How to Create an Outline: The Four Paragraph SAT Essay of Excellence
NOTE: Being that this is a timed test, students WILL NOT HAVE TIME to elaborate upon every possible aspect the question touches upon. Test Makers know this. Test Graders know this. Students who score well know this, too. By coherently and intelligently responding to the essay prompt in four well-written paragraphs students will enable themselves to earn an excellent score on the Essay Writing Section of the SAT.
There are Four Main Sections a student wants to outline before they begin to write their essay.
- Paragraph 1 – The Main Idea (including a Thesis Statement)
- Paragraph 2 – Supporting Paragraph #1 (Point A)
- Paragraph 3 – Supporting Paragraph #2 (Point B)
- Paragraph 4 – The Concrete Conclusion (re-connecting to the Thesis)
Outline these four Big Points in two minutes BEFORE YOU BEGIN!!
NOTE: Yes, this is a formula – a formula for success on the SAT. With only 25 minutes to complete a well-written essay, strategy is a HUGE factor for success on this test.
Put yourself in the shoes of a Test Grader.
If a Test Grader sees that you can write four well-structured paragraphs that progress from Point to Point, including a Thesis Statement and a Conclusion, you are on you way to an excellent score. Remember, all you need to do is write four paragraphs – there is no time for a 33 page doctoral thesis on the essay prompt – so do NOT try to write one.
PITFALLS: Watch out!
- Avoid the temptation to skip the outline process.
- Avoid the temptation to abandon the outline after taking the time to create it.
Samples Outlining Activities:
Sample #1
DIRECTIONS: Please explain the following quote and whether or not you agree or disagree with the statement.
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Two-Minute General Outline:
- Paragraph 1 - You must care about something in order to really create greatness.
- Paragraph 2 – I agree, being negative will never result in producing amazing results.
- Paragraph 3 – Examples exist everywhere proving this point.
- Paragraph 4 – Without genuine passion, excellence is unattainable.
Sample #2
DIRECTIONS: Please explain the following quote and whether or not you agree or disagree with the statement.
The person who lies for you will lie against you. (Harry Truman)
Two-Minute General Outline:
- Paragraph 1 – A liar is a liar.
- Paragraph 2 – Betrayal will eventually happen.
- Paragraph 3 – Honesty is a principle without exception.
- Paragraph 4 – People who lie for you reveal their true character so beware.
Though these are only rough statements, one can see that these essays now have a clear sense of direction – and as a result they will be MUCH EASIER to write because a road map is now in place telling us where to go and what to accomplish.