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SAT Essay Samples | Low vs High-Scoring Examples

The SAT Essay is often used as an extra way to impress admissions officers with your overall academic preparedness. But what does a good essay look like vs a bad one? To make life easier, the College Board has provided some helpful SAT essay samples that you can study over.

Besides helping you get into college, here are a number of other SAT Essay benefits to consider .

SAT Essay Samples Prompt

Expect to see prompt directions like the ones below:

“As you read the passage below, consider how Paul Bogard uses:

evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.
reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence.
stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.”

SAT Essay Samples Passage

At my family’s cabin on a Minnesota lake, I knew woods so dark that my hands disappeared before my eyes. I knew night skies in which meteors left smoky trails across sugary spreads of stars. But now, when 8 of 10 children born in the United States will never know a sky dark enough for the Milky Way, I worry we are rapidly losing night’s natural darkness before realizing its worth. This winter solstice, as we cheer the days’ gradual movement back toward light, let us also remember the irreplaceable value of darkness.

All life evolved to the steady rhythm of bright days and dark nights. Today, though, when we feel the closeness of nightfall, we reach quickly for a light switch. And too little darkness, meaning too much artificial light at night, spells trouble for all.

Already the World Health Organization classifies working the night shift as a probable human carcinogen, and the American Medical Association has voiced its unanimous support for “light pollution reduction efforts and glare reduction efforts at both the national and state levels.” Our bodies need darkness to produce the hormone melatonin, which keeps certain cancers from developing, and our bodies need darkness for sleep. Sleep disorders have been linked to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and depression, and recent research suggests one main cause of “short sleep” is “long light.” Whether we work at night or simply take our tablets, notebooks and smartphones to bed, there isn’t a place for this much artificial light in our lives.

The rest of the world depends on darkness as well, including nocturnal and crepuscular species of birds, insects, mammals, fish and reptiles. Some examples are well known—the 400 species of birds that migrate at night in North America, the sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs—and some are not, such as the bats that save American farmers billions in pest control and the moths that pollinate 80% of the world’s flora. Ecological light pollution is like the bulldozer of the night, wrecking habitat and disrupting ecosystems several billion years in the making. Simply put, without darkness, Earth’s ecology would collapse…

In today’s crowded, louder, more fast-paced world, night’s darkness can provide solitude, quiet and stillness, qualities increasingly in short supply. Every religious tradition has considered darkness invaluable for a soulful life, and the chance to witness the universe has inspired artists, philosophers and everyday stargazers since time began. In a world awash with electric light…how would Van Gogh have given the world his “Starry Night”? Who knows what this vision of the night sky might inspire in each of us, in our children or grandchildren?

Yet all over the world, our nights are growing brighter. In the United States and Western Europe, the amount of light in the sky increases an average of about 6% every year. Computer images of the United States at night, based on NASA photographs, show that what was a very dark country as recently as the 1950s is now nearly covered with a blanket of light. Much of this light is wasted energy, which means wasted dollars. Those of us over 35 are perhaps among the last generation to have known truly dark nights. Even the northern lake where I was lucky to spend my summers has seen its darkness diminish.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Light pollution is readily within our ability to solve, using new lighting technologies and shielding existing lights. Already, many cities and towns across North America and Europe are changing to LED streetlights, which offer dramatic possibilities for controlling wasted light. Other communities are finding success with simply turning off portions of their public lighting after midnight. Even Paris, the famed “city of light,” which already turns off its monument lighting after 1 a.m., will this summer start to require its shops, offices and public buildings to turn off lights after 2 a.m. Though primarily designed to save energy, such reductions in light will also go far in addressing light pollution. But we will never truly address the problem of light pollution until we become aware of the irreplaceable value and beauty of the darkness we are losing.”

SAT Essay Samples Directions

Here is how the essay directions will be worded format-wise on test day.

“Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved. In your essay, analyze how Bogard uses one or more of the features in the directions that precede the passage (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage.

Your essay should not explain whether you agree with Bogard’s claims, but rather explain how Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience.”

Essay Sample Response (Low Scoring)

“In “Let there be dark,” Paul Bogard talks about the importance of darkness.

Darkness is essential to humans. Bogard states, “Our bodies need darkness to produce the hormone melatonin, which keeps certain cancers from developing, and our bodies need darkness for sleep, sleep. Sleep disorders have been linked to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and depression and recent research suggests are main cause of “short sleep” is “long light.” Whether we work at night or simply take our tablets, notebooks and smartphones to bed, there isn’t a place for this much artificial light in our lives.” (Bogard 2). Here, Bogard talks about the importance of darkness to humans. Humans need darkness to sleep in order to be healthy.

Animals also need darkness. Bogard states, “The rest of the world depends on darkness as well, including nocturnal and crepuscular species of birds, insects, mammals, fish and reptiles. Some examples are well known—the 400 species of birds that migrate at night in North America, the sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs—and some are not, such as the bats that save American farmers billions in pest control and the moths that pollinate 80% of the world’s flora. Ecological light pollution is like the bulldozer of the night, wrecking habitat and disrupting ecosystems several billion years in the making. Simply put, without darkness, Earth’s ecology would collapse…” (Bogard 2). Here Bogard explains that animals, too, need darkness to survive.”

Essay Sample Response (High Scoring)

“In response to our world’s growing reliance on artificial light, writer Paul Bogard argues that natural darkness should be preserved in his article “Let There be dark”. He effectively builds his argument by using a personal anecdote, allusions to art and history, and rhetorical questions.

Bogard starts his article off by recounting a personal story – a summer spent on a Minnesota lake where there was “woods so dark that [his] hands disappeared before [his] eyes.” In telling this brief anecdote, Bogard challenges the audience to remember a time where they could fully amass themselves in natural darkness void of artificial light. By drawing in his readers with a personal encounter about night darkness, the author means to establish the potential for beauty, glamour, and awe-inspiring mystery that genuine darkness can possess. He builds his argument for the preservation of natural darkness by reminiscing for his readers a first-hand encounter that proves the “irreplaceable value of darkness.” This anecdote provides a baseline of sorts for readers to find credence with the author’s claims.

Bogard’s argument is also furthered by his use of allusion to art – Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” – and modern history – Paris’ reputation as “The City of Light”. By first referencing “Starry Night”, a painting generally considered to be undoubtedly beautiful, Bogard establishes that the natural magnificence of stars in a dark sky is definite. A world absent of excess artificial light could potentially hold the key to a grand, glorious night sky like Van Gogh’s according to the writer. This urges the readers to weigh the disadvantages of our world consumed by unnatural, vapid lighting. Furthermore, Bogard’s alludes to Paris as “the famed ‘city of light’”. He then goes on to state how Paris has taken steps to exercise more sustainable lighting practices. By doing this, Bogard creates a dichotomy between Paris’ traditionally alluded-to name and the reality of what Paris is becoming – no longer “the city of light”, but more so “the city of light…before 2 AM”. This furthers his line of argumentation because it shows how steps can be and are being taken to preserve natural darkness. It shows that even a city that is literally famous for being constantly lit can practically address light pollution in a manner that preserves the beauty of both the city itself and the universe as a whole.

Finally, Bogard makes subtle yet efficient use of rhetorical questioning to persuade his audience that natural darkness preservation is essential. He asks the readers to consider “what the vision of the night sky might inspire in each of us, in our children or grandchildren?” in a way that brutally plays to each of our emotions. By asking this question, Bogard draws out heartfelt ponderance from his readers about the affecting power of an untainted night sky. This rhetorical question tugs at the readers’ heartstrings; while the reader may have seen an unobscured night skyline before, the possibility that their child or grandchild will never get the chance sways them to see as Bogard sees. This strategy is definitively an appeal to pathos, forcing the audience to directly face an emotionally-charged inquiry that will surely spur some kind of response. By doing this, Bogard develops his argument, adding guttural power to the idea that the issue of maintaining natural darkness is relevant and multifaceted.

Writing as a reaction to his disappointment that artificial light has largely permeated the presence of natural darkness, Paul Bogard argues that we must preserve true, unaffected darkness. He builds this claim by making use of a personal anecdote, allusions, and rhetorical questioning.”

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SAT Essay Prompts (10 Sample Questions)

What does it take to get a high SAT Essay score, if not perfect it? Practice, practice and more practice! Know the tricks and techniques of writing the perfect SAT Essay, so that you can score perfect as well. That’s not a far off idea, because there actually is a particular “formula” for perfecting the SAT Essay test. Consider that every prompt has a format, and what test-takers are required to do remain the same- even if the passage varies from test to test.

The SAT Essay test will ask you to read an argument that is intended to persuade a general audience. You’ll need to discuss how proficient the author is in arguing their point. Analyze the argument of the author and create an integrated and structured essay that explains your analysis.

On this page, we will feature 10 real SAT Essay prompts that have been recently released online by the College Board. You can utilize these Essay SAT prompts as 10 sample SAT Essay questions for easy practice. This set of SAT Essay prompts is the most comprehensive that you will find online today.

The predictability of the SAT Essay test necessitates students to perform an organized analytical method of writing instead of thinking up random ideas on their own. Consider that what you will see before and after the passage remains consistent. It is recommended that you initially read and apply the techniques suggested in writing the perfect SAT Essay (🡨link to SAT Essay —- SAT Essay Overview: How to Get a Perfect Score) before proceeding on using the following essay prompts for practice.

Check our SAT Reading Practice Tests

10 Official SAT Essay Prompts For Practice

Practice Test 1

“Write an essay in which you explain how Jimmy Carter builds an argument to persuade his audience that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should not be developed for industry.”

Practice Test 2

“Write an essay in which you explain how Martin Luther King Jr. builds an argument to persuade his audience that American involvement in the Vietnam War is unjust.”

Practice Test 3

“Write an essay in which you explain how Eliana Dockterman builds an argument to persuade her audience that there are benefits to early exposure to technology.”

Practice Test 4

“Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved.”

Practice Test 5

“Write an essay in which you explain how Eric Klinenberg builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to greatly reduce their reliance on air-conditioning.”

Practice Test 6

“Write an essay in which you explain how Christopher Hitchens builds an argument to persuade his audience that the original Parthenon sculptures should be returned to Greece.”

Practice Test 7

“Write an essay in which you explain how Zadie Smith builds an argument to persuade her audience that public libraries are important and should remain open”

Practice Test 8

“Write an essay in which you explain how Bobby Braun builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to invest in NASA.”

Practice Test 9

“Write an essay in which you explain how Richard Schiffman builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to work fewer hours.”

Practice Test 10

“Write an essay in which you explain how Todd Davidson builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to fund national parks.”

Visit our SAT Writing Practice Tests

What Is An Example Of A SAT Essay That Obtained A Perfect Score?

Here is an example of Practice Test 4 above and how a perfect SAT Essay in response to it looks like. This has been published in the College Board website.

Answer Essay with Perfect Score:

In response to our world’s growing reliance on artificial light, writer Paul Bogard argues that natural darkness should be preserved in his article “Let There be dark”. He effectively builds his argument by using a personal anecdote, allusions to art and history, and rhetorical questions.

