SAT ESSAY

Question 1

first sentence of the introduction if the prompt has a quote

Answer 1

“according to (persons name), ….”

then summarize the main idea in the quote or address the question.

Question 2

first sentence of the introduction if the prompt is a general statement

Answer 2

“some people assert that….”

then summarize the main idea in the quote or address the question.

Question 3

second sentence of the introductory paragraph

Answer 3

my experience with life has taught me that this claim/idea is true/false.

Question 4

third sentence of the introductory paragraph

Answer 4

in a complete sentence state the side you will defend with a thesis

Question 5

historical example Kennedy details

Answer 5

youthfulness, energy
appeared handsome and calm 
spoke directly to the american people 
beautifully bronzed 
navy blue suit and blue shirt 
healthy and relaxed

Question 6

historical example nixon details

Answer 6

recovering from the flu; appeared pale and refused makeup
appeared tense tired and ill
picked kennedy’s ideas rather than presenting his own
death – posse collar, terrible color (yellow?), and 5 o’ clock shadow
pale and nervous

Question 7

television audience

Answer 7

70 million americans watched
believed kennedy won with charisma
proved that attractive candidates who were photogenic and had polished speeches had better odds for winning
content of speech was second

Question 8

radio audience

Answer 8

believe nixon won

Question 9

conclusion

Answer 9

flaw in televising was people judging candidates on appearance and not on their ideas