position, and are given the types of evidence to use. Points are awarded for logical reasoning in a connected thread, good use of readings and literature, as well as life experiences and observation.
Prewriting
Even though the essay is only 25 minutes long (30 for the ACT), it is best to spend at least 5 of them on a plan of action. During this time, jot down notes about strategy and what the assignment is about. Write a brief outline, only a few words, giving the structure of your essay. It doesn’t have to be perfect or fully realized. Those few words will lead to many others.
Writing the Body of the Essay
The introduction is developed from the outline in the prewriting portion. Clearly state a position if the main question asks for a point of view. The next paragraphs elaborate the point of view, stating clear examples from readings, experience, and observations. It is important to develop those examples as fully as possible in the short time frame, and it is permissible to use “I”. The conclusion shows how the writer has developed their point of view and answered the questions given in the assignment portion
Proofreading, Transitions, Editing
During the last five minutes of writing, reread quickly, fix any spelling errors, add transitions, and do any final editing that needs to be done. Since the test has to be taken in pencil to receive credit, it is easier to erase and correct misspellings, add or subtract punctuation, or even neatly add a word here and there . Practice essays written long before taking the actual test will help build skill for the test day itself.
