How to Succeed on High School and SAT Essays

Writing SAT and other high school essays is a grueling process if you don’t know what you’re doing. Many people adopt an attitude of desperation during this ordeal because they don’t have a simple guide like this. With a few simple steps, you’ll soon be getting top notch grades.

1. Use an outline.
This first rule is extremely important and incredibly fundamental, yet it is commonly overlooked. An unstructured paper shows a lack of critical thinking and an undeveloped writing style. When teachers look at a paper, they want to see a sound structure. A good outline will have an introduction that grabs the reader, two to three paragraphs which will be the body of your work, and a satisfying conclusion which restates the introduction and ends the paper.

2. Use many different types of sentence.
After working on the sequence of the paragraphs, one should then work on developing better sentences. Using the regular, cookie-cutter mold of a sentence will not get you a high grade. Most people start their sentences with “he” or “it” or some other noun. To get good sentences, try starting some with an “-ing” verb, “to + verb,” or an adverb. When you must start a sentence with a noun, avoid using pronouns.

3. Use an extensive vocabulary.
Try to use your full vocabulary. Don’t use words that are flowery and excessive, but try to use synonyms and words with more precise meanings. Instead of “huge,” say “gargantuan,” or “massive.” Teachers are generally impressed by a more developed and eloquent vocabulary, as long as the writer knows how to use the words.

Following these three rules is guaranteed to boost your score on any essay. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but this is a good basis for writing a fantastic essay which any teacher or SAT grader will be thrilled by.


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