Bogard’s argument is also furthered by his use of allusion to art – Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” – and modern history – Paris’ reputation as “The City of Light”. By first referencing “Starry Night”, a painting generally considered to be undoubtedly beautiful, Bogard establishes that the natural magnificence of stars in a dark sky is definite. A world absent of excess artificial light could potentially hold the key to a grand, glorious night sky like Van Gogh’s according to the writer. This urges the readers to weigh the disadvantages of our world consumed by unnatural, vapid lighting. Furthermore, Bogard’s alludes to Paris as “the famed ‘city of light’”. He then goes on to state how Paris has taken steps to exercise more sustainable lighting practices. By doing this, Bogard creates a dichotomy between Paris’ traditionally alluded-to name and the reality of what Paris is becoming – no longer “the city of light”, but moreso “the city of light…before 2 AM”. This furthers his line of argumentation because it shows how steps can be and are being taken to preserve natural darkness. It shows that even a city that is literally famous for being constantly lit can practically address light pollution in a manner that preserves the beauty of both the city itself and the universe as a whole

Finally, Bogard makes subtle yet efficient use of rhetorical questioning to persuade his audience that natural darkness preservation is essential. He asks the readers to consider “what the vision of the night sky might inspire in each of us, in our children or grandchildren?” in a way that brutally plays to each of our emotions. By asking this question, Bogard draws out heartfelt ponderance from his readers about the affecting power of an untainted night sky. This rhetorical question tugs at the readers’ heartstrings; while the reader may have seen an unobscured night skyline before, the possibility that their child or grandchild will never get the chance sways them to see as Bogard sees. This strategy is definitively an appeal to pathos, forcing the audience to directly face an emotionally-charged inquiry that will surely spur some kind of response. By doing this, Bogard develops his argument, adding gutthral power to the idea that the issue of maintaining natural darkness is relevant and multifaceted.

Writing as a reaction to his disappointment that artificial light has largely permeated the prescence of natural darkness, Paul Bogard argues that we must preserve true, unaffected darkness. He builds this claim by making use of a personal anecdote, allusions, and rhetorical questioning.

This response scored a 4/4/4.

Reading—4: This response demonstrates thorough comprehension of the source text through skillful use of paraphrases and direct quotations. The writer briefly summarizes the central idea of Bogard’s piece ( natural darkness should be preserved ; we must preserve true, unaffected darkness ), and presents many details from the text, such as referring to the personal anecdote that opens the passage and citing Bogard’s use of Paris’ reputation as “The City of Light.” There are few long direct quotations from the source text; instead, the response succinctly and accurately captures the entirety of Bogard’s argument in the writer’s own words, and the writer is able to articulate how details in the source text interrelate with Bogard’s central claim. The response is also free of errors of fact or interpretation. Overall, the response demonstrates advanced reading comprehension.

Analysis—4: This response offers an insightful analysis of the source text and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the analytical task. In analyzing Bogard’s use of personal anecdote, allusions to art and history, and rhetorical questions , the writer is able to explain carefully and thoroughly how Bogard builds his argument over the course of the passage. For example, the writer offers a possible reason for why Bogard chose to open his argument with a personal anecdote, and is also able to describe the overall effect of that choice on his audience ( In telling this brief anecdote, Bogard challenges the audience to remember a time where they could fully amass themselves in natural darkness void of artificial light. By drawing in his readers with a personal encounter…the author means to establish the potential for beauty, glamour, and awe-inspiring mystery that genuine darkness can possess…. This anecdote provides a baseline of sorts for readers to find credence with the author’s claims ). The cogent chain of reasoning indicates an understanding of the overall effect of Bogard’s personal narrative both in terms of its function in the passage and how it affects his audience. This type of insightful analysis is evident throughout the response and indicates advanced analytical skill.

Writing—4: The response is cohesive and demonstrates highly effective use and command of language. The response contains a precise central claim ( He effectively builds his argument by using personal anecdote, allusions to art and history, and rhetorical questions ), and the body paragraphs are tightly focused on those three elements of Bogard’s text. There is a clear, deliberate progression of ideas within paragraphs and throughout the response. The writer’s brief introduction and conclusion are skillfully written and encapsulate the main ideas of Bogard’s piece as well as the overall structure of the writer’s analysis. There is a consistent use of both precise word choice and well-chosen turns of phrase ( the natural magnificence of stars in a dark sky is definite , our world consumed by unnatural, vapid lighting , the affecting power of an untainted night sky ). Moreover, the response features a wide variety in sentence structure and many examples of sophisticated sentences ( By doing this, Bogard creates a dichotomy between Paris’ traditionally alluded-to name and the reality of what Paris is becoming – no longer “the city of light”, but moreso “the city of light…before 2AM” ). The response demonstrates a strong command of the conventions of written English. Overall, the response exemplifies advanced writing proficiency.

8 Best SAT Essay Examples To Prepare For Your Test

Are you looking for the top SAT essay examples? Take a look at our guide containing the best examples to prepare for your examination.

Are you busy preparing for the SAT essay? The College Board is responsible for administering the SAT, which is essential for determining college decisions. In addition, writing is important for every field of study, which is why the SAT values the essay. As a result, your SAT essay score can have an impact not only on the entirety of your test performance but also on your college admissions decisions. Therefore, it may be helpful to look at a few sample essay prompts, allowing you to determine how you can maximize your performance on your essay.

1. The Value of Struggle

2. the topic of greed, 3. politicians and personal character, 4. demonstrating a lack of knowledge, 5. fame and fortune, 6. truth and lies, 7. expectations and public figures, 8. quick reaction times, what should i write in my sat essay, how long should my sat essay be, what should i do before i write my sat essay.

Prompt: Do we only value the things that we struggle for?

Plan your response carefully, and make sure you support your point of view with specific examples. The examples can come from history, a personal anecdote from high school, or knowledge of particular subjects.

This is a very common type of SAT writing prompt. In the prompt, the essay alludes to absolutism. In this case, the absolute is that we only value things we struggle for. Unless we struggle for it, we will never love it. In general, taking an absolute point of view will unnecessarily pigeonhole you into an impossible argument. Therefore, it is essential to change your response slightly. Instead, it would help if you talked about situations where you value things you struggle for and do not value things you struggle for. Just because you do not struggle for it doesn’t mean it is not valuable.

For example, you may not necessarily have valued your relationships with your siblings. If you are lucky, you may get along well with your siblings without stressing about it. This could be an example you can use in your essay. Likewise, you value your relationships with your family members but do not struggle for them. Then, you might want to share an example of something that you value after struggling for it.

Prompt: Is greed always a bad thing?

Greed is a driving force behind a lot of decisions that we make. There are some situations where greed is terrible and others where greed is good. You don’t want to take the standpoint that greed is always wrong. For example, greed is something that can help you maximize your score on the SAT. Because you want to go to an established college, someone could say you are greedy. It depends on how you use that motivation. Because you are channeling it for a positive force, such as doing well on the SAT, it is not necessarily bad. You can also talk about athletes who are greedy for success and decide to channel that motivation into excelling in their chosen field.

On the other hand, there are situations where greed might be bad. For example, you may want to point out a famous person who has gone to jail for financial misdeeds. You might even want to talk about Bernie Madoff , who ran one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history. He hurt many people out of greed and ended up paying a steep price for it. It would be best if you wrapped up the essay by discussing specific circumstances where greed is bad and others where greed is good. Then, you can talk about how that difference can guide our decisions and make us better people.

Prompt: Should you consider the personal character of a politician before deciding to vote for that person?

Anyone who has recently paid attention to politics has likely seen many attack ads. They are trying to convince people to vote for politicians based on personal character instead of what they might do (or not) for the country. Even though the personal character is not necessarily the most important thing you should think about, it should play a role in your decision-making process.

As you write this essay, you may want to use an example of a situation where the personal character is important for deciding who to vote for. For example, you may want to talk about Richard Nixon, who was forced to resign after the press unveiled the Watergate scandal. While Richard Nixon did many great things in the office, such as opening up China, the Watergate scandal demonstrated that he could not be trusted. Because he lost the trust of the people, he would not be able to govern effectively, forcing him out of office.

Another example includes Bill Clinton, who is widely known to have cheated on his wife with Monica Lewinsky. Despite this, he was not forced to resign from office, and he is widely respected as a good president, if not a good person. He presided over one of the largest economic expansions in US history, and he was the last person to have a balanced budget. In this case, despite his personal character flaws, he was able to govern effectively.

There are plenty of other examples you can use to write this essay, but it all comes down to whether someone’s personal character has an impact on their ability to govern. If their individual character flaws do not impact their ability to govern effectively, then it might not impact their potential success as a leader. On the other hand, if someone’s personal character flaws completely remove their ability to govern effectively, then you may want to vote for someone else. You can use these general points to craft a strong essay. You might also be wondering, which colleges require SAT essay section for consideration .

Prompt: Are you required to admit your lack of knowledge before you are able to learn something?

This essay prompt is one that just about everyone can relate to. The premise of the essay is clear: if you feel like you already know everything, you will not be able to learn something new. At the same time, it is possible for you to learn something without admitting that you totally lack knowledge. You simply need to be open to a new point of view. You might be able to pull an example of this from the classroom.

For example, the first day you walked into chemistry class, you probably didn’t know the first thing about chemistry. You did not necessarily need to admit your lack of knowledge before you can start learning something new. This could be an example you can use that goes against the premise of the prompt.

On the other hand, there are situations where admitting a lack of knowledge can help you learn something new. For example, you may want to point out a discussion that you recently had with an expert in a certain area. By admitting that you did not know anything, you might have allowed that person to teach you. If you acted like you knew everything, that expert may not have wanted to teach you anything. By admitting your lack of knowledge, you open yourself up to new sources of information.

To do well on this essay, you will need to specify when admitting a lack of knowledge can help you learn something and when it is unnecessary. That difference will help you maximize your SAT essay score. You might also be interested in these GRE writing examples .

Prompt: Is fame always a good thing?

Fame and fortune have been popular topics of discussion recently. There are many people who believe that famous people lead lives of comfort and luxury. Many people believe that they lead lives that the rest of us can only dream of. Even though it may look nice to be a famous person, it is not always a good thing. Therefore, you should immediately take the point of view that there are situations where fame can be good, but there are other situations where fame can be bad.

You might want to start with an example of a situation where fame is good. You can talk about almost any famous athlete, actor, or actress. You can talk about how their fame has landed them a lot of endorsement deals, making them enormous sums of money that they can use to support a luxurious lifestyle, their children, and future generations. Clearly, there are situations where fame can be a good thing.

On the other hand, you will need to use examples where fame might not necessarily be a good thing. For example, you may want to talk about the tremendous mental health issues that Britney Spears has suffered because of her fame and her conservatorship. Or, you may want to talk about the mental health struggles that a lot of famous musicians have, such as Kurt Cobain (who ultimately committed suicide).

You might also want to talk about the tremendous anxiety that Naomi Osaka struggles with when she has to talk to the press. Despite her tennis success and fortune, she doesn’t always appear happy on the tennis court. Based on the examples you choose, you will ultimately have to decide when fame is a good thing and when fame is a bad thing. The answer varies from person to person, and there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer. You simply need to write a strong essay that supports your point of view.

Prompt: Is it always important to tell 100 percent of the truth?

Growing up, we are always taught to tell the truth. It is easier to tell children that they should tell the truth no matter what. At the same time, life is not black and white. There are some situations where shades of grey matter. When you write this essay, you should not do it as a “yes or no” answer. Instead, you need to talk about when it is important to tell the truth and when telling a lie, even a lie of omission, is important.

For example, you may want to take the point of view that telling a lie is a good thing if it benefits the person listening. You might want to use an example of explaining life and death to a small child. If your child really loves your next-door neighbor, but your next-door neighbor is dying of cancer, you don’t necessarily want to tell the child that the neighbor has cancer. The child might not be able to understand this. Instead, you may want to say that the person is not feeling well.

On the other hand, there are plenty of situations where telling the truth is a good thing. For example, you definitely don’t want to lie to your significant other about major financial issues. You probably don’t want to lie to your family members about major events in your life. If you lie to people important to you, particularly if you hurt them, it can damage your relationship with them, causing irreparable harm. When you close this essay, you will have to define when it is okay to lie to someone and when it is not. You might find it easier to say that lying is okay when it benefits the person you are talking to. You will need to use specific examples to write a strong essay.

Prompt: Do we expect too much from our public figures?

As a society, we tend to hold our public figures in high esteem. What this means is that we also hold them to a higher standard. Therefore, things that might not necessarily get us fired from our jobs could force a public figure to resign. At the same time, public figures are people, not superheroes. Therefore, do we expect too much from them?

