SAT写作讲义
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SAT 语法部分简介语法部分属于SAT reasoning test 中得写作(writing)板块,与essay writing 分值一起组成写作板块得总分。
SAT语法之所以被划分在Writing Skills当中,就是因为它实际就是考查考生对英语得标准书面语(Standard Written English)得掌握程度,并非琐碎复杂得语法知识,SAT语法规则有时与我们通常所学得语法书上得知识点有所出入,规则也不尽相同。
其考试题型与考试重点也与中国得语法题目大相径庭。
因此SAT得语法具有特殊性,它追求得就是“好得语法”,就是恰当得,最符合英语国家文化传统与语言习惯得用法。
SAT得语法规则,也就就是像OG当中所阐述得那样,就是一种“the rules of good written English”,具有准确,清晰,简洁得特点,杜绝口语化、模糊与冗余得表达。
表现在做题方面,不仅仅会考到您就是否能判断这个句子正确与否,而且会考到这个句子就是否有效与简洁。
这就大大提升了题目得难度。
比如说有些句子在TOEFL中就是对得,但就是在SAT语法里面就就是错误得,因为它不够简洁有效。
整个语法部分包括三种题型:ISE(Identifying sentence errors,即挑错题)、IS(Improving sentences,即句子改进题)、IP(Improving paragraphs,即段落改进题),所有题目均为五选一。
SAT语法部分得49个选择题分布在两个section,其中 ISE(句子挑错题)18 小题、IS(句子改进题)25 小题、IP(段落改进题)6 小题。
三种题型所考查得侧重点各不相同,从OG与真题上对各部分考试目得与内容得解析中可以得出这一点。
如在 ISE得介绍中,对考生得要求就是“The ability to recognize grammar and usage errors”,强调语法与固定用法得使用就是否正确;而IS对考生得要求则变成了“the ability to recognize and write clear, effective and accurate sentences”,从语法知识转移到了清晰,准确,简洁得表达方式。
SAT语法讲义(完整版)SAT语法讲义Identifying Sentence Errors一、主谓一致1. 就前原则(1) N1 of N2 verb(SAT考试中动词的单复数与N1有关,与N2无关)如:a group of students arethe details of the problems are例:The bright (A) fiberglass sculptures of Luis Jimenez has received (B) critical acclaim not only (C) in his home state, New Mexico, but also in (D) New York.No error (E). (P161.1)(2) 名词1+介词+名词2 如:students in the classroom名词,插入语,verb名词+doing/done 如:students studying hard例:Flints found in (A) the region extending from the Nile Valley to (B) the highlands of eastern Iraq attests to (C) the presence of people there as long ago as (D) one hundred thousand years. No error (E). (P166.3)2.“欲擒故纵”法动词单复数做题基本原则是就前原则,如果句子太长、太难、太复杂时,用“欲擒故纵”法。
3.动词单复数的特殊固定用法(1) a number of 一些;一般情况下其后动词用复数,(不受任何规律限制);the number of …的数量;其后的动词在任何情况下都用单数。
量词考点:a group/list/line of 使用“就前原则”(2) 倒装结构:就后原则。
SAT写作技巧分析#6:Cause-Effect在这一章我们一起来学习一下常见的论证技巧,除了使用有力的证据之外许多作者会借助强大的逻辑(logic)来证明自己的观点,说服读者。
恰当使用论证技巧也可以巧妙将作者观点(Argument)与论据(Evidence)联系起来,强化论证效果。
常见论证类型有四种,因果论证Cause-and-Effect,类比与对比Comparison-and-Contrast,分类讨论Classification和让步论证Concession。
每篇文章都会使用至少一种论证技巧将文章局部串联成坚不可摧的逻辑整体。
2.2.1 Cause-and-Effect 因果论证我们首先来了解一下因果论证,虽然原因和结果经常组合出现,但是我们还是要分清楚哪些是“因”,哪些是“果”。
陈述事情的Cause原因可以帮助读者更加全面和深入地了解(comprehensive and deeper understanding)作者讨论的对象;描述事情的result结果可以帮助读者更好地做出自己的判断(make better evaluation)。
因果最明显的辨别标志就是因果关系连词,我们可以通过区别这两类连词达到分辨因果的效果。
Cause 原因标志词due tobecause (of)owing tosinceas a result ofon account offor the ground offor on the ground thatif…then…Effect 结果标志词thereforesoas a resultconsequentlyaccordinglyresult inthushencefor this reasonbecause of thislead toso that在搞清楚“因”与“果”的区别后,我们来看一下三种常见的因果论证展开方式(three commonways that develop cause-and-effect in paragraphs),建议大家在分析时明确点明作者实用的展开方式。
SAT 语法部分简介语法部分属于SAT reasoning test 中的写作(writing)板块,与essay writing 分值一起组成写作板块的总分。
SAT语法之所以被划分在Writing Skills当中,是因为它实际是考查考生对英语的标准书面语(Standard Written English)的掌握程度,并非琐碎复杂的语法知识,SAT 语法规则有时和我们通常所学的语法书上的知识点有所出入,规则也不尽相同.其考试题型和考试重点也与中国的语法题目大相径庭。
因此SAT的语法具有特殊性,它追求的是“好的语法",是恰当的,最符合英语国家文化传统与语言习惯的用法。
SAT的语法规则,也就是像OG当中所阐述的那样,是一种“the rules of good written English”,具有准确,清晰,简洁的特点,杜绝口语化、模糊和冗余的表达。
表现在做题方面,不仅仅会考到你是否能判断这个句子正确与否,而且会考到这个句子是否有效和简洁.这就大大提升了题目的难度。
比如说有些句子在TOEFL 中是对的,但是在SAT语法里面就是错误的,因为它不够简洁有效。
整个语法部分包括三种题型:ISE(Identifying sentence errors,即挑错题)、IS(Improving sentences,即句子改进题)、IP(Improving paragraphs,即段落改进题),所有题目均为五选一。
SAT语法部分的49个选择题分布在两个section,其中 ISE(句子挑错题)18 小题、IS(句子改进题)25 小题、IP(段落改进题)6 小题.三种题型所考查的侧重点各不相同,从OG和真题上对各部分考试目的和内容的解析中可以得出这一点.如在 ISE的介绍中,对考生的要求是“The ability to recognize grammar and usage errors",强调语法和固定用法的使用是否正确;而IS对考生的要求则变成了“the ability to recognize and write clear, effective and accurate sentences",从语法知识转移到了清晰,准确,简洁的表达方式。
