Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Outlining in a hurry on the SAT essay

This is the first of several Grammar Tips of the Day about the SAT essay.

One key to success is knowing how to sketch out a brief outline.

This skill, always important on essay tests, is especially highlighted by the essay section of the SAT: In just 25 minutes, kids have to plan their time, think through their arguments and put them on paper. Many test-takers interviewed on TV said they didn't finish in the allotted time.

Harbrace Section 33e: Choose an appropriate method or combination of methods for arranging ideas offers some good tips on listing ideas, outlining and writing essays.

The trick with the new SAT is in doing all this swiftly and effectively. (And, of course, as in all things, penmanship counts!)

In those opening moments, the essayist must consider the topic and map out a course of action---making a list of ideas to touch on and a conclusion to be heading toward.

This is the time to take a deep breath, look at this list, amend as appropriate, and plan those minutes. If there are five minutes to go and you're halfway through your outline (this happens) you must make the remaining points quickly and get to that conclusion.

Of course, the best keys to success are a) knowing what you want to say, b) practicing saying them in alloted periods of time, and c) feigning confidence, so the kids all around you panic. :-)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

The concerning values would favorably allow students regarding all those essentials which must have been understood by the individual to proceed further. familiar essay

Unknown said...

Writing a PHD or MBA dissertation and academic essay is all about rules. Writers follow certain rules in writing your PhD or MBA dissertation. visit the site

Unknown said...

Often students try to avoid essay writing in their normal study course. However, they forget that essay writing is the most important part of the curriculum. Today due to competition there is a high expectation from students. visit the site

Unknown said...

Those inquisitive about rising their data ought to attend to proofreading courses bearing in mind the certification they will gain and therefore the reality that these categories will be useful if you are doing proofreading on knowledgeable base. more

Unknown said...

Obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy degree isn't a simple task. it's additionally not expected to be easy; in spite of everything it's not simply a title you may be victimisation before of your name, however an indication of all the diligence you've got endowed in your studies for years. my blog

Joseph Ferguson said...

Reflective journaling may be a written commitment to self-reformation that gets results. With or while not a tutor, the written narrative may be a powerful tool for amendment. Commitments in writing area unit noted to own the ability to vary behaviors for good. my blog