How to Structure Your SAT Essay

Your SAT Essay will be graded not only on your grammar and rhetorical skills, but also on your ability to organize your ideas. To score high on the SAT, organize your writing by using the five-paragraph essay, which consists of an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Write an introductory paragraph. This includes a thesis statement, which is a clear and concise version of what your essay is trying to say. It should make an argument or inform the reader, depending on the SAT essay prompt. This paragraph should also include a few sentences that develop the thesis, and hint at what your three body paragraphs will contain.

2. Write three body paragraphs. Each paragraph should have its own topic sentence and supporting statements. Typically, each of the three body paragraphs will be a separate example that relates to and supports the thesis statement. Alternately, the first two body paragraphs give examples in support of the main argument, then the third body paragraph argues against the other side.

3. Write a concluding paragraph that summarizes the ideas in the three body paragraphs. Make sure to use different wording. Recapping your argument will allow you to emphasize what's most important. One effective technique is to bring back your thesis statement in the conclusion and claim that the examples in the body paragraphs prove your point.

Tips & Warnings

• The thesis statement should be the first or last sentence in the introductory paragraph.
• Do not add any new ideas in the concluding paragraph. The conclusion should only address the ideas already presented.

Resources

• The Grammar Guy
• The Official SAT Study Guide