Preparing for the SAT Essay section

The SAT ® writing section consists of multiple-choice questions (35 minutes) and 1 essay writing (25 minutes). The essay sub-score contributes about 30% toward the entire writing section score, which will be placed on the College Board 200 to 800 scale.

2 readers will independently score your essay on a scale of 1 to 6, hence a combined score ranging from 2 to 12. These readers, who are experienced high school teachers and college professors, are extensively trained to score the essays using a holistic approach and the SAT essay scoring guide. (In holistic scoring, your essay will be read in its entirety rather than feature by feature, and will be scored based on the overall impression.)

Note however that you should not let loose on the conventions of standard written English. Pay attention to choice of words, syntax and mechanics, structure and style, in order to precisely communicate your point. Just remember, the first impression is the last impression.

Colleges will receive a copy of the essay along with the SAT scores. Therefore, your essay writing sub-score serves more than just part of your overall score. It indicates how effectively you communicate to others what you understand, develop ideas and express your viewpoint on the subject under timed conditions.

Here are some suggested tactics for you to practice writing with and apply during the tests.

Time Allocation:

Study the SAT essay topic carefully and understand what is asked of you.(1 minute)
Develop your thesis/point of view.(1 minute)
Collecting and sorting supporting evidence or arguments.(2 minutes)
Write an informal outline on the test booklet to organize your thoughts and group ideas.(2 minutes)
Start writing (17minutes) - introduction and conclusion will probably take 2 minutes each, so gauge the time available for the essay body.
Proofreading and correction. (2 minutes)

Total - 25 minutes

Outline - To efficiently use your time, get used to this approach and jot down ideas beside the bullet points:

Introduction (3 minutes)
Body (10 minutes)
Reasoning A
    Support A1
    Support A2
Reasoning B
    Support B1
    Support B2
Reasoning C
    Support C1
    Support C2
Conclusion (4 minutes)

Note: The SAT essay allows any style of writing. The outline listed here is for general reference only. You may not have time to write 5 or more paragraphs. Remember, it's the substance that counts.

Paragraphs in an essay:

Introduction

most important paragraph
identifies the topic
states the point of view or thesis
attention-catching comments
limits detailed information, save supporting evidence for the body of the essay

Body of the essay

presents strong evidence and illustrations, examples, observations
supports are organized in a logical and relevant sequence
the paragraphs though separate, must connect with the thesis and be coherent with each other
if you have to and/or are able to attack arguments against your view, introduce and refute them immediately
ends with the strongest point

Conclusion

second most important paragraph
it is not a summary
reemphasizes the thesis
does not repeat the introduction or lists what has been said
does not contain new evidence or arguments
may suggest how the point of view is applicable to other situations

Reminders on the essay:

(See scoring guide and check which category your usual writings may fall under. )

Write forcefully, use clear active verbs
Vary sentence structures to make your essay interesting
Connect thoughts with Transitions: therefore, consequently, in addition etc.
Use effective vocabulary, choose words carefully
Eliminate jargon or clichés
Pay attention to spelling, punctuation, grammar and mechanics
Avoid wordiness and redundancy
Be precise, a good writing will consists about 300-400 words
Mind neatness and handwriting- you will write on 2 pages with 46 lines with pencil
Stay on target, do not discuss ideas that do not support your point of view

Disclaimer
All of the above suggestions are strictly opinion of Essay-Practice, students are free to choose their own writing style during the tests.