Comparison of ACT essay to new SAT essay:
- Remains LAST section of test
- New SAT Essay is 50 minutes; ACT essay is 30.
- SAT is an analysis of a source text that is provided; ACT is original student writing to a prompt.
- SAT is a 4 point rubric over three dimensions; ACT is a 6 point rubric over 4 dimensions.
In the new SAT, students are writing a rhetorical analysis essay. This is a significant shift from the opinion or position essay they have been working with in preparation for the ACT.
| SAT Essay Prompt | ACT Essay Prompt |
|---|---|
| As you read the passage below, consider how [the author] uses evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims. evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims. reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence. stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed. | In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position. |
| Write an essay in which you explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience that [author’s claim]. In your essay, analyze how [the author] uses one or more of the features listed above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of [his/her] argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage. Your essay should not explain whether you agree with [the author’s] claims, but rather explain how the author builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience. | The Writing Test consists of one writing prompt that briefly states an issue and describes two points of view on that issue. Students are asked to write in response to a question about their position on the issue described in the writing prompt. In doing so, students may adopt one or the other of the perspectives described in the prompt, or they may present a different point of view on the issue. Students’ essay scores are not affected by the point of view they take on the issue. Prompts are designed to be appropriate for response in a 30-minute timed test and to reflect students’ interests and experiences |
Practical Steps
- SCCRESA ELA consultant Victoria Les recommends that students be introduced to writing to a test prompt as a writing genre, with a unique set of rules. While there are connections to real-world writing, as well as the ability to understand an author's purpose, the element of time and format of the SAT essay is unique.
- For students who have been preparing for ACT writing, a careful analysis of the SAT prompt and essay that involves comparing the two genres to explicitly identify areas where a shift in thinking and/or approach is necessary. There is an instructional unit designed to help teachers and students through this process in the WriteWell writing curriculum available through SCCRESA: On Demand SAT Writing.
- The new SAT writing requires students to be critical readers as well as writers. Close and critical reading strategies that emphasize author's purpose and identifying rhetorical devices should be implemented in all content areas. WriteWell units include a ReadWell unit of study for grades 8-11 that emphasize these skills. For instance, in the Grade 10 ReadWell, students are critically reading FDR's 1941 State of the Union Address, specifically returning to the text for a second reading to use inference to determine the author's purpose and point-of-view. Included is a mini-lesson on connotation and denotation.
- Review the essay example provided by SAT. Note that at this time, there is only one. The intention is for more released prompts and exemplar papers to be available as the test is is implemented after March 2016. Essay Sample Prompt with Sample Student Essays.
- Review curriculum and writing instruction currently used. How are students introduced to rhetorical analysis? WriteWell provides scaffolded units of instruction on rhetorical analysis from 8-11th grade:
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