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Step 1
Carefully read the SAT essay prompt. Make sure you understand what is being asked. Most prompts will require you to take a stand on a given topic. Simplified, this means arguing for or against an idea.
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Step 2
Quickly brainstorm examples for both sides. Before choosing your SAT essay thesis, jot down examples that can support one side of the argument, and examples that can support the other side. Some SAT tutors suggest you pick a side right after reading the essay prompt, but I disagree. First you need to gather your materials, your tools. These are the examples that form your argument. If you choose a side first, then hunt for examples, you may discover that you don't have enough great examples to support your argument.
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Step 3
Choose a thesis for your SAT essay. Pick the side that you can argue best, not necessarily the side you personally believe. If you have better examples for one side over the other, that is the side you should argue. You will not be judged based on which side you choose, but rather on how well you argue your chosen side.
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Step 4
Write your SAT essay in five paragraphs. The first paragraph is your introduction, which should state your thesis and map out your argument. Next, write three body paragraphs, using one supporting example for each paragraph. Finally, write a conclusion that echoes the introduction, but with the additional knowledge and understanding gained from the three examples.
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Step 5
If you have any time left, spend the last few minutes proofreading your SAT essay for spelling and grammar.