You may want to start by discussing whether it is appropriate to place high expectations on the shoulders of public figures. After all, they have only earned that position by demonstrating that they may have more knowledge, wisdom, or personal capacity than the average person. Therefore, it should only make sense that we would hold them to a higher level. Then, you may want to share some of the high expectations we place on public figures. We expect them to defend the country, help those less fortunate, and foster scientific and economic growth.

On the other hand, you may want to talk about situations where the expectations we have for public figures are not necessarily reasonable. For example, you may want to discuss the expectation that public figures should immediately end a global pandemic. Or, you may want to talk about situations where public figures fall short because of events outside their control.

For example, our public figures are still accountable to the law. They are not dictators and could fall victim to significant companies or politicians who do not cooperate with them. When you finish this essay, you may want to discuss the difference between reasonable and unreasonable expectations. How do you define reasonable and unreasonable? You may even want to take the point that what is reasonable or unreasonable can vary from person to person.

Prompt: Is it better for us to react instinctively in times of crisis?

They call them reflexes for a reason, you want to respond as quickly as possible when there is a crisis. Evolutionarily, we would expect our reflexes to guide us in the right direction, but that is not always the case. For this essay, you will need to specify when it is better to react instinctively and when it is better to take a slower approach.

For example, you might want to talk about slamming on the brakes when trying to avoid an accident. If a child crosses the street in front of you, you don’t have time to pause, think, and decide whether you want to swerve or stop. Therefore it would be best if you reacted instinctively. If you wait too long, you will hit the child, leading to a catastrophe. In this situation, your reflexes are good.

Then, there are situations where it is better to take a more thought-out approach. For example, you might want to talk about a politician behind a desk trying to deal with energy, climate, or military crises. It may be prudent for politicians to reach out to their advisers, get everyone’s input, and decide what to do next. To write a strong essay, you will have to decide when it is crucial to react instinctively and when it is essential to pause for a moment and take a step back. Then, if you choose strong examples, you can write a solid response.

Looking for more? Check out these SAT writing tips .

FAQs About SAT Essay Examples

It would help if you used specific, varied examples to write a strong essay. The models need to support your point of view. It would help if you tried to choose examples from your personal life, current events, and history to demonstrate an extensive knowledge base. With a bit of test prep, you could get a perfect score.

There is no set length for your SAT essay. A five-paragraph essay is an excellent rule of thumb, but it is not required. It is more critical to show that you know how to organize your essay using paragraphs. There will be a time limit, so your essay cannot be super long.

It is always helpful to spend a couple of minutes brainstorming and outlining your essay before you start writing. You only have so many sheets of paper, so you need your essay to be organized before you begin. Think about your central claim, your sentence structure, and word choice. Next, write your thesis statement, topic sentences, and examples you want to use before you start writing your new SAT essay. Then, step by step, you will have a template around which you can build your central idea.

For help with this topic, read our guide explaining what is persuasive writing ? If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Amanda has an M.S.Ed degree from the University of Pennsylvania in School and Mental Health Counseling and is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. She has experience writing magazine articles, newspaper articles, SEO-friendly web copy, and blog posts.

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The SAT essay is an optional section of the SAT exam that measures a student's ability to analyze and interpret a given piece of writing. It is a timed, 50-minute essay task that requires students to read a 600-700 word passage and then write a coherent response. This essay is designed to assess reading, writing, and analytical skills.

The SAT essay is scored on a scale of 2 to 8, with 2 being the lowest score and 8 being the highest score. The essay is scored based on three key areas: reading, analysis, and writing. The scores for each area are then added together to get a total score out of 24.

Feeling a little nervous before taking your SAT essay is normal. When you're dealing with something important for your future, it's ok to feel some pressure. That's why the goal of this guide is to help you get ready for this assignment and finally, get the highest SAT essay scoring. Let's take a look at SAT essay examples and the best practices to write it so that you can pass this test successfully.

What Is the SAT Essay?

SAT essay is a short, timed writing assignment that you'll get as part of the SAT. There are two great things about it. First, now the majority of educational institutions don't require an SAT writing essay. It is an optional task, which nevertheless, you are recommended to do.

Secondly, new SAT essay rules don't require you to reinvent the wheel and deal with something you've never encountered before. At the same time, you shouldn't expect a typical essay-style question; there are no prompts like "Tell us about your favorite book." Instead, you will have to read a specific prompt, for example, a short article or speech, and analyze, interpret, and evaluate a given text.

Purpose of the SAT Essay

The main goal of the SAT essay is to evaluate three academic skills you should have and demonstrate. They are:

A perfect SAT essay wins 5-5-5 in reading, analysis, and writing. That's why you will have to read an assigned prompt first, then analyze the ways authors build their arguments, and describe their approach in writing. SAT essay is meant to be an opportunity for students to show off their writing skills, but it's also meant to test a student's ability to think critically about a topic, and most importantly, the ways an author explains it.

If you ever have trouble with SAT tasks, use college essay help online for the best result.

How to Write an SAT Essay

Keep in mind that SAT essay writing task is timed and requires you to analyze a passage and then support your analysis with evidence from a text. While SAT with essay usually lasts up to 5 hours, you will have up to one hour (usually 50 minutes) to complete a paper after you are done with the test itself.

So, break down your assignment into four stages and keep track of the timeyou should devote to each of the states.

Read and analyze — 10 minutes. For the first time, read the passage quickly to get an overall sense of its main idea. Then, re-read it more slowly. Highlight any arguments or opinions that stand out to you. This is critical because if you don't have an idea of what exactly an author is trying to say and what persuasion approaches they use, then it will be hard for you to write an effective analysis based on their argumentation.
Outline — 10 minutes. Follow a standard essay structure of introduction-body-conclusion. Pay the most attention to the body. Draft three-four paragraphs, following one paragraph — one statement rule. Here, SAT essay practice doesn’t differ from writing any other type of paper.
Write — 20 minutes. Next, proceed with writing being guided by your outline. We recommend getting started right with a body paragraph. Pick up the writing or reasoning technique an author uses in the passage and explain it, using examples from the test. Do it three-four times discussing different approaches of a writer and highlighting their weak and strong points. Sum up everything in your conclusion. Here you can also briefly state your opinion. Then, get back to the intro. You will feel how easy it is to write it after you have fully understood the passage and analyzed it in your body.
Proofread and edit — 10 minutes. Don't skip this step! It's very important for your essay to be flawless in terms of spelling and grammatical correctness. So, make sure to provide enough time for essay revision and check everything twice before submission. Although the SAT have an essay as an optional assignment, do your best to show your paper writing skills.

>> View more: How to Write a Good Essay

SAT Essay Outline

Creating a new SAT essay outline before you start writing is a great way to ensure that you cover all necessary ideas. It is also an opportunity to prepare yourself mentally for such a task at hand. When you know what you're going to write and what SAT essay format to follow, you can get in the right mindset for writing effectively. The template you'll find below will help you as well.

>> Read more: How to Write an Outline for an Essay

SAT Essay Template

Briefly introduce a topic
Mention a passage you're going to analyze and its author
State your thesis statement
State your first supporting point – how an author uses a specific persuasion technique
Provide evidence for supporting your point – cite an example for a passage directly
Explain how the evidence supports your point
Transition to the next paragraph
Follow the same structure as shown above
Elaborate on different points until you reach the necessary essay length
Restate your thesis
Summarize your supporting points
End with a strong concluding statement

You can pay for college essays at any time if you find anything too difficult or mind-boggling.

SAT Essay Prompts

SAT sample essay prompts are written in a way that asks you to analyze and evaluate other writers or speakers. SAT practice essay requires analytical writing on your part. That's why topics and questions for this assignment are diverse. Below you will find some prompts and corresponding samples to get an idea of what to expect from this task and how to deal with it.

Sample SAT Essay Prompt 1 & Answer

So, let’s proceed with real-life examples and discover what to write in an SAT essay.

For instance, the task may sound as follows:

Write an essay in which you explain how Bill Gates builds his argument to persuade the audience of the need to address global climate change in his "Innovating to Zero" speech at the TED conference in 2010.

Here is what you can write about.

SAT Essay Sample 1

Bill Gates was at the forefront of the innovation development that is now changing the world. However, these changes are not always positive. In his "Innovating to Zero" speech at TED2010, he set an ambitious goal of achieving zero emissions by 2050. Bill Gates used a combination of emotional, logical, and ethical appeals to persuade the audience of the urgency and importance of tackling climate change. The most prominent persuasion technique that he uses throughout the speech is an emotional appeal. He uses an approach that's on the verge of rhetoric and psychology, making his audience feel compassion and pointing out that 2 million purest people on the globe will be unable to survive climate change. The goal of this technique is to help people realize the true cost of the upcoming disaster, and then — get a solution everyone can contribute to. Next, Bill Gates uses a logical appeal. He says: "We have to go from rapidly rising to fall [carbon emissions], and falling all the way to zero." To add credibility to his persuasion, he cites examples of new technologies that already make a difference. The speaker also supports his statements with statistics and calculations, moving to the concluding part — the call to action. Finally, Gates uses a call to action to encourage the audience to take care and rethink their attitudes toward climate change now. At this moment, he is leveraging the power of his reputation and global recognition of his contribution to technology development. Through this example, we can see how the personality of the speaker significantly amplifies all the persuasion techniques he used during the speech.

Sample SAT Essay Prompt 2 & Answer

Let’s consider one more example and deal with the following task:

Write an essay in which you explain how Sojourner Truth builds her argument to persuade the audience on men's and women's rights equity in her "Ain’t I a Woman" speech at a women's rights convention in 1851 in Ohio, USA.

SAT Essay Sample

The problem of equal gender rights, especially for people of color, has been relevant for over three centuries. History knows many outstanding speakers and activists of both genders, and Sojourner Truth is one of them. Her speech "Ain't I a Woman?" is a worthy example of consistent logic and strong persuasion. The speaker builds her argument using the rhetorical approach of opposition and contrast. She argued that if women were capable of doing hard work and bearing children, then they should be treated as equals to men. Next, she cites examples from her life to show that women are capable of doing even more. In the next sections of her speech, Sojourner Truth asks rhetorical questions and repeats them for better persuasion. "Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! A man had nothing to do with Him." The goal of this tactic is to appeal to religion which was very important for people of that time and help women realize that they are more powerful than they used to think. "If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn back and get side up again". This statement is the continuation of the previous one. At the same time, it is a passionate, courageous, and driving call to action Sojourner Truth concludes her speech with.

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How Is the SAT Essay Scored?

SAT essay scores simply. Two independent reviewers from an admission committee rate your paper based on 3 criteria:

They can score you from 1 to 4 points for each criterion. The points each of the reviewers gave are added together and students get a total SAT writing score with 24 points being the maximum.

Tips for Writing the SAT Essay

So, now you have an idea of what to write in your paper, what kinds of topics to expect, and how your essay will be scored. Find out more SAT essay writing tips to skyrocket your chances of getting the highest grade possible.

Review successful SAT examples. The best way to get started is by reviewing past essays that got a good SAT essay score. Pay attention to topics and ways other students express themselves in response.
Practice at home before taking a test. Pick up prompts you like and try writing a piece at home. Exercise with different topics several times. Next, find a passage you've never read before. Set a cutdown timer and try to write an SAT essay under time pressure.
Read the passage twice. The first time through, focus on understanding what an author is saying and how they're saying it. The second time around, pay more attention to their logic and argumentation.
Highlight important points during the second reading round. Mark these points with a pencil. So, you can easily find them later when you're writing your essay.
Focus on analysis. Instead of simply stating your opinion or offering an example, explain why your opinion or example is valid based on what an author has written. You should be able to support your position with evidence from a passage. If there isn't enough evidence in the passage itself, draw from outside sources that support your argument (such as real-world experience).
Use specific evidence from the passage. Instead of making up your own ideas about what an author was trying to say, use specific examples from a text to support your point of view.
Use strong vocabulary. SAT essay is a very formal, academic writing prompt, so you need to write with that in mind. Choose words that are more advanced than those you'd use in conversation.
Proofread and edit twice. Once you've finished your draft, go back and read through it again. Making sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. Be very attentive since during your SAT test, you will not be able to use online tools for grammar and readability checks.

