All for a good score
B. S. WARRIER
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While writing the SAT, you need to adopt a unique approach
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The general principles of essay writing are relevant to the Scholastic Aptitude Test as well. But we have to pay attention to certain other features also, if we are to secure high scores in this test, since its approach is unique. For writing the essay effectively, you have to apply your mind to the following characteristics:
• Consistency
• Logical expression of ideas
• Clarity and precision
• Following conventions
• Recognising effective writing
You would be given an open-ended essay prompt, like the one given below. You will have to state a viewpoint and support it. The essay you write measures your ability to (1) develop a point of view on the issue presented in an excerpt, (2) support your point of view using reasoning and examples from your reading, studies, experience, or observations, and (3) follow the conventions of standard written English. The score may range from six to zero, depending on the quality of your presentation. The basis of evaluation is as follows:
Score 6: Demonstrates clear and consistent mastery. Effectively and insightfully develops a point of view on the issue and demonstrates outstanding critical thinking, using clearly appropriate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position. Well organised and clearly focussed, demonstrating clear coherence and smooth progression of ideas. Exhibits skilful use of language, using a varied, accurate, and apt vocabulary. Demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence structure. Free from most errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Score 5: Demonstrates reasonably consistent mastery, although it will have occasional errors or lapses in quality. Effectively develops a point of view on the issue and demonstrates strong critical thinking, generally using appropriate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position. Well organised and focussed, demonstrating coherence and progression of ideas. Exhibits facility in the use of language, using appropriate vocabulary. Demonstrates variety in sentence structure. Generally free from most errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics.
As the quality of the essay becomes poorer, the score gets progressively reduced. Look at the attributes that may fetch only a score of one.
Score 1: Very little or no mastery, and is severely flawed by one or more of the following weaknesses: Develops no viable point of view on the issue; provides little or no evidence to support its position; disorganised or unfocussed, resulting in a disjointed or incoherent essay; displays fundamental errors in vocabulary; demonstrates severe flaws in sentence structure; contains pervasive errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics that persistently interfere with meaning.
The essay offers you an opportunity to prove how effectively you can develop your point of view, present your ideas logically, and use English language with clarity and precision.
Read the excerpt (the short paragraph which is the prompt for the essay) and the assignment with full concentration. The prompt would be a quote from a great author. You may imagine that you are discussing the content of the quote with the author. You may agree or disagree with the author. But in either case, you should have sound arguments and examples to illustrate your viewpoint. More than two examples are not necessary. But they should be impressive. You need not feel shy of using the first person “I” in your narrative.
Here are some of the characteristics in any good writing, as indicated by the College Board that conducts the test. Subject-verb agreement; sequence of tenses; parallelism (do not write, “He loves reading, singing, and to paint” but write, “He loves reading, singing, and painting”); logical comparison (do not write, “oranges in Nagpur are cheaper than Chennai,” write, “Oranges in Nagpur are cheaper than those in Chennai”); correct word order; diction (right choice of words), avoiding wordiness, avoiding fragments of sentences, right prepositions.
Sample question
Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and assignment:
Independent people — those who rely on themselves rather than on others — get what they want through their own efforts. Interdependent people combine their efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their goals.
To be most effective, people need to be interdependent. People who do not think and act interdependently may achieve individual success, but they will not be good leaders or team players.
This is adapted from The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. Assignment: Is it necessary for people to combine their efforts with those of others in order to be most effective?
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.
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