1. Reading, Analyzing, and Writing the SAT Essay
Adapted from Kaplan
SAT Premier 2017
Chapter 27

2. Reading Graded on a scale of 1-4 by two readers Total score of 2-8
Grade is based upon:
Your understanding of the source text
Your comprehension of the source text’s central ideas, important details, and their natural interrelationship
The accuracy of your interpretation of the source text
Your use of textual evidence to demonstrate your understanding of the source text

3. Central Idea The key point the author wants to make
Also referred to as the text’s theme or thesis
NOT the topic (what the author is writing about-politics, ecology, etc.) and can be summarized in one sentence
IS the author’s opinion about the topic and can’t be summarized in one sentence
Questions often answered by the central idea:
What is the author’s central idea or claim?
Why did the author write this passage?
What is the tone of the passage?
What is the passage primarily about?

4. Important Details
Details that support or explain the author’s central idea
Keywords and examples that highlight important details:
List
to begin with, first, secondly, next, then, finally, most important, also, for instance, in fact, for example, another
Chronology
On (date), not long after, now, as, before, after, when
Compare/
Contrast
However, but, as well as, on the other hand, not only…but also, either…or, while, although, unless, similarly, yet, neither…nor
Cause/
Effect
Because, since, therefore, consequently, as a result, this led to, so that, nevertheless, accordingly, if…then, thus

5. Important Details Continued…
If you are unsure if a detail is important…it probably isn’t!
Ask yourself, “Does this detail support or enhance the author’s central idea? How?”
Go to pages of the textbook. Review the example and discuss with your teacher.

6. Analysis Graded on a scale or 1-4 by two different graders
Total score of 2-8
Score based on:
Your analysis of the source text and understanding of the analytical task
Your evaluation of the author’s use of evidence, reasoning, and/or stylistic and persuasive elements, and/or features of your own choosing
Your support for the claims or points you make in your response
Your focus on features of the text that are most relevant to addressing the task
*Refer to the chart on pages for a list of commonly Used Features and Styles

7. Analysis Continued
Be sure to select features that are easily found within the source text!
Look at the example on page 608

8. Writing
The stronger your mastery of the writing and grammar concepts discussed earlier, the better able you will be to earn a high Writing score on the SAT.
The writing is graded on a scale of 1-4 by two different readers.
Total possible score between 2-8

9. The Writing Score Is Based Upon…
your use of a central claim.
your use of effective organization and progression of ideas.
your use of varied sentence structures.
your employment of precise word choice.
your ability to maintain a consistent and appropriate style and tone.
your command of the conventions of standard written English.

10. Grammar Tips for the SAT Essay
Avoid Sentence Fragments and Run-On Sentences
Use Commas Correctly
Use Semicolons Correctly
Use Apostrophes Correctly
Pay Attention to Subject/Verb Agreement
Use Modifiers Correctly
Use Pronouns Correctly
Pay Attention to Parallelism
See pages of the textbook for elaboration on each of the above

11. Style Tips For the SAT Essay
Write succinctly
Don’t use several words when one word will do.
If you have something to say, just say it.
Write assertively
Avoid overuse of qualifiers (some, most, all, etc.).
Don’t overly clarify your statements.
Put verbs in the active voice when possible.

12. Style Tips Continued… Write clearly
Try not to begin sentences with there is, there are, it would be, it could be, it can be, or it is.
Avoid vague references, indirect language, and general wordiness. Choose specific, descriptive words.
Avoid clichés, which are overused expressions. Always substitute more specific language for a cliché (Live life to the fullest.).
Limit the use of jargon
Avoid using slang and colloquialisms (wanna, gunna, on fleek, etc.)
*See the chart on page 612 for some examples of the above

13. Practice Go to pages 613-619 of the textbook
Practice reading and writing an SAT-style essay