Bottom Line on SAT Essay Writing

SAT practice essays are challenging, but they are also an opportunity to show colleges you're ready to take on the next step in your education. Fortunately, SAT writing essays aren't as hard as they look. All you need to remember is that, at its core, an essay is just an argument — and every good argument has three parts: a claim, evidence for supporting that claim, and a conclusion. Invest your time and effort into getting ready for this assignment. Take a look at new SAT essay samples and try writing some pieces following the structure and tips we've shared in this article.

If you found our SAT essay blog post helpful, you may also be interested in learning how to write an ACT essay or succeed at AP English Language and Composition Exam .

Take advantage of our professional writing service . Our writers specialize in a wide range of academic disciplines and are dedicated to providing high-quality content to students for all types of assignments.

FAQ About SAT Essays

1. how long is the sat with an essay and without an essay.

The SAT without essay usually takes up to four hours. If you have to complete a writing assignment, you will be given extra 50 minutes for it. As for SAT essay length, it is 550-750 words.

2. What is a good SAT essay score?

The highest SAT essay scoring you can earn is five points for reading, analysis, and writing respectively. 3-4 scores on each task are average. 1-2 scores are a low result.

3. What colleges require the SAT essay?

The most famous institutions requiring the SAT essay include but aren't limited to:

Harvard University
The University of California schools
City University London
Delaware State University
Howard University.

4. Should I take the SAT essay?

Despite being an optional task, it is still better to take the SAT essay. If you have a chance to improve your score and you know how to handle this task, take the fullest advantage of this opportunity.

Rachel R. Hill is a real educational devotee. She prides in writing exceptional general guides while listening to every need of students.

SAT Essay Examples with Explanations and Recommendations

6 July 2023

last updated

Joining an undergraduate program is a dream of many people, particularly high schoolers. Traditionally, colleges and universities require applicants to take SAT assessments to qualify for admission. In this case, SAT essays are one form of these assessments and need students to analyze an author’s argument. Then, a new SAT essay has three requirements: convince the reader of the accuracy of the author’s claim, be between 650 and 750 words, and a 50-minute completion timeline. Basically, the main features of the SAT essay include prompt, response, and grading. In turn, the SAT prompt requires students to consider the use of evidence in the text, the author’s reasoning in linking evidence with the central claim, and the author’s use of language in defending the primary claim. Hence, these SAT essay examples may help students to get higher scores.

General Aspects of SAT Essay Examples

Admission into a higher learning institution is the dream of every high schooler. Basically, formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is an academic exercise that assesses candidates for admission into undergraduate programs. As such, the SAT essay assesses individuals’ ability to analyze an author’s argument. In this case, good practice dictates that doing so requires students to analyze how the author utilizes evidence, reasoning, and language to make a convincing claim. Apart from the reading (the essay), SAT essay assessments take a similar structure in terms of prompt, response, and grading. In turn, the new SAT essay has three main characteristics: it tries to convince the reader of the accuracy of the author’s claim, has a word count of between 650 and 750, and should be analyzed within 50 minutes. Thus, these SAT essay examples are developed for students who want to learn more.

Elements of SAT Essay Examples

When attending to the SAT essay, a student should pay close attention to the prompt, which invites the reader to consider how the author incorporates evidence (facts and examples) to support their claim. Basically, the prompt also asks the reader to consider how the author uses reasoning to construct ideas and link claims and evidence. Also, it asks them to analyze the author’s use of language persuasively. Here, the reader should pay close attention to word choice or appeals to emotion and how the author employs this language to strengthen their main ideas. In this sense, a critical evaluation of the text is necessary if the student is to identify such language.

Example 1: SAT Essay Prompt

As you read the passage below, consider how Jimmy Carter uses

evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.
reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence.
stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.

Link: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/sat-practice-test-1-essay.pdf for other SAT essay examples.

Example of the SAT Essay Response

In his foreword to the wildlife photography book, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land, A Photographic Journey, former US President Jimmy Carter defends the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska vehemently. Through logical reasoning, emotional appeals, personal anecdotes, and specific references to evidence, Carter argues for the need for urgent action by wildlife enthusiasts to save endangered precious animals and plants. In the first paragraph, Carter describes the Arctic Refuge as a magnificent terrain, characterized by awesome animals that roam the scenic landscapes. This description captures the wildlife sanctuary’s vivid imagery, thus giving readers a memorable introduction into the text. In essence, it makes readers feel like they are roaming in the terrain, enjoying a spectacular view of the majestic landscapes and wildlife.

Author’s personal anecdote . In the second and third paragraphs, Carter continues his captivating description of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He uses a personal anecdote when he narrates about a trip he took with his wife Rosalynn to the Refuge, about a decade before Subhankar Banerjee penned the book. The anecdote introduces the beauty of the terrain by describing the migration of caribou. By using evocative and descriptive language, Carter draws his readers into the story. He further makes readers interested in understanding the fates of the animals in the sanctuary through careful use of emotional appeals. In short, the author understands that the best and most effective way of getting his audience interested in the text is to make them part of the adventure. The details that he provides in his encounter with the natural habitat give readers this essential feeling.

Appeal to emotions, ethics, and logic . In the fourth paragraph, Carterzeroes in on his primary concern: the threat facing the Refuge, as developers seek to build pipelines and drill for oil. Here, the author makes an emotional appeal by using evocative and descriptive phrases and terms. This language compels readers to sense the urgency of the author’s primary concern. In paragraph five, Carter shifts from using emotional appeals to appealing to the logic and ethics of his readers. In emphasizing the Arctic Refuge’s uniqueness, he reminds his readers that both sides of the American political divide have acted in ways aimed at preserving the heritage of this natural habitat. In short, the author shifts from using evocative language to applying evidence in backing up his claims.

A shift in focus . In the sixth paragraph, Carter continues using facts, while at the same time appealing to the readers’ ethics. He explains that since he left the presidency, many attempts have been made to operationalize oil drilling in the Refuge, only to be resisted the Natives. These Indigenous Americans include the Gwich’in Athabascan Indians, whom he describes as a people dependent on the natural habitat for thousands of years. Ideally, Carter shifts the readers’ focus from concern for nature and animals to the fate of the Indigenous communities that depend on the Refuge. In doing so, he makes his case more than an environmental issue; it is also a human rights issue. This shift in focus is vital in winning the hearts of the audience, who now have to assume that the author’s arguments are valid and justified.

Logos, ethos, and pathos . In the seventh paragraph, the former US president addresses his concerns from the perspective of three-criterion of an argumentative essay: logos, ethos, and pathos. Firstly, he breaks down the issue from a logical standpoint. Here, he uses data to support his claims, such as the percentage of oil that Americans consume each day. Such facts compel readers to evaluate the relative political, economic, and social insignificance of the Refuge. Secondly, he appeals to readers’ ethics by stating that it is only by being mindful of the environment, through conservation, that America can make up for the gap. Lastly, he appeals to readers’ emotions by cautioning against hurting the “heart” of the Refuge. This reasoning indicates that the Refuge is like a human being, an aspect that helps the author to appeals to the emotions and ethics of his audience.

The urgency of the issue . In the last two shorter paragraphs, Carter summarizes his writing by reminding readers that the issue at hand requires urgent attention. By taking a stand on the matter vividly and clearly, he appeals to his readers’ emotions, ethics, and logic about environmental conservation. These two brief paragraphs are the author’s way of conveying his confidence in the position he has taken, reminding readers of his most salient arguments. Most importantly, the paragraphs bring to a close an educational journey that the author takes his readers through. This journey compels readers that Carter is concerned not only about the integrity of the natural habitat but also the lives of those who depend on it. In this sense, he maintains an objective mindset about the dilemma of the government and other stakeholders.

Grading an Example of the First SAT Essay

Reading (score— 4).

This SAT essay example demonstrates that the reader had a thorough understanding of the writing, including the interrelation between the author’s central idea and essential supporting details. Basically, the reader provides an accurate paraphrase of the central focus of Carter’s text. In this case, the reader’s response provides many details to emphasize the author’s focus, including Carter’s personal anecdote that vividly describes the terrain. Also, given that the response is free of errors of fact or interpretation, it demonstrates the reader’s ability to read and comprehend is advanced.

Analysis (Score— 4)

The essay example of the SAT test demonstrates the reader’s useful review of Carter’s text, reflecting a good understanding of the analytical task. In analyzing Carter’s use of a personal anecdote, the reader goes a step further to show how this strategy exemplifies the Refuge’s marvels Basically, he not only makes assertions about the analytical elements in Carter’s text but also discusses how these elements advance the author’s argument. For example, in mentioning the Gwich’in Athabascan Indians, he shows his readers that his concern is not only about the landscape and the animals in the Refuge, but also about the people who depend on the environment. In turn, the use of insightful analysis throughout the response indicates an advanced analytical skill on the part of the reader.

Writing (Score— 4)

This example of the SAT essay is cohesive in its entirely and demonstrates the reader’s effective use and command of the English language. Basically, the response captures Carter’s primary claim. In this case, the body paragraphs focus on justifying this claim by appealing to emotions, ethics, and logic. Moreover, the effective use of the conventions of written English indicates the reader’s advanced proficiency in writing.

Sample 2: SAT Essay Prompt

As you read the passage below, consider how Dana Gioia uses

Link: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sample-questions/essay/2 for other SAT essay examples.

Example of the SAT Essay

The article “Why Literature Matters” by Dana Gioia argues that young Americans’ level of interest in the disciplines of art and language has declined during the last 25 years. From the start, the reader recognizes that the author intends to analyze a social phenomenon that affects the American youth. His concern is that young Americans are no longer interested in the arts. In supporting this claim, he cites compelling polls and reports and also quotes a prominent author. The author’s primary purpose is to highlight shortcomings in the American arts industry, with Millenials being his primary concern.

The problem . In the introductory paragraph, Gioia contrasts Americans’ involvement with arts with several positive changes, including improved college attendance and income levels. In essence, the author uses this element to emphasize his primary point, which he highlights as a negative trend in the American context. One can argue that by inviting his readers to consider the positive changes (improved income and college attendance and increased access to information), Gioia seeks to justify his claim. This claim involves the strange thing that has happened in America in the last 25 years: the diminished interest in the arts by young Americans.

The citation of facts . In the second paragraph, the author cements his assertions by citing a study commissioned by the National Endowment for the Arts, which established the truth of the “strange” thing that the author mentions in his first sentence in the introduction. Therefore, after arousing his readers’ interest in the first paragraph, Gioia shifts their attention to evidence. This strategy is meant to make readers convinced of the legitimacy of his central argument. In the third paragraph, he appeals to the readers’ emotions by suggesting that ignoring arts and literature is problematic to America, a progressive nation. In other words, the author builds a case for his reasoning by making readers aware that he recognizes engaging with literature has its ups and downs.

Comparison of evidence . In the fifth paragraph, the author refers to two separate information sources to advance his claim. The first involves a citation of author Daniel Pinks’ quote that suggests the talents individuals require to succeed in the 21 st century enable individuals to create beauty through art and emotion, to identify and exploit opportunities. Here, Gioia uses the thinking of a respected scholar to build a salient argument. To strengthen this argument, the author provides evidence of what the industry seeks: imagination, innovation, and critical thinking. He suggests that these are the qualities that guarantee success in management. By capturing two sets of claims from two separate sources, the author sensitizes his audience that immersion in the arts fosters vital skill sets that enable one to succeed in the modern workplace.