Unit 1 SAT写作开头段一、本节知识要点➢开头段基本结构➢引入话题方式➢开头段观点句➢引入例子方式➢开头段避免犯的错误➢前车之鉴➢开头段范文欣赏二、开头段基本结构开头段包括的内容:1.2.3.开头段长度:Example1:Assignment: Do memories hinder or help people in their effort to learn from the past and succeed in the present?Memories act as both a help and a hindrance to the success of someone. Many people advise you to learn from the past and apply those memories so that you can effectively succeed by avoiding repeating your past mistakes. On the other hand, people who get too caught up with the past are unable to move on to the future.Example2:Assignment: What is your view of the idea that every obstacle can be turned into an opportunity?Every obstacle can be turned into an opportunity, if one has the right attitude or perspective. People with this attitude are buoyant, not easily discouraged, and welcome challenges and adversity. One personal example took place in sixth grade, when I broke my hand by falling off my bicycle. The doctor had to put it into a cast.开头段结构1:开门见山中话题解释句一般来自________________________Example 3:Assignment: Is conscience a more powerful motivator than money, fame, or power?As society toils onward into its dreams of the future, the progress that accompanies this movement may be tainted by individual motives of avarice. However, as seen in various fields such as art, history, and science, the human conscience will limit the motivation of greed and inspire good works for the sake of morality.Example 4:Assignment: Is deception ever justified?In a world where horrific and negative incidents often occur the general public is often deceived. Some believe the shielding or twisting of certain information may be beneficial.However, as shown through major historical events, deception is never justifiable. An intentionally fabricated lie will not only hurt the victims of the lie but also hurt oneself when the truth ultimately emerges. Yellow journalism and the censorship of facts proves just this.Example 5:Assignment: Is it necessary for people to combine their efforts with those of others in order to be most effective?Many people like to work independently. However, it is necessary for people to combine their efforts with those of others. The Apollo Project provides a compelling example to support this.Many people like to work independently. However, it is necessary for people to combine their efforts with those of others when the task to be accomplished is beyond an individual’s capacity. The Apollo Project provides a compelling example to support this.________________________________不是一个完美的开头!开头段结构2:解释句一般来自__________________________三、开头段引出话题方式1.2.3.4.Examples:1.Provide relevant background informationAssignment: Is deception ever justifiedIn a world where horrific and negative incidents often occur the general public is often deceived. Some believe the shielding or twisting of certain information may be beneficial. However, as shown through major historical events, deception is never justifiable. An intentionally fabricated lie will not only hurt the victims of the lie but also hurt oneself when the truth ultimately emerges. Yellow journalism and the censorship of facts proves just this.e an appropriate quotationAssignment: Is deception ever justified?“Honesty is always the best policy”may be a trite saying, but it holds an enormous amount of truth. Though deception often allows one to escape immediate repercussions, the truth will always emerge. In most situations, one will find that deception does not offer the same long-term benefits as honesty does.Assignment: Does the truth change depending on how people look at things?There is an old saying: "A person with one watch knows what time it is; a person with two watches isn't so sure." In other words, a person who looks at an object or event from two different angles sees something different from each position. Moreover, two or more people looking at the same thing may each perceive something different. In other words, truth, like beauty, may lie in the eye of the beholder.Assignment: Do we always learn from mistakes?It is a commonly cited and often clichéd adage that people learn from their mistakes. Supposedly, if one strays from the path of success or righteousness once, he or she will be sufficiently enlightened in how to avoid the error and will not fall victim to it again; however, this is rarely the case……3.Begin with a question/questionsAssignment: Should books portray the world as it is or as it should be?There are books that try to show the world as it is and books that try to show the world as it should or could be. Which sort of books should we be offering children and reading ourselves? Oneanswer is the argument for the value of truth, for “telling it like it is.”Writers could promote certain positive ideals by being less realistic, but all of us--especially children--have