TASK 3: WRITING
The previous chapter covered the first two tasks required to develop your essay: Reading and Analysis.
Now we turn to the third and final task: writing the essay. According to ETS and the College Board, your
Writing score will be based on whether you:
- make use of a central claim
- use effective organization and progression of ideas
- use varied sentence structures
- employ precise word choice
- maintain consistent, appropriate style and tone
- show command of the conventions of standard written English
This is also where you show your grader that you have read, understood, and analyzed the text.
SAT ESSAY TEMPLATE
Introduction
Your introduction needs to do three things:
- Describe the text. This is where you’ll bring in the SOAPS points. This can be done in one
sentence. - Paraphrase the argument. This is where you’ll show your grader that you understand the text
by concisely summing up the main points and the overall message of the text. The Reading score
comes from your demonstration of comprehension of the text. - Introduce the examples you will be discussing in the body paragraphs. You will establish a
framework in your introduction that you should then follow for the rest of the essay.
Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs will focus on different appeals or style elements the author uses to effectively
communicate the argument. Each body paragraph will need to do the following:
- Name and explain the rhetorical device or appeal.
- Where is it in the text?
- Use short, relevant quotes to show you understand the text and the rhetorical device, but do not
rely on long excerpts from the passage. In order to get a high score, you need to use your
words to explain what’s going on.
- Identify the effects of the author’s rhetorical choices.
- Explain the connection between the rhetorical device/appeal and the text, and your argument in