Write an essay… in 25 minutes?!

Sure, the SAT essay sounds intimidating. No multiple choice here; you actually need to produce some original thought. Did I mention the nerve-wracking time limit? And the fact that your whole future is riding on this?

Relax. We’ve got you.

Just follow these easy steps and you’ll improve your essays in no time.

(1) Make an example chart

The SAT asks you to write an argumentative essay. You’re going to need specific examples to support your opinion. When you only have 25 minutes to write, you don’t have a lot of time to come up with great examples. The smart move is to prepare a list of examples in advance.

First, brainstorm 5 to 10 possible examples. Strong examples include works of literature (novels or plays), historical events and figures, current events, and personal experiences. Note that personal experiences are not weaker than academic examples and are perfectly acceptable.

Include plenty of detail in your chart:

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Characters: Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio, Benvolio, Tybalt, Fr. Lawrence

Plot: Two teenagers from rival families fall in love. They marry in secret, but tragedy strikes when a duel turns deadly. Romeo is forced to flee. In order to avoid a prearranged marriage, Juliet fakes her own death. When Romeo finds her “dead,” more tragedy ensues.

Significance: This play questions the logic of rivalry. Romeo and Juliet’s love seems to offer their families a chance to end a violent feud. However, the hatred between the families overshadows the teenagers’ love. Shakespeare suggests that such hatred can only end in tragedy.



Don’t waste time waiting for inspiration - get those examples ready now!





(2) Spend time prewriting

If you don’t spend a few minutes preparing before you actually write, you’re shooting yourself in the foot. Yes, we realize that you only have 25 minutes.

Prewriting is in fact the most important part of the essay writing process. A good thesis or outline written in advance can save you time so you’ll have a few extra minutes when you really need it. You’ll also have a clear idea of what to write before you even start.

Here’s what to do:

Read the prompt carefully.

Review your example chart (in your mind). Find two examples that have a strong connection to the prompt.

Form an answer to the prompt. Let your examples guide you.

Write your thesis.



And here’s how to do it:

Should heroes be defined as people who say what they think when we lack the courage to say it? (prompt)

Hmmm. Many historical figures spoke out against injustice. Today they are remembered as heroes. Our founding fathers spoke out against unfair laws during the American Revolution. Also, leaders in the Civil Rights movement spoke out against racial discrimination.

The two examples above seem to work well together. They could both be used to argue that speaking out when others are afraid is a good thing.

Heroes should be defined as people who say what they think when others lack the courage because speaking out against injustice can lead to positive, long-lasting change. (thesis)



NOTE that it’s easy to write a thesis if you follow this simple formula:

Answer to the prompt + BECAUSE + Reasoning (why?)





(3) Organize your introduction

A good introduction for an SAT essay only needs 3-5 sentences. However, these sentences must be well written and well organized. The intro is your chance to make a good impression on the reader. It sets the tone for the rest of your essay. If the reader likes your intro, you’re more likely to receive a high score.

Organize your intro like this:

Start with a hook, which is an opening sentence that attracts the reader’s attention. A good hook can be a general statement of interest, a rhetorical question, or a quotation. Of course, the hook must be related to the topic.



Next, write 1-3 sentences of transition. Lead the reader from your opening to your thesis. Expand upon the topic and share some details or insight.



Finally, finish the paragraph with your thesis sentence.



Still confused? Read this example paragraph:

What makes someone a hero? (hook) Some people believe that heroes rely on physical strength. However, many of our greatest heroes are famous for what they have said. (transition) Heroes should be defined as people who say what they think when others lack the courage because speaking out against injustice can lead to positive, long-lasting change. (thesis)





(4) Balance your body paragraphs

Each example deserves its own paragraph, so you’ll need to write two body paragraphs. The body is the bulk of the essay and your opportunity to make a solid argument supporting your thesis.

Don’t skimp! A good body paragraph requires at least 7-10 sentences.

Many students have trouble writing a good body paragraph. The secret is finding balance. Your paragraph needs to be a mix of facts and original thought. If there’s no original thought, it will feel like a book report!

Organize your body paragraphs like this:

Start with a topic sentence that introduces the example.



Next, write 4-5 sentences of summary. Discuss your example here, but don’t retell the whole novel or describe an entire event. Only discuss elements of the example that directly relate to the thesis. Keep it short and sweet.



Finally, write 4-5 sentences of analysis. Think of analysis as the glue that connects your example to your thesis. It’s your chance to show the reader why the example supports the thesis. It’s your original thought.



Once again, here’s an example paragraph:

Likewise, leaders in the Civil Rights movement are remembered as heroes because they challenged unjust laws. (topic sentence) Nearly 100 years after the Civil War, African Americans still faced legal discrimination. Many people within the black community joined together to fight for equality. Prominent black leader Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the men brave enough to speak out against segregation and oppression. In his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, King described a world without racial discrimination and touched the hearts of millions. (historical summary) King is an American hero not for fighting with his hands; he believed strongly in non-violent protest. Instead, King is an American hero for fighting with his mind and with his words. King’s speech helped America by inspiring hope for a better future. Without a hero like King, the Civil Rights movement would not have been so successful and equality would still be just a dream. (analysis)





(5) Don’t forget the conclusion

After writing an introduction and two body paragraphs, you may not have much time left. However, every good essay must have a conclusion paragraph. Your conclusion doesn’t have to be massive; in fact, 2-4 sentences should get the job done. Simply restate the thesis in different words and add some final thoughts. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can wrap up with something writers call a “so what” conclusion. Answer these questions: why should anyone care about your essay? How does this topic relate to people in today’s world? How will it relate to future generations?





(6) Proofread if you can!

OK, it might be a bit much to ask you to proofread your 25 minute essay. Yet spelling, grammar, and vocabulary do count. If you can skim your essay in the final minute(s) and fix any errors, you’re doing yourself a big favor. Try to save some time for quick revisions if you can.





(7) Practice, practice, practice

The College Board’s “blue book” has 10 practice tests and 10 practice essay topics. You need to practice writing SAT essays in advance. You need to time yourself strictly. You also need to get feedback–give your essays to parents, teachers, and friends who are good writers. Ask them for suggestions!