a right to be told the truth.Assignment: Is it absolutely necessary for people to study the creative arts?Why do we not value the creative arts more than we do? Why are subjects like music, drama, photography, and creative writing always the first to be cut from school budgets during hard times? Many would answer that, unlike math, science, history, and other subjects taught in school, the arts are unnecessary. But this is so untrue. The arts are as necessary as these other subject areas-possibly even more necessary.4.Begin with narrationAssignment: Are there some heroes who will be remembered forever? Or are all heroes doomed to be forgotten one day?One of the memorable images from Eisenst ein’s classic silent film on the Russian Revolution is the toppling of a statue. The destruction of the statue symbolizes the throwing out of the old order along with its heroes and replacing it with a new. Considering this human tendency to ‘ring out the old and ring in the new’ it is surprising that any heroic figures from the past survive in the history books, but they do. There are some heroes who do not get erased from the pages.Assignment: Do you think that people are capable of finding happiness or are they always searching for something beyond what they have?When I look at Jared, my adopted brother, I remember the first time I met him. I think about the beginning of our relationship, which was pretty bad, and how it led to the great relationship we have today. The development of the love between Jared and me is a great example of an unpromising beginning that led to powerful positive results.四、开头段观点句✧观点都要包括_____________✧理由/解释来自_____________Example 1:Assignment: Is using humor the best way to approach difficult situations and problems? (2009.10)People nowadays usually have to face various kinds of problems in finance, career and health. Although laughter cannot always change the impasse into promise, it does help people releasethemselves from high pressure, and thus helps people gain a more positive attitude towards their lives. The examples of Ronard Reagon and Albert Einstein clearly demonstrate such effects of humor.Ronard Reagon, a renowned president in the history of the United States, had great sense of humor and used it to cope with deaklocks in his political life. In 1889, when Reagon campaigned for the position of senator, he forgot the details of a significant history event---the first Industrial Revolution. Asked how the event happened, Reagon could not remember the scientist who invented the steam-power machine. Instead of being ashamed, he answered,"it had to be the man who resided near the river." His remark aroused laughter in the crowd and people forgave him for his lack of history knowledge. Making the most of humor, Reagon managed to avoid undesirable embarrassment.Another example to illustrate the magic power of humor is Albert Einstein who is not only a prominent scientist but also a humorous man. When Einstein was a clerk in the Patron Bureau, a friend laughed at him that his attire was neither clean nor elegant. Einstein replied, "No one here knows me, so I have nothing to worry about." Even after he had become famous, Einstein did not change his determination in the scientific study and had no time choosing proper clothes. When he was mocked by the same friend for his clothes, he answered, "Everybody here knows me now, so I have nothing to worry about." In a brilliant way, Einstein, with the help of his sense of humor, provided his friend with perfect explanations and turned potential embarrassment into something funny.In conclusion, humor is a great way to deal with the problems in our lives and we should make use of it.