Factual support . In the sixth paragraph, the author furthers an argument from the fifth paragraph by providing a negative example of the consequences of diminished interest in the arts. Focusing on literacy, he cites a 2001 poll on the National Association of American Manufactures that established poor reading skills ranked second among employees’ skill deficiencies. Thirty-eight percent of respondents believed local schools teach reading comprehension inadequately. Using a numerical statistic based on a survey, which indicates the effects of diminished experience in art and literature, enables Gioia to make his argument logical. This strategy gives his readers an accurate depiction of the “strange thing” that has happened in America during the past 25 years.

A summary of the author’s claims . Overall, the text indicates Gioia’s strong logical argument that exemplifies the danger of disconnecting with the arts. Throughout the text, he uses descriptions and evidence that suggest this trend is troubling for America. The effective logical connections between the central claim and proof, establish Gioia’s claim as a real-world trend. To convince the audience that his claim is legitimate, the author traces the origin of the current trend- almost 25 years back. This fact arouses the readers’ interest as they want to know what happened in those years. One can argue that this element of the text gives readers a reason to believe that the author is not merely complaining about a social trend, but has conducted research that warrants their attention.

Evaluation of the Second SAT Essay Example

This SAT essay example demonstrates the reader’s comprehensive understanding of Gioia’s text, illustrating the connection between the central idea and evidence. Concerning the introductory paragraph, the reader paraphrases Gioia’s main argument. Basically, the reader also exhibits an understanding of evidence in the text, including compelling polls and reports, and quotes a prominent author. In turn, the reader connects this evidence with the text’s central argument that exemplifies the diminishing interest in the arts by young Americans during the last 25 years. With no identifiable errors of fact or interpretation, the response is an example of advanced reading comprehension.

The essay example of the SAT test demonstrates that the reader has a good grasp of the analytical task, judging by how effectively they analyze Gioia’s text. Beyond assertions that reflect the analytical elements in Gioia’s text, the response discusses the contribution that these elements make in supporting and strengthening Gioia’s main argument. For example, the response indicates the use of the element of contrast to help the reader understand the seriousness of the author’s assertion. Here, the response shows that the author uses this element to emphasize his central argument and highlight it as a negative development. In turn, the reader’s insightful analysis of the text shows advanced analytical skills.

The example of the SAT essay indicates that the reader uses and commands language effectively. In introducing their response, the reader captures Gioia’s central claim precisely, which he justifies through evidence from surveys, reports, and other author’s sentiments. Basically, the use of a sophisticated sentence structure, notable vocabulary, and correct word choice demonstrates sufficient analytical work. In this regard, the response conveys to the audience the importance of the arts, thus compelling readers to conclude that diminished involvement in the arts by Millenials foreshadows troubling results. Overall, the response shows the reader’s advanced writing ability.

Example of the SAT Essay Prompt 3

As you read the passage below, consider how Eliana Dockterman uses

Link: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/sat-practice-test-3-essay.pdf for other SAT essay examples.

Sample SAT Essay Response

In “The Digital Parent Trap,” Eliana Dockterman responds to the skepticism among parents about their children’s early exposure to technology. In his multifaceted argument, the author attempts to dispel the misunderstandings surrounding technology and its relevance in education. In demonstrating the psychological barriers to technology and education, the author uses facts and statistics to cement her argument. Despite the negativity that her claim exemplifies – the obstacles to technology-based learning for young students – Dockterman is optimistic that parents’ cooperation can facilitate the adoption of technology for educational purposes.

The use of evidence . In the introduction, the author discusses how the new generation of children is proficient in using technology than previous generations. Here, she cites evidence, in the form of statistics, to show readers the increasing technology use among children. Rather than seeing it as harmful or grounds for a moral decline, the author perceives this development as a sign of progress. It is for this reason that her argument proposes the need for parents to adopt a new mindset regarding technology use in education. In essence, she says that parents must cease seeing the use of technology in a negative light- a distraction and poor replacement for traditional learning. Instead, she refers to evidence showing the increasing adoption of technology in education. By indicating that many schools are planning to adopt technology use, Dockterman convinces his audience that technology can play a facilitative role in learning.

Logos, ethos, and pathos . Dockterman uses ethos and logos to persuade her audience, relying on facts to establish and cement her claims. At various points, she uses pathos to induce her words with influencing power. For example, her initial words indicate the singularity of her objective- to establish the potential of technology in facilitating adolescent education. Throughout the text, she spells out the dilemma facing parents and children in a world where technology is increasingly becoming a game-changer. On the one hand, she shows that while children and schools may be eager to adopt technology, evidence shows that a good proportion of parents are not convinced that this change is necessary. Ideally, these parents are unwilling to let go of the status quo because they see technology as an addiction. They would rather spend resources to keep their children away from digital gadgets.

Literary elements . Dockterman uses imagery to make her text exciting and engaging. She questions parents’ and counselors’ wisdom to keep a child, who has spent much of their growing up with technology, away from gadgets. She argues that the average American family still does not understand value technology as a tool for education; it only doubts its potential and sees it as a distraction to children. She wonders who’s right between the mother who protects her children from the dangers of new technology and the father who coaches them on how to use it. This question reflects the dilemma of American families in today’s digital age. The author uses real-world statistics showing that few people embrace technology despite notable technological change happening to strengthen her claim.

The gist of the author’s argument . In short, her argument indicates that the limited adoption of technology is based on people’s limited awareness of technology and its potential in education. People seem to be more conversant with the drawbacks of technology and not with the power it holds as a facilitator of children’s learning. In his subtle indication of parents’ skepticism, the author blames their traditional mindset as the obstacle, claiming that it does not allow them to move beyond convenient answers. In other words, many parents it is convenient to blame technology for their lack of understanding of its positive influences. Beyond highlighting parents’ ignorance, Dockterman uses a compare and contrast approach to introduce her audience to the advantages and disadvantages, if there are any, of technology use in education.

Scores of the Third SAT Essay Example

This SAT essay example demonstrates the reader’s thorough comprehension of Dockterman’s text and illustrates their firm understanding of the connection between the central idea and evidence. Basically, the response captures an accurate paraphrase of Dockterman’s central idea, with evidence playing a key role in establishing and cementing the claim. Reading through the response, it is evident the reader comprehends the main focus of Dockterman’s text. In this case, the paragraphs show a progressive understanding of the author’s line of thought. For example, the response shows the connection between the argument in the fifth and sixth paragraphs, with the latter advancing the former. Without notable errors of fact or interpretation, the response indicates advanced reading comprehension.

Analysis (Score— 3)

The essay example of the SAT test demonstrates a good understanding of the analytical task by offering a compelling analysis of Dockterman’s text. In particular, the response utilizes quotes and evidence to establish and strengthen the author’s central claim. For example, the use of facts and statistics exemplifies the psychological barriers related to the relation between technology and education. In this case, such evidence helps the author cement her argument about the misplacement of parental concern about children’s involvement with technology. Moreover, the response highlights the author’s effort to dispel the confusion and misunderstanding that parents exhibit concerning the essence of technology in children’s development. In turn, the insightful analysis evident in the response indicates an advanced analytical skill.

The example of the SAT essay demonstrates effective use and command of the English language. Basically, the response begins with a concise paraphrase of Dockterman’s central claim. Throughout the response, the reader demonstrates a skillful structure of the argument. For example, the response utilizes imagery and questions to convey the primary concerns in Dockterman’s text. In this case, the use of a compare and contrast approach exemplifies the reader’s understanding of language elements that create a compelling, objective, and logical arguments. Overall, the response indicates an advanced writing ability.

Summing Up on SAT Essay Examples

Joining an undergraduate program is the dream of many students, suggesting the importance of learning about SAT prompts. Regarding SAT essay examples, students must note expectations. Although these essays may differ in content, they tend to assume a similar structure in terms of the prompt, response, and grading. To excel in the SAT essay, a student must read the prompt and understand what it requires. Typically, the requirement is to consider the use of evidence (facts and examples) in the text and how it supports the author’s central claim. Moroever, it requires students to consider how reasoning helps the author construct ideas and show an interrelation between the central claim and evidence. Finally, SAT essay examples require applicants to analyze the persuasive use of language by the author, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to strengthen the main ideas.

In essence, SAT essay examples entail the following details:

a response with a plausible claim that convinces the reader of the accuracy of the author’s claim;
a response with a word count of between 650 and 750;
a time allocation of about 50 minutes, within which the student must thoroughly analyze and respond to the text;
a grading criterion that addresses three dimensions: reading, analysis, and writing.

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How to write an autobiography with step-by-step guide and tips, how to write a null and alternative hypothesis: a guide with examples.

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Want a preview of some of the question types on the redesigned SAT ? Try the SAT sample questions below. Challenge yourself with some reading, writing, and language practice. Try our SAT math practice questions to see if your math skills are up to par or if you still need some SAT math review . Need more practice questions? Check out our guide SAT Premium Prep , which contains all the techniques, drills, and review you need to maximize your score on the redesigned test. Or, sign up for a free SAT practice test .

SAT Math Practice
SAT Reading Practice
SAT Writing and Language Practice

You can use a calculator for questions 1–2. Learn more about the SAT Math Test .

1. A gas station sells regular gasoline for $2.39 per gallon and premium gasoline for $2.79 per gallon. If the gas station sold a total of 550 gallons of both types of gasoline in one day for a total of $1,344.50, how many gallons of premium gasoline were sold?

Answer: (B) 75 When asked for a specific value, try Plugging In the Answers. Label them as gallons of premium and start with the value in (B). If 75 gallons of premium were sold, the station would make 75($2.79) = $209.25 for those sales. A total of 550 gallons were sold, so the station would have sold 550 - 75 = 475 gallons of regular gasoline. The sales for the regular gasoline would be 475($2.39) = $1,135.25. The total sales for both types of gasoline would be $209.25 + $1,135.25 = $1,344.50. That matches the information in the question, so (B) is correct.

2. If f(x) = 2x 2 + 4 for all real numbers x , which of the following is equal to f(3) + f(5) ?

Answer: (B) f (6) To find the value of f(3) + f(5), find the values of f (3) and f (5) separately: f(3) = 2(3) 2 + 4 = 22 and f(5) = 2(5) 2 + 4 = 54 . So f(3) + 5(5) = 76. You can tell that f (4) will be between 22 and 54, so you can cross out (A). If you ballpark (C) and (D), putting 10 or 15 in the function will give you a number bigger than 100, and you're looking for 76, so (C) and (D) are too big. That means the answer is (B) by process of elimination.

Don't use a calculator for question 3.

3. In the figure below, circle O has a radius of 8, and angle XOY measures 5 ⁄ 16 π radians. What is the measure of minor arc XY ?

Answer: (B) 5 ⁄ 2 π Because the question wants arc length and gives you the measure of the central angle in radians, you can use the formula s = rθ to find the arc length: s = (8)( 5 ⁄ 16 π) = 40 ⁄ 16 π , which reduces to 5 ⁄ 2 π , which is (B).

Questions 1-3 are based on the following passage. Stumped? Check out these SAT reading tips.

This passage is excerpted from the 1854 book Walden by Henry David Thoreau, which details Thoreau's experience living in a cabin alone for two years.

