474 McGRAW-HILL’S SAT
Practice Essay 10
Time—25 minutesDirections for Writing the EssayPlan and write an essay that answers the question below. Do NOT write on another topic. An essay on
another topic will receive a score of 0.
Two readers will grade your essay based on how well you develop your point of view, organize and ex-
plain your ideas, use specific and relevant examples to support your thesis, and use clear and effective
language. How well you write is much more important than how much you write, but to cover the topic
adequately you should plan to write several paragraphs.
Your essay must be written only on the lines provided on your answer sheet. You will have enough space
if you write on every line, avoid wide margins, and keep your handwriting to a reasonable size. Your essay
will be read by people who are not familiar with your handwriting, so write legibly.
You may use this sheet for notes and outlining, but these will not be graded as part of your essay.Consider carefully the issue discussed in the following passage, then write an essay that answers the ques-
tion posed in the assignment.We love best not what gives the greatest pleasure, but what comes through the greatest
effort, because this effort provides meaning. A plastic medallion received after completing
a marathon is not just a $2.00 trinket, but the representation of months of effort and sacri-
fice. The best things in life are not free, but come at the expense of hard work.Assignment: Do we love things most that come at a great cost, or are the best things in life truly
free?Write an essay in which you answer this question and discuss your point of view
on this issue. Support your position logically with examples from literature, the arts, his-
tory, politics, science and technology, current events, or your experience or observation.Note:Write your practice essay on two pages of standard lined paper.