练习1:Rewrite the first paragraph.Example 2:Assignment: Should we pay more attention to people who are older and more experienced than we are? (2009.5)We may encounter various problems in our daily life, some of which may go beyond our solving ability thus necessitating external suggestions. Although people at our age tend to understand us better and sometimes think in a more creative way, it is always meaningful for us to learn fromthose who are older or more skilled in order to improve our personalities and correct our mistakes.Take the experience of Rockefeller, a successful entrepreneur who once owned the largest property in the world, as an example. Never graduated from college, Rockefelelr set a ambitious goal in his career--- to become the richest man in the United States. With much self-confidence and passion, Rockefeller believed he could build a large company, and his peer friends all supported his plan. Thus, he visited a renowned banker, G.R. Morgen, asking for a large amount of money as the initial assets of his company. Noticing that Rockefeler was too young and inexperienced to start a serious business, Morgen refused his request and suggested him start with something simpler and then enlarge his enterprise step by step. Taking the advice from Morgen, Rockefeller began repairing the tires and finally became the number one businessman in the world. If Rockefeller had not listened to Morgen who is much older and more experienced in the field of business, he would not have achieved such success.My personal experience serves as another example to support the value of the admonitions of the older. I was addicted to swimming and often swam with my classmates in the Rocken river near my town. My grandfather used to worry about my safety. Under his warning, I went to swimming pool instead of playing in the deep river. A few days later, a friend of mine lost his life when he felt exhausted and sank in the Rocken. If I had not taken my grandpa's advice, I would place myself in a dangerous circumstance.In short, we should consult with our parents or those who are older and more experienced and take their advices seriously in case that we deviate in our path from happiness and success.练习2: Improve the first paragraphExample 3:Assignment:Can any obstacle or disadvantage be turned into something good? (2006.1) Disadvantage can be definitely changed into superiority with one’s persistent endeavor and prudent analyses. As a proverb says “When the Lord closes one door, somewhere else he opens a window”, which means even though one failed once, he will receive another opportunity that can finally lead to success. The two examples to illustrate this are Thomas Edison and Ludwig van Beethoven.Failures help one to learn from mistakes.It must be impossible for most of us to survive thousands of times from defeat but Thomas Edison challenged it. We can see through his endeavor in testing out the most qualified and durable filament substance for his greatest invention—electric light bulb, in which he tried almost everything he could think of, for instance, iron, copper, silver, hair and even his colleague’s brown beard. It is beyond our imagines that during the 13 months of day-night work, he tested more than 6,000 kinds of different martial and survived from 7,000 times of failures. Finally, in 1879, he found out that the carbonized bamboo is the perfect substance for filament because it can last over 1,200 hours. Therefore, like he said “We will make electricity so cheep that only the rich will burn candles”, Edison succeeded in inve nting electric light bulb and brought electricity to every family. Had it not been for the thousands of failures, Thomas Edition would not have invented such a promising invention that led to the Electric Power Generation.Misfortune excites one to surpass oneself.Beethoven’s experience demonstrates the possibility of turning misfortune into achievements. At the age of twenty-six, due to immersing his head in cold water to keep awake, Beethoven contracted tinnitus, which created a “ringing” in his ears. It must be a catastrophe for a composer because he lost his most precious innate. However, hardship did not smother him. He bit a special rod which was attached to the soundboard on a piano therefore the vibration would then transfer from the piano to his jaw. In my opinion, no one else could own such a talent to fight against physical problems. Thus, he finished his masterpieces: Sixth Symphony, Moonlight Sonata and especially Ninth Symphony, which was finished when Beethoven completely lost his hearing. If Beethoven did not overcome such unbelievable difficulties for a composer, he would never gain widely appreciation for his music.Thomas Edison and Beethoven are such man that own persistent hearts and analytical brains. From their experiences, we can draw a safe conclusion that even though one suffered misfortunes, with his strong mind, he can change those disadvantages into positive aspects and finally achieve his goals.练习3:Rewrite the first paragraph。
