SAT Essay question help?

Question

Our society deems a person mature by statute. One can drive an automobile at age sixteen, help select a president at eighteen, and drink alcohol at twenty-one. Is this the most effective way to distribute privileges? Perhaps we should ask our young people to pass a test of maturity before we give them a license, a vote or a beer.

Assignment: what is the most important test of maturity?

so give me the basics on how i should be able to work with this please. i hate SAT questions and don't understand them.

Answer 1

Just so you know the SAT Essay does not ask "What is" type questions.  The SAT Essay asks you to take a side on an issue.  You can answer "yes" or "no" to a real SAT Essay prompt and you must back your answer with evidence.

You can find example prompts that fit SAT Essay guidelines here:

http://sat-essay.net/sat-essay-prompts.h...

As far as your question goes.  Here's what I taught my students:

Generate a list of books you've read, and historical events you've studied.  

From that list see which have examples you can use in your essay.

Make a mini outline.

Write the essay.

For your essay above decide on a thesis like "The most important test of maturity is the ability to handle the death of a loved one."

Then find examples from literature and history:

Romeo and Juliet

Old Yeller

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (how government responded)

Ask yourself "How can these examples support my thesis?"

Make some small note about each item and how it supports your thesis.

Then begin writing the essay.

Answer 2

Maturity is when a person's level of thinking reaches a level beyond others...knows right from wrong and is able to make right choices in difficult positions. One who doesn't fall for petty fights. Only because you can drive, doesn't make you a responsible safe driver. Only because you can select a president at eighteen, doesn't mean you'll make the right decision for your Country. Only because you can drink when you're 21, doesn't mean you know when to stop. You have to think about situations at every possible angle...think of the consequences. You must care for others...not just yourself.