When a student has to answer sat essay questions, it is vitally important to introduce the themes, topics or questions in a clear fashion and combine this with a brief opinion in the first paragraph of their sat essays. This first paragraph is known as the introduction or lead paragraph. It is foundation from which the entire SAT essay is based upon.

The introductory paragraph develops the opinion based on the SAT questions of the student writing the SAT essay, tying together most critical elements of the questions and introduces the point of view that the student will take. In fact, the introduction should catch the interest of the SAT grader immediately, making them feel that they can relate in some way or feel that they may learn something new about the topic involved.

The main reason that a SAT essay introduction is important is because it provides a quick description regarding the most critical facts to be discussed in relation to the SAT questions being asked. It must get straight to the point, dealing directly with the topics involved and not flander around the topic in anyway. In fact, the first initial five words are most vital because these are the ones that stick in the mind of the SAT grader immediately. Ultimately, the introduction will entice any SAT grader to continue reading the rest of the SAT essay.

Here are some examples used in investigative journalistic writing and from Rodney Daut’s book, ‘The SAT Essay Formula’:

1. ‘The grader’s focus is captured by an essay that is interesting, informative and shows clear historical, scholarly and other examples of the opinion of the student.’
2. ‘Untreated gout can be deadly if it is not dealt with by a doctor.’
3. “What this book can do is help you take advantage of what preparation you do have and to supplement it where necessary. What this book cannot do is work miracles for you.” (1)
4. ‘Character is reflected in responses that people make to changes in their daily lives.’
5. “This essay explains very clearly that Okonkwo and Oberon both experienced significant changes in their lives and that each their responses to these changes revealed some aspect of their character.” (2)

Note the statements made in the first five words of each example. These capture a basic idea or theme that is the subject of the sat essay questions being discussed and should be applied in the same fashion when answering SAT questions. In fact, here are some examples of questions that may relate directly to these introductory sentences:

1. Is an SAT grader’s focus captured by the body of the essay or the introduction?
2. Is gout a treatable condition that is not life threatening?
3. Does Rodney Daut’s book help in preparation for SAT essay writing?
4. Are the responses made by people to varied changes in their daily lives a sign of their true character?
5. Does the essay about Oberon and Okonkwo reveal their characters responses in relation to the changes in their lives?

The introduction paragraph is the most important first step in SAT essay writing. It introduces the SAT question and the point of view that the student will discuss in relation to the question. Most importantly it captures the focus of the SAT grader, encouraging them to read the remainder of the SAT essay.

Footnotes:
1. Rodney M. Daut II, The SAT Essay Formula, (2008), pg. 4
2. Ibid, pg. 7

Share This