SAT考试SAT写作内容详解在新SAT考试中,Sat写作已然变为选择性考试,那么对于想要进行SAT考试的学生来说,应该如何根据自身条件进行考试呢,下面小编就为大家讲解一下。
01SAT写作考?不考?从2016年3月改革开始,新SAT写作变为选择性考试,也就是说,学生可以根据自己所申请学校的要求,决定是否在完成阅读,数学,英语语法三项后继续完成写作部分的考试。
面对这样的选择,我的建议为:考。
首先,我们来看看官方对于这个“改变”的建议:The task the essay asks you to complete---analyzing how an argument works---is an interesting and engaging one. The essay also gives you an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your reading, analysis, and writing skills---skills critical to readiness for and success in college and career---and the scores you’ll get back will give you insight into your strengths in these areas as well as indications of any skills that may still need work.由此可见,对于写作部分,官方给出的答案是显而易见的——可以考察学生的综合能力。
此外,即使学生自己所申请的学校不需要提供写作部分的成绩,学生也可以通过考试复习的过程,提高自己对于文章的阅读和分析,甚至评论一篇文章的能力——而这个能力,是美国高中生必备的。
大家都知道,美国高中会定期要求学生读书,然后对于所读的内容进行评论,而这块,是中国学生所欠缺的,所以,学生可以通过写作部分的考试准备,进行一定的弥补。
SAT基础语法讲义一语法section 简介SAT语法隶属于写作部分,由三部分构成:ISE(Identifying Sentence Errors), IS(Improving Sentences)和IP(Improving Paragraphs)。
分值分布是:ISE-18道,IS-25道, IP-6道,其中的IS和IP部分是新的题型,在国内的考试和国外常见的考试里都没有见到过,也是很多考生提高成绩的瓶颈之处。
二 SAT常考语法体系:1,主谓一致。
尤其用于倒装时,比如there be句型或地点状语至于句首,要找到真正的主语;有插入语时,要勇敢的抛弃非中心部分,找到真正的主语;主谓一致还会出现在一些固定用法中,但是一般比较简单,比如neither nor或者not only but also等等。
2,逻辑主语,当分词或者形容词放在句首,一定要考虑它的主语问题。
3,时态的混用,常出的错误是:have+过去式,过去完成时和一般过去式混用,现在完成时和一般过去式的混用。
4,名词和代词,常常名词单复数混淆,男女混淆,主格宾格混淆;也会在their、it和they之间指代不明;关于指代,跨段之间不能指代,it不能指代整个句子,只能指代一个名词或动作,one和they不能相互指代,one 和you也不能相互指代;this不能单独充当主语和宾语。
5,同类比较,只有同类的东西才能用于as well as和than句型。
EG:The population of China is larger than that of America.6,adj和adv的混用:adj修饰名词,adv可以修饰除名词外的大部分词。
Adj和adv两者之间用比较级,三者或三者以上用最高级。
7,句子结构上,“,”不能连接两个句子,“;”等于and,必须连接两个句子;且一个长句中,谓语动词和连接词的数目要平衡。
Tips:1,having,being放在句中是错误的,放在句首是正确的。
Part I. Analysis of an Essay1. Scoring Guide (OG-105)Score of 6An essay in this category demonstrates clear and consistent mastery, although it may have a few minor errors. A typical essayz effectively and insightfully develops a point of view on the issue and demonstrates outstanding critical thinking, using clearly appropriate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its positionz is well organized and clearly focused, demonstrating clear coherence and smooth progression of ideasz exhibits skillful use of language, using a varied, accurate, and apt vocabularyz demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence structurez is free of most errors in grammar, usage, and mechanicsScore of 5An essay in this category demonstrates reasonably consistent mastery, although it will have occasional errors or lapses in quality. A typical essayz effectively develops a point of view on the issue and demonstrates strong critical thinking, generally using appropriate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position z is well organized and focused, demonstrating coherence and progression of ideasz exhibits facility in the use of language, using appropriate vocabularyz demonstrates variety in sentence structurez is generally free of most errors in grammar, usage, and mechanicsScore of 4An essay in this category demonstrates adequate mastery, although it will have lapses in quality. A typical essayz develops a point of view on the issue and demonstrates competent critical thinking, using adequate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its positionz is generally organized and focused, demonstrating some coherence and progression of ideas z exhibits adequate but inconsistent facility in the use of language, using generally appropriate vocabularyz demonstrates some variety in sentence structurez has some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanicsScore of 3An essay in this category demonstrates developing mastery, and is marked by one or more of thefollowing weaknesses:z develops a point of view on the issue, demonstrating some critical thinking, but may do so inconsistently or use inadequate examples, reasons, or other evidence to support its positionz is limited in its