SAT Essay Writing Topics
Whether you are a teacher trying to help your students with studying for the SATs, or an individual attempting to increase your score alone, you cannot deny the importance of the exam's essay portion. This is where those who grade the test can determine the taker's ability to synthesize information and present it in a logical form. As with any type of test, the key is to practice regularly. With the SATs, try a variety of different writing topics so that on test day you will be well-prepared.
-
Responsibility
-
Every SAT essay writing topic begins with a prompt. This is usually a quotation or argument made by a famous historical figure that is relevant to the topic. For topics surrounding the issue of responsibility (and other themes) select an appropriate prompt. Next, for this topic, ask your students to describe the role of individual and society responsibility today, in addition to how well they think those roles are fulfilled. As with all essay topics, they should be able to provide specific evidence and examples to support their argument.
Heroism
-
Heroism is another good SAT writing prompt, since almost every individual has a personal hero or heroine of some kind and has likely given at least some cursory thought to the subject. Ask your students to describe various real-life, heroic acts that they have seen (or heard about) in recent times. They should be able to explain what makes these acts heroic, why society should view them as such, and how heroism differs from the way ordinary people behave in most situations.
-
Logic
-
Logical thinking is a good topic for SAT essay writing because part of the point of the exam is to determine if students can think in a logical, linear manner. Ask if they feel most individuals use their logic or emotions to make everyday decisions, or if it is a combination of both. If they feel that both are used, ask how much logic or emotion goes into every choice. Additional questions include whether different decisions call for different ways of choosing between alternatives, or which method is superior.
Dreams
-
Finally, a good SAT essay topic is to ask your students about the value of dreams. In this case, dreams stand not for unconscious nighttime visions, but goals and aspirations for the future. Questions can include the value of dreams, how much they should be tempered with reality, and whether or not dreams for the future change as we grow older.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
