Do you think its possible to come up with a universal essay for the SAT?

Question

Some thing that would cover any topic on the SAT, and all you would have to do is memorize and fill in the blank.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the test writers are a little too clever for that one :)

Fortunately, there is a STYLE of essay that you can perfect and just fill in the blanks within that style.

For example, consider an argumentative essay that would allow you to (1) prove a point about a controversial issue, (2) defend your reasons for choosing a particular lifestyle, or (3) promote a particular point of view.

You'll need the following:

-your stance

-strong introductory ideas

-evidence drawn from personal experience and from public domain/common knowledge experience

-strong concluding ideas  

I tend to loathe the 5-paragraph essay (because it teaches people that essays can be short and easy rather than encouraging critical thought, which is the purpose of an essay--from French, meaning test, explore, discover, seek, ask). However, this format works really well for the SAT, and is what the raters of your essay are expecting to see.

As for memorizing anything, you'd be in good shape if you memorized at least one of each type of essay I suggest up above. Just the opening /introductory part. That will get you started, and your thinking will conform to the idea while you're taking the test. You'd be surprised what your brain can come up with if you give it the right starting point.

Good luck!

Answer 2

haha I don't think the topics are that vague.