How can I do well on the SAT writing exam?

Answer 1

Hi there! While the SAT Writing portion is now combined with the Reading section on the Digital SAT, the best way to be prepared for the Writing questions that come up is to review:

1. Punctuation rules (commas, semicolons, colons, em dashes) involved in sentence boundaries
2. Subject-verb agreement: be sure you can identify the subject of the verb even when it isn't right next to the verb in the sentence
3. Pronoun errors: be sure you match whether the pronoun is plural or singular to whether its antecedent (what the pronoun is referring to) is plural or singular
4. Misplaced modifiers: be sure that whatever word is modifying the subject is CLOSE to the subject so there is no confusion as to what it's referring to.

There is more, but these are the main subjects you should focus on.

Answer 2

Contrary to the previous answer, do note that there is no longer an essay -- it is guaranteed to be gone, so don't bother studying for it. Instead, find some practice SAT writing exams (e.g. Khan Academy) and see how you do with the multiple-choice questions. If you struggle with those or want an explanation, try requesting a session (I happen to be available) or asking a question on Wyzant.

As an additional tip, I have found that it is highly effective to "ignore" "formal" standards when trying SAT writing questions -- instead, just try substituting your options and then checking how well they "fit".

Good luck!

Answer 3

How can I do well on the SAT writing exam?

Follow the rubric and know your audience.

The rubric is your key to all excellent scores!

The audience is the SAT community, and they want to see what is on the rubric in your essay.

YOU MUST GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT, NOT WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO HAVE!

They want an essay free of errors and mistakes, demonstrating that you understand what you read in the given document and what they ask you to write.

Ask yourself what am I given? What am I being asked to do?

Analytic writing is simple if you follow a map.

Following a plan with a main idea, three or two supports, one counterargument, and a conclusion can help you achieve this goal.