Graders Seem to Be Looking for Several Key Factors

Graders seem to be looking for several key factors:

Knowing and understanding the question
Effective introductions and conclusions
A clear position on the issue/thesis
Background on the issueor creating a context
Use of specific support and ability to deal with counterarguments
Organization and use of transitions
Use of language
Grammatical correctness

Use time efficiently:

ACT is 30 minutes
SAT is 25
Take 3-5 minutes to read prompt carefully and plan
Write for the majority of the time
Try to leave 3-5 minutes for review and corrections

Topics are relevant to students, but are probably not ideas they have deeply considered. Students should do the following:

Use the prompt to get ideas
Underline core ideas
Circle sides of the issue
Consider alternative—risky but will make your essay more original
Look for topic ideas listed within prompt

Write a clear thesis that answers these three questions:

What exactly is my topic?
What position will I take?
What major points will I make?

Stay focused by relating ideas to thesis and having a basic plan for organization.

Try to make your plan by jotting down key ideas in the order you want to present them. This will help memory, too.

Use 5-paragraph theme as fallback:

Introduction that lists three major points
Three body paragraphs that cover each point with support
Conclusion that reviews what you have covered

Remember, length should mean more depth, not just more words.

NOTE: I mentioned that college professors do not like the 5-paragraph theme because it oversimplifies student writing, and professors will expect a longer, more in-depth coverage of ideas and an organizing strategy that reflects the topic and purpose. However, given the timing of the essay exams, if you feel stumped, this is a good fallback position. Students who use it get credit for having a good structure.

Write for your readers:

Give enough context for them to understand your ideas
Don’t stay inside your own head—consider how others see things
Think of them as people like your teachers and your friends’ parents

Vocabulary and sentence fluency are important:

Read and look up words—get the dictionary app if you don’t have ready access to a dictionary all the time
Integrate new vocabulary into your conversations
Play word games (Lexulous.com and freerice.com, for instance)
Use specific, concrete words
Choose correct words, not merely impressive ones
Use transition words to create a sense of logical flow throughout your essay

Specific, concrete support is vital:

Use experience
Personal experience
Class material
News stories
Novels
Famous Quotations
Common Sense (tricky!)

Counterarguments:

Show the graders that you know your topic is complex
Clearly note when you are presenting opposing views
Usually last paragraph before conclusion
After you have developed your position
Discuss what other views are and show why they are wrong
Return to your position in the conclusion by reinforcing it

Taking the test:

Get a good night’s sleep
Have breakfast and make sure you are comfortable
Relax and let your skills and preparation take over

Good luck!