The SAT essay is an important part of the exam for students hoping to attend college. With the SAT essay, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to analyze and synthesize sources on a given topic and construct a well-reasoned argument supported by evidence. Given the high-stakes nature of the SAT, it’s vital for students to understand what constitutes a strong example essay. In this article, we’ll explore several exemplar SAT essays that scored high on the rubric and dissect what made them stand out.
One example of an excellent SAT essay comes from a student responding to the prompt of “Should individuals seek to conform to societal standards or rebel against them?” The student chose to argue that individuals should selectively conform to and rebel against societal standards. Here is a summary of the key strengths of this student’s essay:
The introductory paragraph established a clear thesis that both conforming to and rebelling against societal standards have merits depending on the situation. This sets up an balanced argument rather than taking an extreme position.
Each body paragraph focused on a different societal standard— work etiquette, fashion norms, and political opinions— and analyzed whether individuals should conform or rebel in each case using evidence from the provided sources. Quotes and summaries from the sources were smoothly integrated into the student’s own analysis and explanation.
Transitional sentences smoothly connected each body paragraph and signaled the shift from one standard to the next. Phrases like “Another area where selective conformity may be wise…” guided the reader through the logical flow of the argument.
The conclusion paragraph restated the thesis and wrapped up the key points made in the body paragraphs. It conveyed the message that individuals must thoughtfully evaluate each standard rather than blindly conform or rebel in every case.
Word choice, grammar, and syntax were advanced for a high school student. Sentences varied in structure for engaging flow. Vocabulary like ” nuanced ” showed care in writing style.
This essay addressed all parts of the prompt, smoothly integrated multiple quotes as evidence, and demonstrated a nuanced critical thinking ability prized by admissions officers. It serves as an excellent model SAT response.
Another standout example argued that individuals should question but not necessarily rebel against all societal standards. Like the first, it took a balanced stance between the two options rather than an extreme view. Here were some notable strengths:
Each body paragraph focused on comprehensively addressing one of the three relevant standards from the provided sources – fashion, status consumption, and education.
Analysis of whether individuals should conform or rebel against each standard was rational and data-driven using direct quotes and paraphrases as evidence. Opposing views were acknowledged fairly.
The introduction set up the nuanced thesis that while societal standards sometimes limit options, rebellion should not be automatic, but standards also deserve critical examination.
Strong word choice like “critically evaluate,” “arbitrary constraints,” and “ostentatious displays” showed engagement and care with language.
Transitions effectively guided the reader through each new point (“A second standard…”, “Finally,…”). Repetition of “critically evaluate” tied the overall argument together.
The conclusion restated the balanced thesis that standards warrant questioning but not assumed rebellion as the default response. It wrapped up the key takeaways.
Overall, this response showed impressive critical thinking skills, nuanced argumentation supported by evidence, and mastery of language conventions for the SAT essay.
An additional exemplary essay took a stance that individuals should selectively conform to societal standards that are beneficial and practical but reject those that are harmful or unrealistic. Some attributes that contributed to its high quality:
Each body paragraph delved into a different category of standards – career/educational, health/safety, and social/cultural.
Quotes from the sources were expertly woven into the original analysis to back up key points. Attribution was clear and natural.
The introduction set up the conditional thesis – that conformity depends on weighing a standard’s costs and benefits for well-being and progress.
Transitions like “another area where…”, “in contrast,” and “in conclusion” guided the logical flow and signaled shifts between topics.
Word choice demonstrated engagement, such as “contentious,” “arbitrary,” and “judicious.”Sentence structure showed control of syntax.
The conclusion restated the balanced thesis and wrapped up the overarching message – standards must be pragmatically evaluated rather than blindly followed or rejected.
Overall tight organization, judicious use of evidence, sophisticated language, and demonstration of critical thinking skills allowed this essay to excel according to the SAT rubric. It serves as an excellent model response.
These three exemplar SAT essays all achieved high scores thanks to common attributes. The introductions established nuanced, balanced theses that addressed differing viewpoints rather than taking an extreme position. Each body paragraph focused comprehensively on a different relevant standard or category, with analysis supported by well-integrated quotes and summaries from the provided sources. Transitions smoothly connected ideas and signaled topic shifts. The conclusions restated key points and wrapped up the overarching argument. Sophisticated vocabulary, varied syntax, and proper attribution were also hallmarks of these successful responses. Most importantly, they demonstrated the type of critical thinking, evidence-based argumentation, and control of conventions that SAT essay graders look for. Studying top scoring examples can help students understand the standard of quality expected and strengthen their own writing skills. With practice emulating these attributes, students can feel more confident tackling the SAT essay.
The SAT essay prompts students to thoughtfully analyze multiple perspectives on a issue and construct a reasoned argument supported by evidence from given sources. Exemplar responses take a balanced, nuanced stance that considers differing viewpoints rather than an absolute position. They focus systematically on relevant standards or categories, integrate sources smoothly, and connect ideas logically using transitions. Sophisticated language, syntax variation, attribution conventions, and crafting a conclusion that summarizes the overall message also contribute substantially to success. Adopting attributes demonstrated in top scoring samples empowers students to write at a level that satisfies the SAT essay rubric.
Andrew Stroud