I think that I love society as much as most, and am ready enough to fasten myself like a bloodsucker for the time to any full-blooded man that comes in my way. I am naturally no hermit, (5) but might possibly sit out the sturdiest frequenter for the bar-room, if my business called me thither. I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society. When visitors come in larger and unexpected (10) numbers there was but the third chair for them all, but they generally economized the room by standing up. It is surprising how many great men and women a small house will contain. I have had twenty-five or thirty souls, with their bodies, (15) at once under my roof, and yet we often parted without being aware that we had come very near to one another. One inconvenience I sometimes experienced in so small a house, the difficulty of getting to a (20) sufficient distance from my guest when we began to utter the big thoughts in big words. You want room for your thoughts to get into sailing trim and run a course or two before they make their port. The bullet of your thought must have (25) overcome its lateral and ricochet motion and fallen into its last and steady course before it reaches the ear of the hearer, else it may plow out again through the side of his head. Also our sentences wanted room to unfold and form (30) their columns in the interval. Individuals, like nations, must have suitable broad and natural boundaries, even a considerable neutral ground, between them. I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the pond to a companion on the (35) opposite side. In my house we were so near that we could not begin to hear—we could not speak low enough to be heard; as when you throw two stones into calm water so near that they break each other's undulations. As the conversation (40) began to assume a loftier and grander tone, we gradually shoved our chairs farther apart till they touched the wall in opposite corners and then commonly there was not room enough. My "best" room, however, my withdrawing (45) room, always ready for company, on whose carpet the sun rarely fell, was the pine wood behind my house. Thither in summer days, when distinguished guests came, I took them, and a priceless domestic swept the floor and dusted the (50) furniture and kept the things in order. If one guest came he sometimes partook of my frugal meal, and it was no interruption to conversation to be stirring a hasty-pudding or watching the rising and maturing of a loaf of (55) bread in the ashes, in the meanwhile. But if twenty came and sat in my house there was nothing said about dinner, though there might be bread enough for two, more than if eating were a forsaken habit; but we naturally practised (60) abstinence; and this was never felt to be an offence against hospitality, but the most proper and considerate course. The waste and decay of physical life, which so often needs repair, seemed miraculously retarded in such a case, and the vital (65) vigor stood its ground. I could entertain thus a thousand as well as twenty; and if any ever went away disappointed or hungry from my house when they found me at home, they may depend upon it that I sympathized with them at least. So (70) easy it is, though many housekeepers doubt it, to establish new and better customs in the place of the old. You need not rest your reputation on the dinners you give. As for men, they will hardly fail one (75) anywhere. I had more visitors while I lived in the woods than at any other period in my life; I mean that I had some. I met several there under more favorable circumstances than I could anywhere else. But fewer came to see me on trivial business. (80) In this respect, my company was winnowed by my mere distance from town. I had withdrawn so far within the great ocean of solitude, into which the rivers of society empty, that for the most part, so far as my needs were concerned, only the finest (85) sediment was deposited around me.

1. The main narrative point of view in the passage is of

Answer: (B) The main narrative point of view in this passage is from a man who is living in a house near a pond (as evidenced by his statement "I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the pond"), which is near the woods (as noted when he says..."the pine wood behind my house"). Choice (A) is incorrect because the narrator is not in the city. Choice (C) is incorrect because there is no evidence that the author was a sailor. Choice (D) is incorrect because, while the author does discuss thoughts in the third paragraph, it is not the main subject discussed by the man in the passage. Therefore, (B) is the correct answer.

2. In the context of the passage, the phrase "as when you throw two stones into calm water so near they break each other's undulations," (lines 37–39) is best described as

Answer: (D) The author says that big thoughts must have room to move around before being heard. He says that he enjoys talking across the pond because there is enough room for thoughts to be heard . There is no evidence in the passage that the big thoughts need to be violent, so eliminate (A). Eliminate (B) because the author does not state that big thoughts need to break out of the receiver's head, only that they could if they are not given enough time to develop. Choice (C) is incorrect because it is too far from the text. The author is not literally saying that thoughts need more time to reach the hearer. Since (D) most closely matches the text, it is correct.

3. As used in line 27, "plow" most nearly means

Answer: (A) The author notes that the ideas need to bounce around and settle, or they will plow and push their way out of the listener's head. Therefore, (A) is the correct answer because it matches the prediction from the text, and the other answers do not.

Questions 1–3 are based on the following passage. Learn how to tackle the SAT Writing & Language Section.

After reading the passage below, choose the answer to each question that most effectively improves the quality of writing in the passage or that makes the passage conform to the conventions of standard written English. Many questions include a "NO CHANGE" option. Choose that option if you think the best choice is to leave the relevant portions of the passage as it is.

The speakers of what has come to be known as (1) Appalachian English has used a form of English that few can explain. Many scholars believe Appalachian pronunciation comes from Scots-Irish immigration, but (2) some theorizes that this dialect of English may be closer to what Londoners spoke in Elizabethan times. Trying to understand these changes (3) demonstrate that although we all technically speak English, we speak very different languages indeed.

1. (A) NO CHANGE (B) Appalachian English uses (C) Appalachian English use (D) Appalachian English using

Answer: (C) Appalachian English use First check what's changing in the answer choices. When you see verbs changing in the answer choices, the first thing to check is the subject of the sentence. Is the verb consistent with the subject? In this case, it's not. The subject of this sentence is speakers , which is plural. Therefore, only (A) and (B) have to be eliminated, and (D) creates an incomplete idea. Only (C) can work in the context.

[+] See the Answer

2. (A) NO CHANGE (B) some theorized (C) some have theorized (D) some theorize

Answer: (D) some theorize Check what's changing in the answer choices. The word some remains consistent, but the verbs are changing. Remember from the first question that whenever you see verbs changing, make sure the verb is consistent with the subject. Because the subject of this sentence is some , you can eliminate (A) which isn't consistent. Then because all the others are consistent with the subject, make sure they are consistent with the other verbs. It looks like all the other verbs in this sentence— believe, comes, may be, —are in the present tense, so the underlined verb should be as well, as it is in (D). Choices (B) and (C) could work in some contexts, but not this one.

3. (A) NO CHANGE (B) demonstrate that although we all technically spoke English, we speak (C) demonstrates that although we all technically speak English, we might have been speaking (D) demonstrates that although we all technically speak English, we speak

Answer: (D) demonstrates that although we all technically speak English, we speak First check what's changing in the answer choices. It looks like lots of verbs! Let's start with the first. See which one, demonstrate or demonstrates , is consistent with the subject. That subject is Trying , which is singular, thus eliminating (A) and (B). Then, we have to choose between speak and might have been speaking . Since both of these are consistent with the subject we , let's try to the pick the one that is most consistent with other verbs. The only other verbs are demonstrates and speak , both of which are in the present tense and don't use the odd might have been form. Therefore, if we have to choose between (C) and (D), (D) is definitely better.

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SAT Essay Scores: How To Get A Perfect Score

Many students ask me about SAT essay scores and request an example of an SAT essay with a perfect score.

I will share my response below and explain why this SAT essay example fulfills all the scoring requirements. There are four simple tips you can apply when completing the essay portion of the SAT that will allow you to replicate a perfect score on the SAT essay, which we will cover below!

How Are SAT Essays Scored?

According to the College Board , SAT essays are scored using a specific process. Additionally, the College Board states that every official scorer is trained to ensure all students are held to the same exacting standards listed below.

Every essay will be read and scored by two different scorers.
The scores for each dimension from both scorers are added together
You will receive three separate scores—one for each of the dimensions listed above—that range from 2 to 8 points
The SAT Essay score will not be a composite score in which all of the scores are added together, nor are there percentiles

What Is A Perfect SAT Essay Score

Based on the criteria from above, a perfect score on the SAT essay would be three scores of 8 .

In other words, you will need to score a 4 from each scorer in each dimension.

Here’s what a perfect score on the SAT essay will look like:

SAT Essay Example Assignment & Answer

Now that we know how SAT essays are scored, let’s take a look at the example I promised to share with you earlier. Then we’ll discuss how you can earn a perfect score on your SAT essay.

Example SAT Essay Assignment:

“Is it wise to be suspicious of the motives or honesty of other people, even those who appear to be trustworthy? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.”

Example of a Perfect Scoring SAT Essay Answer:

The quagmire of whether to trust categorically or to bring skepticism into all interactions is one that has plagued mankind since inception. From one perspective, to trust is to engage in humanity; however, from another angle, humans are a self-promoting species who will advance themselves while thwarting the less shrewd, if allowed. In the end, the answer is clear and evident: as proven through examples in history, literature, and current events, it is obvious that it is always better to enter interactions with a sense of cynicism toward all others.

Historically, Abraham Lincoln was an exemplar proving that it is always best to be skeptical of the motives of others. When he called upon the know how of General William Tecumseh Sherman, he was not without his doubts as to the motives of the once-radical general.

( Filler…………..Filler……………Filler……………Doesn’t matter what you write here because the introduction and the first two sentences the second paragraph were so strong……..Filler…………Filler……….Filler )*

Hence, Lincoln was a superlative leader not only because of his political acumen, but because of his persistent doubt of the morals and morays of other people.

Even in current times, the collapse of the housing market is a supreme example outlining the necessity of doubting the motives of others. Loan officers in the late ’90s encouraged homeowners to purchase with 100% loan-to-value ration, and because homeowners were not skeptical of this proposition, they found themselves upside down owing more than their house was worth

( ………..Filler……………………… )*

The literature of Dostoevsky confirms what history and current events have suggested: it is always better to be skeptical of others as demonstrated by the character Ivan Fyodorovich in The Brothers Karamazov. Vanka never lets down his guard in dealing with others, and resultantly is the only truly successful and fulfilled character in the novel

The debate of whether to trust everyone until he or she errs, or to be guarded against the motives of others is not lost in history, literature, or current events. Each tells us that it is far better and even necessary to doubt the motives of our cohort

(*Note: when you read “Filler…” in the SAT essay example, I just mean to write pretty much anything that is on topic—it doesn’t matter.)

And… done. ..

4 Things You Need To Do For A Perfect SAT Essay Score

Were you able to identify any of the four characteristics that make the example assignment answer earn a perfect SAT essay score?

They might be more obvious than you think!

What Earns A Perfect SAT Essay Score?

In a nutshell…

A lot of writing
Very high-level examples
Clean, easy to follow logic

That’s all it takes.

That wasn’t so difficult, right?

SAT Essay Scoring FAQ

What is the most important thing to do when writing an ACT and SAT essay? Is it development, mechanics, originality or something else?

In this order:

You have to write legibly. If they can’t read it, you’re going to do very poorly.
You have to abide by the standard conventions of English. If you do not use complete sentences, if you avoid punctuation, or if you abuse capitalization or paragraph rules, you will do very poorly.
You must address the question. Immaculate writing that is off-topic will receive a very low score.
Clearly identify your points.
Develop your points
Use strong varied language
Use unique arguments
Be original

How Can I Cheat on the SAT?

I am assuming your intentions are to explore the question as an intellectual experiment, and not to actually cheat on the SAT . With that in mind, the way most people are able to cheat on the SAT is mostly through one of the following methods:

identity fraud
access to the material early (either by accident or intentionally)
communication during the test

I suggest reading my article, How Can I Cheat on the SAT? , for more insight on this controversial topic.

When should my student take the SAT?

Unfortunately, there is no one single answer to this question. It depends on many factors including where your student is starting out from, which school they hope to get into, and how much prep time they will need. I wrote a comprehensive guide on when to take the SAT which includes many helpful and actionable tips to help you formulate the perfect plan for SAT test prep and when the best time for your student is to take the SAT. Read When To Take The SAT: Ideal Timeline .

Can you get a good score on the SAT if you’re taking it for the first time and studied for only a month?

That depends on what your starting score is and on what you consider “good.” There are too many factors to be able to answer this with any sense of certainty.

What I can tell you is how to make sure you have the highest likelihood of the largest improvement in the time you have. The tips and test prep techniques I outline in this article will show you how to do just that.

Does “Test Optional” mean optional for me?

We are all familiar with the difference between “optional” (it makes no difference whether you do or don’t) and “ optional ” (technically you can choose this, but you probably shouldn’t).

Just because a school touts a “testing optional” policy does not mean that they want all their applicants to forgo tests. However, the answer to this question depends on some specifics that will vary among students.

Read this article to help you understand what “testing optional” really means for students like you .

Everything You Need To Know About The SAT and ACT Tests:

Boost Your SAT Score 100 Points Or More

Remember, the SAT essay score is only one portion of the SAT test.

(Not to mention the SAT essay is technically optional .)

Many of the Ivy League schools don’t require the essay portion of the test , although I do recommend that students still complete the essay .

