How to Write a Passing Essay for a Standardized Test
To get into most undergraduate programs at universities or colleges in the U.S., high school students need to take a standardized test like the SAT or the ACT. This test will inevitably include a timed essay (usually half an hour or less). Before you start worrying about this task, consider these tips to help you write a passing essay for your next standardized test.
Step 1
Write some practice essays. All essays follow the same basic format, even standardized ones. They're five paragraphs long. They always start with an introductory sentence or two followed by your thesis. Then there are two or three paragraphs that support your thesis and provide examples from your lessons or readings. The final paragraph ties together all your points and completes your essay on a strong note. By the end of your high school career, you'll have written dozens of essays that follow this basic format. But just to be sure that you can write a passing essay for your next standardized test, write a few practice essays and have a teacher or tutor review them with you. (Remember to practice writing it within the time limit too, for a more authentic experience.)
Step 2
Read the instructions carefully. Although you may feel very nervous on exam day, you need to relax. Take time to read the essay instructions carefully. There is a difference between the words 'state', 'list', 'review', 'discuss', 'compare', and 'explain'. All of these instructions require a slightly different approach to writing an essay. If you need to, write out a few pointers for yourself so that you won't forget to include any mandatory elements in your standardized essay.
Step 3
Remember the basics. When it is time to write the essay, don't panic. You know the outline for a passing essay. Now you just have to follow it. As you've probably heard a million times before in your high school English class, a good passing essay consists of three main things: a definitive point of view, support from examples, and proper English. That's it. If you can do this, you'll probably write a great essay on your next standardized test. If you want to increase your chances of acing the essay, follow these other tips too.
Step 4
Create a quick essay outline. If you have only half an hour to write your standardized essay, then every minute counts. You need to organize your time wisely. So it's worth taking a minute or two to write out a brief essay plan. Use five jot notes to summarize what you'll write about in each paragraph. That will give you an immediate overview of your essay and allow you to continue writing for the entire time because you won't have to stop to think about your next point. Ensure that your essay plan follows the instructions exactly so that you'll receive a passing grade for it.
Step 5
Avoid writing in the first person. Essays written for standardized tests are formal essays, meaning they should not use the word 'I'. Unless the essay topic specifically relates to something about you or your life and requires you to discuss yourself, avoid using the word 'I' at all costs. Your essay will sound much more professional.
Step 6
Don't try to impress. Writing a passing essay on a standardized test isn't so much about impressing your teacher or professor with your big vocabulary as it is about squeezing as much information into each paragraph as you can. As the saying goes, 'write to inform, not to impress'.
Step 7
Take time to proofread. Even though your time is limited, it is still important to proofread your essay for common errors before you submit it. Your teacher will understand that this is not your best essay because you only had half an hour to write it. So don't worry too much about rewording things. Just correct your spelling and grammar, make sure that you followed the instructions, and then submit what will surely be a passing essay on your next standardized test.
How to Write a Passing Essay for a Standardized Test
How to Write a Passing Essay for a Standardized Test : Multi-thousand tips to make your life easier.
To get into most undergraduate programs at universities or colleges in the U.S., high school students need to take a standardized test like the SAT or the ACT. This test will inevitably include a timed essay (usually half an hour or less). Before you start worrying about this task, consider these tips to help you write a passing essay for your next standardized test.
Step 1
Write some practice essays. All essays follow the same basic format, even standardized ones. They're five paragraphs long. They always start with an introductory sentence or two followed by your thesis. Then there are two or three paragraphs that support your thesis and provide examples from your lessons or readings. The final paragraph ties together all your points and completes your essay on a strong note. By the end of your high school career, you'll have written dozens of essays that follow this basic format. But just to be sure that you can write a passing essay for your next standardized test, write a few practice essays and have a teacher or tutor review them with you. (Remember to practice writing it within the time limit too, for a more authentic experience.)
Step 2
Read the instructions carefully. Although you may feel very nervous on exam day, you need to relax. Take time to read the essay instructions carefully. There is a difference between the words 'state', 'list', 'review', 'discuss', 'compare', and 'explain'. All of these instructions require a slightly different approach to writing an essay. If you need to, write out a few pointers for yourself so that you won't forget to include any mandatory elements in your standardized essay.
Step 3
Remember the basics. When it is time to write the essay, don't panic. You know the outline for a passing essay. Now you just have to follow it. As you've probably heard a million times before in your high school English class, a good passing essay consists of three main things: a definitive point of view, support from examples, and proper English. That's it. If you can do this, you'll probably write a great essay on your next standardized test. If you want to increase your chances of acing the essay, follow these other tips too.
Step 4
Create a quick essay outline. If you have only half an hour to write your standardized essay, then every minute counts. You need to organize your time wisely. So it's worth taking a minute or two to write out a brief essay plan. Use five jot notes to summarize what you'll write about in each paragraph. That will give you an immediate overview of your essay and allow you to continue writing for the entire time because you won't have to stop to think about your next point. Ensure that your essay plan follows the instructions exactly so that you'll receive a passing grade for it.
Step 5
Avoid writing in the first person. Essays written for standardized tests are formal essays, meaning they should not use the word 'I'. Unless the essay topic specifically relates to something about you or your life and requires you to discuss yourself, avoid using the word 'I' at all costs. Your essay will sound much more professional.
Step 6
Don't try to impress. Writing a passing essay on a standardized test isn't so much about impressing your teacher or professor with your big vocabulary as it is about squeezing as much information into each paragraph as you can. As the saying goes, 'write to inform, not to impress'.
Step 7
Take time to proofread. Even though your time is limited, it is still important to proofread your essay for common errors before you submit it. Your teacher will understand that this is not your best essay because you only had half an hour to write it. So don't worry too much about rewording things. Just correct your spelling and grammar, make sure that you followed the instructions, and then submit what will surely be a passing essay on your next standardized test.
How to Write a Passing Essay for a Standardized Test
By Howtodotips
How to Write a Passing Essay for a Standardized Test : Multi-thousand tips to make your life easier.