ASK THE TUTOR

Question: "Dear Tutor, My son has always done well on tests, but the "new" SAT will require that he write an essay on the spot. Writing is his most challenging subject. What is the best way to get him ready for the writing section of the SAT? ”

Answer: "Dear Parent, The first thing you should know is that you're in good company. Since the essay portion of the SAT is a recent addition, many students are worried about it - even if they already tend to do well in classes that require essay writing. Actually, it's desirable to have a little nervous energy in testing situations rather than feel complacent, but on the other hand we don't want your son/daughter to be excessively jittery on exam day. First let's talk about the legitimate reasons for performance anxiety, and then let's discuss remedies.

Why is there any cause for upset about a simple five-paragraph paper? First, there's the possibility that the timed 25 minute essay is a very different task from what the student has typically experienced.  Possibly s/he is used to some short essay sections in timed history or English tests in high school, and probably s/he has had to write paper sat home and submit them in a week or so (preferably after re-drafting and revising). However, it is unlikely that s/he has frequently practiced writing opinion pieces or editorials when given a surprise topic as a prompt. The no-more-than-two-page, handwritten essay is the first item your SAT taker will tackle. If, when time is called, s/he has the sinking feeling that s/he left out some key example that would have driven the point home, s/he will have to shake a feeling of discouragement while working through the other sections of the test for three more hours!

Now, here's the good news. If your son/daughter already has a good command of Standard English grammar and usage and has an adequate vocabulary, then s/he can develop strong skills as a short essay writer. (Of course I mean, "a writer of short essays" - tall people are at no disadvantage!) Practice is the key to developing stamina in a runner, and it helps with graceful fluency in a writer. Sharing practice essays with a parent, teacher or tutor should help the student develop some versatility with a wide variety of topics. Since the topics are not pre-announced, the testing folks do not expect expert knowledge. In making his or her case, the writer can do just as well with relevant personal anecdotes as with citations from literature, history or current events. It's mostly about the quality of the presentation. The test readers will not penalize a student because they disagree with his/her thesis that, "Sometimes it is necessary to be dishonest." Rather, they will judge the overall rhetorical quality of the essay's arguments and the grace of its language. Timed practice sessions, both self-administered and coached, should help the student feel comfortable and well-prepared, if not actually eager for the test!"

Best wishes,
Dave M.

Meet this month’s guest tutor columnist Dave M..

For more information on the S.A.T. exam, visit www.collegeboard.com

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