Step 1- Plan Before You Write

Like most people I am at my most creative when it's quiet. When I am isolated from others my mind is able to reflect upon things and ideas rush into my head. My best ideas come when I am walking my dog on a cold winter night, when I am in the shower or when I am just sitting at the beach. If you are like me and agree with the scenario I just laid out, then you should use the first three minutes of Section 1 (the Essay) to read the prompt and quietly outline what you intend to write about.

Many make the mistake of writing immediately. Then suddenly after the first sentence, they freeze--writer's block sets in, palms become sweaty and for the next 25 minutes they find themselves in panic mode. Because the essay topic is random and unpredictable you need time to think of relevant examples to support your position.

Take a deep breath, three minutes is really a long enough time to reflect upon what you intend to write. Let the ideas flow in, then begin to write a dynamite essay!

4 Steps to a Better Essay

The four steps necessary to improve your SAT Essay are:

1. Take time to properly reflect upon what you will be writing about and what supporting materials you will be using to make your case
2. Carefully draft a thesis or topic sentence so that the reader clearly knows your position
3. Support your position with clarity, organization and engaging language
4. Check your draft for errors, run on sentences and missed words.

I will examine each of these steps in detail in future posts.

Why Do I Have To Know This?

Students often ask why do I have to know this? They may not have to know about geometry or ancient Greek poetry per se, but they do need to develop:

• Critical Reading Skills, ie. the ability to read between the lines, the ability to infer, the ability to understand the tone and thesis of an article.
• Problem solving skills, ie. the ability to solve a math problem from certain given information
• The ability to write, ie. express themselves in a clear, logical and concise manner

These valuable skills if mastered will provide a student with valuable assets to perform well in college and in the job market.