How to Prepare for the SAT Writing Section

The SAT writing test includes an essay and 3 types of multiple-choice questions. For the essay, you are given a prompt that consists of 2 opposing viewpoints on an issue. You choose one side of the issue and write an essay which supports your view. The multiple-choice questions include improving sentences questions, sentence error questions and improving paragraph questions. How can you prepare yourself for this section?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Read a variety of books to become comfortable with how language should sound. For the essay section, pay special attention to opinion pieces and persuasive articles in order to understand how to present and support your point of view on an issue.
2. Practice writing essays. Scan newspapers or the Internet for a few sample topics. Although you have 60 minutes for the entire writing section of the SAT test, only 25 minutes are allowed for the essay portion. That means you must be able to write a good essay in a very short amount of time. The more practice you have, the better.
3. Learn how to transition from one paragraph to another when you write. When you write an essay you not only have to provide good support for your argument, you also need to tie your supporting points together and ensure that the entire essay flows. By developing your ability to transition between points before taking the actual SAT, you won't have any problems on test day.
4. Make sure you read the directions for each question carefully when you take the SAT writing test. Remember, there are 3 different types of multiple choice questions. Pay attention to what each question is asking.
5. Use the process of elimination when you answer the multiple-choice questions. Identify the answers you know are incorrect and eliminate them. This improves your chances of selecting the right response.