SAT essay

[Faithr]

What's the best way to prepare a student for the essay portion of the SAT?

This is a young man who is quite a good writer, if he can type with spell check. However, handwriting and spelling are so not his forte.

What would you do to help prepare him?

Thanks!

[Chris in VA]

I'd go ahead and get a test prep book specifically on the essay. He needs to learn to think on his feet a bit, and learn to find 3 points (they give you the thesis, which is a big help) and make an intro and 3 paragraphs, plus a conclusion. Each of the points gets developed into a paragraph. It's your standard, persuasive 5 paragraph essay. Unless it's not--there is a chance it could be another sort (not persuasive--can't think of the word--). Get him used to writing an essay in 25 minutes. Practice actually writing helps a lot.

[langfam]

This workbook was very helpful. DD got a near perfect score on the writing section of the SAT after using this. Her PSAT score was very average. She also wrote one timed essay each week for about 12 or 14 weeks using the essay prompts in Daily Warm-ups series.

http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Workbook-New-SAT-Barrons/dp/0764132210/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217551973&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Warm-Ups-Reading-Writing-Level/dp/082515877X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217552257&sr=8-3

[Karen in Florida]

I remembered seeing a Rubric for the essay, so I googled it and came up with several. This one is a good clear one:

http://blog.eprep.com/2006/12/04/sat-essay-rubric

It is what the Pearson Essay graders actually use. Spelling and even wrong facts are not counted against you. It's about correct grammar, sentence structure and logical communication of the point being made.

For example you could reference Moby Dick written by Jane Austin, and if all the grammar and logic weren't correct it would not cost you! Isn't that crazy?

My advice on the penmanship issue is to work on being as legible as possible. The grader will be reading a scanned copy of exactly what he wrote on their computer screen. It helps to be able to read it. *grin*

Pratice, practice, practice! Including literature, personal experience and cultural references will improve the score as long as you logically support the reference.

His practice will build his confidence and then he will not be distracted by nervousness during the real thing. Using the above referenced grading tool will help you pinpoint his weaknesses.

This site has good sample prompts:

http://www.majortests.com/sat/essay-topics.php


May God bless your efforts!
Karen in Florida

[Luann in ID]

What's the best way to prepare a student for the essay portion of the SAT?

This is a young man who is quite a good writer, if he can type with spell check. However, handwriting and spelling are so not his forte.

What would you do to help prepare him?

Thanks!

My decent writer/*horrid* speller (and his handwriting is pretty bad too) managed a 10 on the essay. I was thrilled. We used Pudewa's SAT prep course and weekly practice timed essays. Pudewa's course is great. I highly recommend it.

[langfam]

Luann,
Where I can find Pudewa's SAT prep course? Thanks!

[Luann in ID]

Luann,
Where I can find Pudewa's SAT prep course? Thanks!

It's the High School Essay Intensive here: http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/index.php?q=product/high-school-essay-intensive

Also available through Rainbow Resource here: http://rainbowresource.com/search.php?sid=1217601237-92517

[langfam]

Thanks!

[Faithr]

Thanks so much! These are great resources. I appreciate all the advice!

[langfam]

http://www.curriculumconnection.net/highschoolessayint.htm

This website has free shipping. for IEW products.