Conquering the SAT Writing Exam

The SAT test is one which is taken by students before they secure admission to any college across America. Taking the SAT test is mandatory, and its score is relevant while securing admission to a college of your choice. The score obtained on the SAT test help gaining admission, and also in securing financial assistance while studying.

In order to be able to perform optimally in college, it is vital that certain broad functions like problem solving, critical reasoning, proficiency in the English language and writing skills be a part of the student’s repertoire. Normally, it is difficult to compare students who have studied in various parts of the country in schools of different grade. Add to these students of foreign nationality aspiring for admission to the college, and it is virtually impossible to assess the students on a common platform. This is what the SAT test allows.

Writing is one section of the SAT test. This section has sub sections within it, which test the student on various parameters. Broadly, you will find one part which consists of questions which have multiple choices as solutions, while the other requires an essay to be written and submitted. In the multiple choice section, you will have to correct incorrect sentences, complete sentences correctly, and also arrange sentences in their logical sequence. You will also be presented a paragraph which is laden with errors. The tasks include improving the quality of text, presenting them correctly in a logical sequence, and also suggesting ways in which changes may be incorporated to make the paragraph more readable.

The essay section requires the most focus and skill. When tackling the SAT test, this is the first section that you will come across. You will be given a broad head under which you will have to write. The topics are extremely general so that they may be handled by all students regardless of their social and cultural orientation. The essays are often a presentation of opinion or idea. The duration within which the essay needs to be completed is twenty five minutes. All essays must be written using a number 2 pencil alone. These are assessed by two readers who have been trained, and the results are added to give a final score which ranges between two and twelve.

Preparing for the SAT writing test requires a lot of reading. Make a habit of this well before you actually begin to study for the exam. You should try and enrich your vocabulary, and also get as much practice as you can. There is plenty of reading and practice material which is easily available, and you should try and get your own set while you can. Dedicate time to taking mock tests so that you will be able to handle the pressure of tackling many questions in a limited time frame. Read up on different goings on around the world and form your own opinions, which will stand you in good stead while writing your essay. You should also make it a practice to read editorials which offer interesting perspectives on an array of topics.

Author Bio: This article is written by Ted Mosbii on behalf of Georgetown Learning Centers. GLC provides Academic & SAT Tutoring in Northern Virginia (Mclean, Great Falls) and Charlottesville. For more details, please visit www.learnglc.com

Category: Education
Keywords: Sat, sat writing test, sat test, sat exam, sat writing

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