Writing essays for standardized tests like the SAT in cursive is becoming less common these days. With the focus on legibility and typing skills for computers, many modern students have not formally learned or practiced cursive handwriting. For some test takers, writing in cursive may still provide benefits over printing. Let’s explore the arguments for and against using cursive on the SAT essay.
One reason students may consider writing the SAT essay in cursive is speed. Cursive connects letters within words allowing the hand to flow more smoothly across the page. Especially for a timed test, cursive can help increase writing velocity. Reports indicate the average cursive writer’s hand moves 50-100% faster than printing. Faster writing allows more time to refine ideas, add supporting details, and proofread the completed essay before time expires. Speed comes with tradeoffs regarding legibility that are worth considering.
Legibility is a primary concern for SAT essay readers. Scores depend on ideas not handwriting quality, but illegible writing may hinder understanding or cause distractions. Cursive scripts vary widely in style and neatness between individuals. Loose, loopy cursive poses risks compared to printing’s clearer letterforms. Readers must be able to discern letters and words easily without confusion or pausing. Practice is key – if an applicant’s cursive is messy, inconsistent or hard to decipher, printing may better serve communication. Proper paper angle and line spacing also affect neatness in either style.
Familiarity is another factor. Many younger students now spend little time learning cursive beyond name signatures. Their muscle memory and automaticity more readily support printing. Forcing cursive without recent practice could raise unnecessary stress and slow writing as one consciously recalls letter shapes. Conversely, those who use cursive daily may find it a natural, intuitive choice. Comfort and habitual style serve focus on content over mechanics. Overall legibility remains the priority, so applicants must weigh their individual proficiency.
In addition to speed and familiarity aspects, some research proposes cognitive benefits to cursive that could impact SAT performance. Cursive engages separate areas of the brain involved in both visual processing and fine motor skills versus printing alone. One theory suggests this dual pathway may boost reading comprehension, writing fluency, and overall literacy. Such brain differences remain theoretical with limited conclusive evidence so far. More definitive research on tangible effects relative to particular tasks like standardized essays does not yet exist.
While cursive advocates see potential upsides, dissenting views consider its use on high-stakes tests debatable. Critics claim speed advantages are marginal and legibility far more important to assessors. Time spent learning cursive also takes away from other skills like typing now central to education and careers. The College Board even dropped a prior cursive requirement for SAT essay due recognizability issues slowing scoring. Additionally, differences between individuals and writing implements muddy direct cursive versus printing comparisons. Other uncontrollable variables between test takers limit drawing strong conclusions.
Using cursive versus printing depends on weighing multiple personal and practical factors for each student. Legibility remains the top priority according to College Board guidelines. Those very comfortable with neat cursive may leverage potential speed benefits, but printing provides a surer choice when penmanship skill comes into question. Overall familiarity and individual practice trump theoretical style advantages. With conscientious preparation and fair consideration of one’s strengths, both methods allow expressing thoughtful ideas clearly under SAT time constraints. Above all else, content and development show an applicant’s true communication abilities.
While cursive was once commonplace, the debate around using it versus printing on high-stakes standardized tests like the SAT essay involves weighing complex tradeoffs. Speed, familiarity, legibility and individual skill levels all factor in the decision. With practice, both styles can help writers succeeding at conveying their perspectives and arguments to essay readers. At its core, the purpose of the SAT writing prompts focuses on ideas, not handwriting mechanics alone. As such, applicants leaning on their personal areas of strength stand the best chance of showcasing their talents equitably through the tested format.