Mastering the SAT Essay: Prompts, Scoring, and Preparation

Feb 3, 2024

SAT is a globally recognized standardized test judging the English and Mathematical capabilities of the students. After passing their high schools, the SAT scores decide candidates’ admission into universities in Australia, the UK, Canada, and the USA. The examination has witnessed a changed format, with the SAT essay part being optional. Let’s discover more about it!

What is the Current SAT Exam Format?

The SAT exam has witnessed the discontinuation of the subject tests. At the same time, the essay test remains discontinued and open only for special circumstances. The students have to choose the SAT essay exam if demanded by the SAT School Day administrators. Considering the current format, the SAT exam will now have one Reading section, Writing, and Language section, along with a Math test in a digital manner.

Discontinuing the negative marking, the questions will be mostly MCQ-based, while few need Mathematics skills. Further, the use of a calculator is allowed, and the exam duration is 180 minutes or three hours. The inclusion of the SAT essay section will offer an additional 50 minutes to take the exam. The possible SAT score range is from 400 to 1600.

What is the Scoring Method of the SAT Essay Exam?

For the students still required to take the SAT essay exam, the scoring method is as follows:

Two different people individually score the essay after a thorough reading
The criteria for judgment and scoring are reading, analysis, and writing
Each evaluator judges the essay with a score ranging between 1 to 4 points
The scores awarded by the two invigilators will be added for each criterion
Students will receive three different scores ranging between 2 to 8 points
The SAT essay score does not include composite points or percentiles

What is a SAT Essay Prompt and How to Answer It?

The SAT essay exam takers should be familiar with the essay question structure. The students are required to thoroughly read the passage of 650 to 750 words and the corresponding SAT essay prompt and accordingly curate their essays. The SAT essay exam is concerned with testing the analytical ability of the candidate. They are tasked with analysis of the author’s argument in terms of reasoning, evidence usage, and other rhetoric techniques such as purpose, medium, and context.

Candidates are expected to expand their horizons from simply sharing their opinions to summarizing the passage. The candidates are judged based on their ability to break down and demonstrate their in-depth understanding. A strategy on how to answer the essay is most helpful to score well.

What Are SAT Essay Prompts?

As stated, the SAT essay prompts include a passage and essay question. We have enlisted for you the 7 SAT essay questions. Click on the links to find the passage and further details associated with the specific essay question.

Essay 1: Write an essay in which you explain how Jimmy Carter builds an argument to persuade his audience that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should not be developed for industry.

Essay 2: Write an essay in which you explain how Martin Luther King Jr. builds an argument to persuade his audience that American involvement in the Vietnam War is unjust.

Essay 3: Write an essay in which you explain how Eliana Dockterman builds an argument to persuade her audience that there are benefits to early exposure to technology.

Essay 4: Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved.

Essay 5: Write an essay in which you explain how Eric Klinenberg builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to greatly reduce their reliance on air-conditioning.

Essay 6: Write an essay in which you explain how Leo W. Gerard builds an argument to persuade his audience that American colleges and universities should be affordable for all students.

Essay 7: Write an essay in which you explain how Zadie Smith builds an argument to persuade her audience that public libraries are important and should remain open.

How to Earn a High Score in the SAT Essay Exam?

Analyze the scoring system: The evaluators judge the essay on three criteria: reading, analysis, and writing. Identify your weak and strong parts among the three.
Read samples: You should know what the evaluator is looking for. SAT offers sample essays and their scoring. Analyze it thoroughly to understand the expectations.
Practice: For familiarity, use previous examples and more prompts to excel at reading and writing. For analytical skills, reading the columns of reputed newspapers, blogs, and other articles assists.
Calm: Remember a calm and peaceful mind is important actually to understand the question. Take deep breaths and read the question mindfully and thoroughly.
Re-read: Read the passage two to three times. Reading the passage the first time offers familiarity, and the second time offers analysis and insights. Read it again if required.
Begin with structure: Reading might flood your mind with ideas and information. However, the final essay must have a structure and relation to each paragraph. Beginning with an outline helps.
Enhance the content: Ensure that the introduction backs the passage and the conclusion offers more than a simple summary. The conclusion must provide broader and memorable insight.
Editing and Revision: Going through the essay is essential. You have to revise what you have written with a mindful approach. You must analyze the accuracy of your interpretation and method of representation.

Conclusion

The SAT Essay exam is discontinued. However, it is open to students on mandatory requirements. Analyzed on three factors, reading, analysis and writing, the two individual invigilators score the essay. It is critical to read the passage calmly and curate the essay carefully. Practice is sure to help you ace the part. Go through the mentioned prompts and follow the tips to design the essays. Additionally, also go through the sample scoring by SAT to get familiar with their method of scoring and analysis. We wish you all the best for your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

hat is a good SAT score?

Different colleges accept different scores. Generally, the SAT score of 1050 is considered to be above average and holds promising opportunities.

How should I set my target score?

Head to the BigFuture College Search and search for the college of interest. Look for the acceptable SAT score range through the ‘Applying’ tab and subsequently set the target for yourself.