While the tips we’ve just covered will help you earn higher marks on the essay, it’s even more important to study and prep for the main sections of the SAT.

Here’s why:

Getting accepted to a top-tier college or university is more competitive than ever—and along with GPA and extracurricular activities, your child’s SAT score is one of the most important factors for gaining acceptance to the Ivy Leagues or other elite schools.

It’s also the only factor that can be substantially improved in a short period of time.

At Powerful Prep, we have a proven test prep method that does just that.

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SAT Practice Test

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Congrats on taking our SAT Sample Quiz. Take one of our full-length SAT practice tests or one of our study sets. Everything is 100% free!

1 . Question

What percentage does 90 represent in relation to 360?

2 . Question

7 added to 4 times a quantity y is equal to 62. Which equation represents this condition?

a. 7(4y) = 62
b. 7 – 4y = 62
c. 7 + 4y = 62
d. 4y – 7 = 62

3 . Question

For a cost of $57, how many pounds of avocados were bought at a rate of $19 per pound?

4 . Question

The table displays three sets of values for x and their corresponding f(x) values for a linear function f. What equation accurately represents the definition of f(x)?

a. f(x) = 6x + 65
b. f(x) = 8x + 65
c. f(x) = 65x + 73
d. f(x) = 73x + 81

5 . Question

If \frac{x}{15}=20 , what is the value of \frac{15}{x} ?

6 . Question

What is the equation that defines line p in the xy-plane, given that it passes through the point (-4, 6) and has a slope of 6?

a. y = 6x + 30
b. y = 6x – 30
c. y = 6 + 30x
d. y = 6x – 30x

7 . Question

2.5b + 5r = 80

The provided equation expresses the connection between the quantity of biscuits (b) and raisins (r) that a reviewer business can handle in a single day. If the business is tending to 16 raisins on a specific day, what is the capacity for biscuits that it can manage on the same day?

8 . Question

In a specific rectangular area, the length-to-width ratio is 45 : 15. If the width of the region grows by 8 units, how should the length be adjusted to uphold this ratio?

a. It must decrease by 24.5 units.
b. It must increase by 24.5 units.
c. It must decrease by 24 units.
d. It must increase by 24 units.

9 . Question

In a circle with center O, the arc XY measures 105°. What is the degree measure of the angle XOY that corresponds to this arc?

10 . Question

In a right triangle, the side lengths are 3\sqrt3 , 2\sqrt3 ,and \sqrt{70} units. What is the area of the triangle in square units?

*Enter in just the number for your answer.

All SAT Practice Tests

If you want some more in-depth prep, use a free SAT practice test listed below.

Practice Exams = Timed and Full-Length
Practice Sets = Not Timed and Smaller Sets of Questions

SAT Practice Exam #1

SAT Practice Exam #2

SAT Practice Exam #3

SAT Practice Exam #4

SAT Math Practice Sets

SAT Reading & Writing Practice Sets

If you want some additional help with prepping for the SAT, consider using SAT prep courses .

Official SAT PDF Practice Exams

If you want to study using PDFs, use the links below. These are full-length practice exams provided by the CollegeBoard.

Overview of the SAT

The SAT is an entrance exam used by colleges and universities to help make decisions about admissions.

The SAT is administered by the CollegeBoard and is given 7 times per year. The exam is a timed, mainly multiple-choice exam, taken by students in high school.

Beginning in the spring of 2024, the SAT will be going fully digital. The digital SAT (DSAT) will have some formatting and content changes to it, along with some other changes. You can review those changes below.

New SAT (Digital SAT)

This exam will be given to students starting in spring of 2024.

Old SAT (Written Exam)

This exam will be given to students up until spring of 2024.

The biggest difference between the old SAT and the digital SAT is that the digital SAT is taken completely online and has combined some sections to streamline the exam.

An overview of the digital SAT exam and what is included on the exam.

Scoring of the SAT

You will receive a score for math and a score for reading/writing. Each of those scores will be between 200 and 800 .

Your total score will be the sum of those two scores. You can receive a total score between 400 and 1600 on the SAT.

The average SAT score is 1060. Learn more about good SAT scores .

Registering for the SAT and Test Dates

You can register for the SAT online via the CollegeBoard site .

You will need to do the following when registering for the SAT:

Have a Valid Photo ID
Upload a Photo of Yourself When Registering Online
Pay Registration Fees
Print Your Admission Ticket

It will cost your $60 to take the SAT. There may be some additional fees like canceling, changing test center, etc..

The SAT is typically given 7 times per year. The exam is given on Saturdays. You can expect the exam to be given in these months:

Early March
Late August
Early October
Early November
Early December

You can find exact dates on the official website .

Steps for Using SAT Practice

When using our free SAT practice tests, we recommend the following steps to get the most out of your time:

Take 1 practice exam from each subject.
Determine which subject you struggled the most with.
Focus on that 1 subject moving forward. Take additional practice exams in that subject, study important concepts, and invest in a SAT prep course if need be.
Take a practice exam on that subject again and see where you stand. Continue to focus on that subject if you need more help or move on to another subject if you did well on this practice exam.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for other subjects.

Benefits of Using SAT Practice Questions

There are many benefits to using SAT questions during your prep process. Some of those benefits include:

Help With Timing

The SAT exam is a timed test. Keeping a steady pace is critical to achieving a high score.

You can improve your decision making and your time by taking practice exams.

Test Familiarity

All standardized tests, including the SAT, have their own unique way of presenting questions and answer choices.

You will gain more familiarity and comfort with the SAT question style as you take more practice quizzes. On the real exam day, there will be no surprises.

Efficient Studying

When you take many practice exams, you will get a sense of your test strengths and weaknesses.

Many students mistakenly spend time working on their strengths while ignoring their weaknesses.

Knowing which subjects you struggle with will help you focus your study time.

Work On Problem Solving

Tests like the SAT measure your ability to solve problems, not just memorize information. It is critical to have strong problem-solving abilities.

The answer explanations provided in our score reports can help you understand how to solve problems that you may be struggling with.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the sat going to the digital format.

The SAT will be switching to the digital format in the spring of 2024.

How many questions are on the SAT?

There are 154 questions on the old SAT (written version).

There are 98 questions on the new SAT (digital version).

How much time do you have to take the SAT?

You will have 3 hours and 15 minutes to take the old SAT (written version).

You will have 2 hours and 14 minutes to take the new SAT (digital version).

Can I use a calculator on the math section of the SAT?

There will be 1 math section in which you can use a calculator and 1 math section in which you cannot use a calculator on the old SAT (written version).

You will be permitted to use a calculator on all math modules on the new SAT (digital version).

What is a good way to practice for the SAT?

We recommend taking 1 practice exam for each subject. You can then determine which subject gave you the most trouble and focus your studies on that subject.

Authored By: Adam Groden
Last Updated: January 19, 2024

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, printable sat practice tests pdfs: 22 free official tests.

SAT General Info

In this article, I'll tell you where to find all official, printable SAT practice tests and answer keys. This comprehensive guide gives you access to more SAT practice tests than any other online guide. In addition, you'll learn key strategies that'll help you make big improvements on SAT practice tests you can print out.

College Board Switches to Fully Digital SAT

In spring 2023, the College Board began making its transition to a fully digital version of the SAT—they began this launch with students taking the test internationally. Students taking the test in the U.S. will see this same transition in spring 2024, when the SAT officially completes its launch of the Digital SAT Suite of Assessments .

Therefore, the official digital SAT practice tests are the most relevant—you want to practice in the same format you’ll take the official test to best prepare for realistic testing conditions. This will give you the most authentic test experience and prepare you for what you’ll see and do on test day.

Nothing in life is free...except these practice tests!

Free Digital SAT Practice Tests (Current 1600 Format, 2023-Present)

There are currently 4 full-length digital adaptive tests available that use the same interface, format, and scoring that you’ll see on the real digital SAT. To access these digital tests you’ll first need to download Bluebook , the app where you will register and take the digital SAT. There, you will find not just practice tests, but additional resources that will help you prepare for this new format.

Free Printable SAT Practice Tests with the New Digital Format (Current 1600 Format, 2023-Present)

Now that the SAT is fully digital, only students with approved accommodations will be able to take the test in paper form. If you’ll be taking a paper and pencil version of the SAT, then, you’ll want to start with their most recent practice tests that match the new digital SAT format. The College Board currently offers 4 official, printable practice tests that model the new digital SAT format.

Full-Length Linear Practice Test 1: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Full-Length Linear Practice Test 2: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Full-Length Linear Practice Test 3: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Full-Length Linear Practice Test 4: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Free Printable SAT Tests (Past 1600 Format, 2016-2023)

Currently, there are 8 available practice tests for the redesigned SAT , all of which have been provided by the maker of the SAT itself, the College Board .

Note that some official practice SATs still include an essay. The essay was previously an optional part of the SAT. Skip over any practice SAT Essays you come across and focus your studying on the remaining sections of the exam (Math, Reading, and Writing and Language). You can also learn more about the ending of the SAT Essay here.

Practice Test 1: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Practice Test 3: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Practice Test 5: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Practice Test 6: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Practice Test 7: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Practice Test 8: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Practice Test 9: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Practice Test 10: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Don't forget to fill in your answers with the SAT answer sheet .

If you would like to get a jump start on practicing for the digital SAT debuting in fall, 2024, you can access what you need at the College Board website . You will first need to download Bluebook, the app where you will register and take the digital SAT. There, you will find not just practice tests, but additional resources that will help you prepare for this new format.

Disappointed with your scores? Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points? We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must use to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Where Are Practice Tests 2 and 4?

You probably noticed that Practice Test 2 and Practice Test 4 are missing from the section above. That's because the College Board has removed them from their list of officially available practice tests.

If you've already worked through the first eight official practice tests and want to keep working on test-taking skills like time management and strategy, then these exams are a great option!

Practice Test 2: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

Practice Test 4: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations

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Free Printable SAT Tests (Old 2400 Format, 2005-2016)

These next tests follow the old 2400 format of the SAT, with separate Critical Reading, Math, and Writing sections. (By contrast, on the current SAT, your Reading and Writing scores are combined for a total Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score.)

Despite their somewhat out-of-date structure, these tests can be useful for your studying. Just keep in mind all the major differences between the old and current SAT . I recommend using these tests more as training sessions than as full-on practice for the SAT.

Official SAT Printable Practice Test 2013-14: Questions | Answers

Official SAT Printable Practice Test 2012-13: Questions | Answers

Official SAT Printable Practice Test 2007-08: Questions | Answers

Official SAT Printable Practice Test 2004-05: Questions | Answers

It might look as though I've skipped a few years here, but I actually haven't: all the tests for the years not listed are repeats of those above, including the 2011-12, 2010-11, 2009-10, 2008-09, 2006-07, and 2005-06 practice tests. So if you find these tests on other forums or websites, don't waste your time taking them since they're the exact same as the ones already listed.

Free Printable SAT Tests (Very Old 1600 Format, Pre-2005)

Before the SAT underwent a redesign in 2016, the last time it had changed was in 2005, back when it jumped from a 1600-point scale to a 2400-point scale.

Despite this massive shift in scoring, only a few major differences could be found between the very old 1600 SAT and the old 2400 SAT. Other than those, most of the test remained the same.

As a result, these very old SAT practice tests are a hidden gold mine that few students know of. By taking these tests, then, you'll have that much more of an edge over other test takers.

Before I give you the links, though, note a few important caveats:

You can skip the analogies questions on Reading. These are the questions that look like "CAR : ENGINE ::." Since they're no longer on the SAT, there's no point in studying them.
You can skip the comparison questions on Math. This question type presents two boxes and asks you to decide whether A or B is greater. Again, these aren't on the current SAT, so you don't need to worry about these.
There is no Writing section on these tests. Therefore, make sure you use supplementary prep materials to study the grammar and question types you'll need to know for the current SAT's Writing and Language section.

