[PDF] Ivy Global SSAT English Introduction to the Writing Sample.pdf | Plain Text

THE WRITING SAMPLE | 246 Ivy Global INTRODUCTION SECTION 1 The SSAT includes a 25 -minute Writing Sample of one to two pages in length. Middle Level students will be asked to write a story starting with a phrase or a sentence provided by the test. Upper Level students will be asked to choose between writing a story and writing an essay in response to a question. The essay topics tend to be broad and varied. In some cases, you will be asked to take a side on an issue (in other words, you will be asked to write a persuasive essay). In some cases, you will be asked to offer a description or show cause and effect (in other words, you will be asked to write an informative essay). Your story or essay will not be scored, but will be sent to the admissions offic er of the schools to which you are applying. Although the Writing Sample will not affect your SSAT score, admissions officers consider your Writing Sample an important component of your application. They will look for a strong writing style free from spell ing, punctuation, and grammar mistakes. They will also try to get a sense of who you are as a person. With this in mind, choose subjects you would be comfortable talking about during an interview with a principal or admissions officer. Avoid overly dark, v iolent, or inappropriate subject matter.

Ivy Global THE WRITING SAMPLE | 247 WRITING BASICS SECTION 2 APPROACHING THE WRIT ING SAMPLE Here are some general tips for all students approaching the SSAT Writing Sample . For more specific tips and exercises tailored to your level, work your way through the later sections on creative and essay writing strategies. TIME MANAGEMENT Regardless of your approach or level, you will need to budget your time . Plan to spend no more than a few minutes choosing your prompt, brainstorming, and planning, and s ave a few minutes at the end to edit. Don’t spend too long on any one paragraph. MANAGING YOUR TIME Time Goal 1 – 2 minutes Choose your topic and plan your essay or story 4 – 5 minutes Write your first paragraph 4 – 5 minutes Write your second paragraph 4 – 5 minutes Write your third paragraph 4 – 5 minutes Write your conclusion 2 – 3 minutes Re -read or edit your essay or story Total: 25 minutes Complete essay or story

THE WRITING SAMPLE | 248 Ivy Global Here are some more specific guidelines for the length of your Writing Sample :  Stories should have a beginning (first paragraph), middle (second and third paragraphs), and end (fourth paragraph).  Essays should have an introduction (first paragraph), body (second and third paragraphs), and conclusion (fourth paragraph).  Some Upper Level essays will require a five -paragraph format. In that case, reserve four minutes writing time per paragraph. WRITE NEATLY Write legibly in either cursive or print, whichever is neater. Neatly cross out any errors you make. Using legible, medium -sized writing, fill up the entirety of the lined pages given. Use the other parts of your student response sheet for your outline and notes. Indent to make sure it is clear where a new paragraph begins. Use standard punctuation and indentation for dialogue . See the section on Cleaning up your Grammar for more information on proper punctuation. BE CONCISE AND SPECI FIC Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid rambling or repeating yourself. Use specific, precise vocabulary inste ad of vague words and ph rases. Use sophisticated vocabulary, but make sure you use words properly. Use vivid language that incorporates the five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. EDIT YOUR WORK Remember to edit for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Read the sectio n on Cleaning up your Grammar for more information.