Be grateful you don't need to answer some of these old-format questions—analogies were the primary reason that the SAT had a bad reputation for forcing students to memorize vocab!

Official SAT Test 2004-05: Questions | Answers

Official SAT Test 2003-04: Questions | Answers

Official SAT Test 2002: Questions + Answers

Official SAT Test 2001: Questions + Answers

6 Tips for Getting the Most Out of SAT Practice Tests

Each SAT practice test requires over three hours of intense focus, so it's important to utilize them effectively. Below are six critical strategies to follow each time you take a practice test.

#1: Take Practice Tests in the Same Format That You’ll Take the Real SAT

With the SAT switching to digital delivery between 2023-2024, you’ll need to check your test date to know whether you’ll be taking the SAT digitally or on paper. Once you know that, you can choose the best option for your prep— you want to choose the same format and delivery for your practice tests as for the real thing.

So, if you’ll be taking the SAT in the U.S. before spring 2024, start with the 8 official, printable tests at the beginning of this article. If you’ll be taking the SAT digitally, either internationally or in the U.S. after spring 2024, you should download the College Board’s Bluebook app and use the 4 official, digital practice tests. And if you’ll have accommodations for taking the SAT after spring 2024 and will be using a paper copy for the real test, start by taking the 4 official, printable practice tests with the new digital SAT format.

#2: Use Strict Timing on Each Section

Although time pressure can be intimidating, it's important to follow official SAT time limits as closely as possible on practice tests.

Why? If, for example, you spend just two extra minutes on a section, this could raise your score by hundreds of points, since the extra time allowed you to answer more questions than you would've been able to within the actual time limit. As a result, your practice SAT score becomes inflated and doesn't give you an accurate indicator of your actual scoring ability.

On the digital SAT, there are two sections with two modules each:

Reading and Writing

Time per module:
Questions per module:
Time per question:

Make sure to give yourself breaks , too!

#3: Take the Test in One Sitting

The digital SAT is shorter than older versions of the exam but it still lasts over two hours on an early Saturday morning. Many of my students have told me how difficult it was to stay focused the entire time and keep themselves from making careless mistakes at the end.

Preparing for the SAT is like training for a marathon: you need to ensure you have enough stamina to make it through the test. And the best way to do this is to take each practice test in one sitting, as if you were taking the actual SAT.

If it's too difficult for you to find the time to take a practice test in one sitting, go ahead and split it up over several days—just make sure you adhere to the time limits for each section. Ultimately, it's better to do some SAT practice than none at all!

#4: Review Your Mistakes (and Your Correct Answers, Too)

Practice tests aren't just good for getting to know the SAT format and sections—they're also great for learning from your mistakes .

For every practice SAT test you take, spend time reviewing both questions you got wrong and questions you got right. If you don't know why you missed a question, don't just skip it and move on; doing this means you won't learn what kind of mistake you made, which increases your risk of making it over and over again. This habit can affect your score pretty drastically.

So make sure to approach your SAT prep with this in mind: quality over quantity. I'd rather have you take three practice tests with detailed review than six practice tests with no review.

#5: Take At Least 4 Practice Tests Before the Actual SAT

From my experience with thousands of students, this magic number works best at getting students really comfortable with the SAT in all major respects, including timing and endurance.

If you want to take more than four tests, go ahead and try it out—just make sure that you balance your prep with some focused studying on your weaknesses so that you can make faster progress.

#6: Use Supplemental Resources If Necessary

Some students are great at learning the ins and outs of the SAT through practice tests alone—they recognize their mistakes, understand why they made them, and avoid making them in the future.

But most students need additional help to pinpoint their weaknesses and teach them the skills and strategies needed for success on the SAT. If practice tests aren't enough for you, download our free guide to help you figure out which SAT prep method works best for you.

What's Next?

Want to get a perfect SAT score? Take a look at our famous guide to a 1600, written by an expert SAT perfect-scorer.

Aiming high on each SAT section? Then read our individual, in-depth strategy guides to help you reach an 800 on SAT Reading , SAT Math , and SAT Writing .

Looking for expert strategies that can help you ace the exam? No problem. Check out our six expert tips that can help you boost your score.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points? We have the industry's leading SAT prep program. Built by Harvard grads and SAT full scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible. Check out our 5-day free trial today:

As co-founder and head of product design at PrepScholar, Allen has guided thousands of students to success in SAT/ACT prep and college admissions. He's committed to providing the highest quality resources to help you succeed. Allen graduated from Harvard University summa cum laude and earned two perfect scores on the SAT (1600 in 2004, and 2400 in 2014) and a perfect score on the ACT. You can also find Allen on his personal website, Shortform , or the Shortform blog .

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How to Write an SAT Essay, Step by Step
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How To Write A Good Sat Essay Conclusion
SAT Essay Model 1
SAT Essay Examples with Explanations and Recommendations
017 Sat Practice Essay Rxjrhbs 21c ~ Thatsnotus

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Sat Essay 1
The SAT Essay Formula
Overview of Digital SAT Essay
SAT Essay
Goodbye SAT Essay
Unlocking the SAT Essay: Diving into the Author's Evidence and Reasoning

COMMENTS

6 SAT Essay Examples to Answer Every Prompt
Here are a couple of examples of statistics from an official SAT essay prompt, "Let There Be Dark" by Paul Bogard: Example: 8 of 10 children born in the United States will never know a sky dark enough for the Milky Way. Example: In the United States and Western Europe, the amount of light in the sky increases an average of about 6% every year.
PDF The SAT® Practice Essay #1
the SAT Essay scoring rubric at . ... consider how Paul Bogard uses • evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims. • reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence. • stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, ... except for the Planning Page of the answer sheet, you will receive ...
Khan Academy
The new Official Digital SAT Prep courses will fully replace our older Official SAT Practice product and materials by December 31, 2023. ... College Board's Bluebook app will provide students who take practice tests with a custom link to review their answers - and corresponding rationales and practice resources - on Khan Academy. ...
SAT Essay Prompts: The Complete List
No extra time allowed! #5: Grade the essay, using the official essay rubric to give yourself a score out of 8 in the reading, analysis, and writing sections. #6: Repeat steps 4 and 5. Choose the prompts you think will be the hardest for you so that you can so that you're prepared for the worst when the test day comes.
SAT Essay Samples
Essay Sample Response (High Scoring) "In response to our world's growing reliance on artificial light, writer Paul Bogard argues that natural darkness should be preserved in his article "Let There be dark". He effectively builds his argument by using a personal anecdote, allusions to art and history, and rhetorical questions.
What Is the SAT Essay?
February 28, 2024. The SAT Essay section is a lot like a typical writing assignment in which you're asked to read and analyze a passage and then produce an essay in response to a single prompt about that passage. It gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your reading, analysis, and writing skills—which are critical to readiness for ...
SAT Essay Examples for the 6 Types of Essay Prompts
A few different things: one is to practice with these questions, thinking of one or two examples to support at least one answer to each question. We've written a guide to 6 SAT essay examples you can use to answer nearly every prompt. We show you how to construct an SAT essay, step by step. If you want to get a perfect SAT essay score, read this.
PDF The SAT® Practice Essay #3
Write an essay in which you explain how Adam B. Summers builds an argument to persuade his audience that plastic shopping bags should not be banned. In your essay, analyze how Summers uses one or more of the features listed in the box above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his argument.
SAT Essay Prompts (10 Sample Questions)
You can utilize these Essay SAT prompts as 10 sample SAT Essay questions for easy practice. This set of SAT Essay prompts is the most comprehensive that you will find online today. ... Answer Essay with Perfect Score: In response to our world's growing reliance on artificial light, writer Paul Bogard argues that natural darkness should be ...
PDF Practice Essay 3
3 SAT PRACTICE ESSAY #3 SCORE EXPLANATIONS Student Sample 2 Adams B. Summers argues what the damages of a proposed plastic bag ban would do if the legislation gets passed. Summers presents his argument well, and his use of fact/examples, reasoning to devolope ideas, and persuasive word choice build his argument.
PDF The SAT® Practice Test #1
Reading and Writing, Module 1 : 39 minutes Reading and Writing, Module 2: 39 minutes 10-minute break Math, Module 1: 43 minutes Math, Module 2: 43 minutes The above are standard times. If you are approved for accommodations involving additional time, you should give yourself that time when you practice.
8 Best SAT Essay Examples To Prepare For Your Test
Based on the examples you choose, you will ultimately have to decide when fame is a good thing and when fame is a bad thing. The answer varies from person to person, and there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer. You simply need to write a strong essay that supports your point of view. 6. Truth and Lies.
5 SAT Essay Tips for a Great Score
Here are 5 tips for writing a killer SAT essay, should you decide to add on that section: 1. Stay Objective. The thing to remember here is that ETS (the company that writes the test) is not asking you for your opinion on a topic or a text. So be sure to maintain formal style and an objective tone.
SAT Essay Writing Guide: Outline, Tips, Scoring & Examples
This essay is designed to assess reading, writing, and analytical skills. The SAT essay is scored on a scale of 2 to 8, with 2 being the lowest score and 8 being the highest score. The essay is scored based on three key areas: reading, analysis, and writing. The scores for each area are then added together to get a total score out of 24.
SAT Essay Examples with Explanations and Recommendations
Example 1: SAT Essay Prompt. As you read the passage below, consider how Jimmy Carter uses. evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims. reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence. stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.
SAT Practice Questions
Learn more about the SAT Math Test . 1. A gas station sells regular gasoline for $2.39 per gallon and premium gasoline for $2.79 per gallon. If the gas station sold a total of 550 gallons of both types of gasoline in one day for a total of $1,344.50, how many gallons of premium gasoline were sold? 2.
The Most Reliable SAT Essay Template and Format
To summarize, your SAT essay should stick to the following format: Introduction (with your thesis) - 2-5 sentences. Start with a statement about what the author of the passage is arguing. Thesis with a clear statement about what argumentative techniques you'll be examining in the essay. Example 1 - 6-10 sentences.
SAT Practice and Preparation
My Practice. Take full-length digital SAT practice exams by first downloading Bluebook and completing practice tests. Then sign into My Practice to view practice test results and review practice exam items, answers, and explanations. Download Bluebook.
SAT Essay Scores: How To Get A Perfect Score
Example of a Perfect Scoring SAT Essay Answer: The quagmire of whether to trust categorically or to bring skepticism into all interactions is one that has plagued mankind since inception. From one perspective, to trust is to engage in humanity; however, from another angle, humans are a self-promoting species who will advance themselves while ...
SAT Essay Samples
Reading examples, showing side-by-side comparatives of sample ACT and SAT essays, critiques and grades. ... forcing the audience to directly your an emotionally-charged enquiry that will surely spur some friendly of answers. By doing this, Bogard develops his argument, adding guttural power to the idea the the issues of maintaining natural ...
SAT Practice Test [Full-Length]
All SAT Practice Tests. If you want some more in-depth prep, use a free SAT practice test listed below. Practice Exams = Timed and Full-Length. Practice Sets = Not Timed and Smaller Sets of Questions. SAT Practice Exam #1. SAT Practice Exam #2. SAT Practice Exam #3. SAT Practice Exam #4.
Full-Length SAT Practice Tests
Assistive Technology (ATC) Find full-length practice tests on Bluebook™ as well as downloadable linear (nonadaptive) practice tests to help you prepare for the SAT.
Printable SAT Practice Tests PDFs: 22 FREE Official Tests
Note that some official practice SATs still include an essay. The essay was previously an optional part of the SAT. Skip over any practice SAT Essays you come across and focus your studying on the remaining sections of the exam (Math, Reading, and Writing and Language). You can also learn more about the ending of the SAT Essay here.
How Israel and allied defenses intercepted more than 300 Iranian ...
Most of the more than 300 Iranian munitions, the majority of which are believed to have been launched from inside of Iran's territory during a five-hour attack, were intercepted before they got ...