organization or focus, but may demonstrate some lapses in coherence or progression of ideasz displays developing facility in the use of language, but sometimes uses weak vocabulary or inappropriate word choicez lacks variety or demonstrates problems in sentence structurez contains an accumulation of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanicsScore of 2An essay in this category demonstrates little mastery, and is flawed by one or more of the following weaknesses:z develops a point of view on the issue that is vague or seriously limited, demonstrating weak critical thinking, providing inappropriate or insufficient examples, reasons, or other evidence to support its positionz is poorly organized and/or focused, or demonstrates serious problems with coherence or progression of ideasz displays very little facility in the use of language, using very limited vocabulary or incorrect word choicez demonstrates frequent problems in sentence structurez contains errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics so serious that meaning is somewhat obscuredScore of 1An essay in this category demonstrates very little or no mastery, and is severely flawed by one or more of the following weaknesses:z develops no viable point of view on the issue, or provides little or no evidence to support its positionz is disorganized or unfocused, resulting in a disjointed or incoherent essayz displays fundamental errors in vocabularyz demonstrates severe flaws in sentence structurez contains pervasive errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics that persistently interfere with meaningScore of 0Essays not written on the essay assignment will receive a score of zero.Successful college writing includes (OG-100)z well-developed ideas, with relevant and accurate supporting informationz clearly expressed thesis statementz good organizationz appropriate, accurate, and varied vocabularyz variety of syntax (sentence structure)2. Sample AnalysisSample 1 (Score 12)Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and assignment below:Assignment: Are people motivated to achieve by personal satisfaction rather than by money or fame? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observation.Even though we live in a capitalist society, I still cannot help but believe, despite my own cynicism, that people are more motivated to achieve something for personal satisfaction rather than monetary gains. Look at Chekov's short story, "The Bet." A man agrees to sacrifice fifteen years of his life in prison in exchange for a million dollars. Obviously his motivation for such an extreme bet is wealth, but by the end of the prison sentence, the man could care less about the money. After years of introspection, of reading Shakespeare, The Bible, and textbooks, the man actually comes to despise the money he once sought; the money he signed away fifteen years of his life for. He does not collect his money from the banker, he runs away to be on his own and continue to live the life of solitude he has learned to love, free of money and possessions.Also, in a psychology class, one of the first things students study when they come to the topic of motivation, is external stimulus versus personal drive. Any textbook will tell one that studies show that a child is more likely to put as much energy as possible into completing a task when it is something that makes him happy, than if he was doing it for a physical reward. A child is more likely to get good grades, if it makes him feel good about himself, than if his parents offer to pay him every time he makes the honor roll. I agree with this theory on motivation because I see it play out everyday in my life.If my older sister had been concerned with money and fame, which reality television tells us every night is important, she would have gone to college after graduating high school. She knew though, that school and learning did not make her happy, and she was not going to suffer through four more years of school just because a college degree could lead to a more successful job. Right now she does not make as much money at her job, but she likes her life and the way she lives; she has more fun answering phones and dealing with other people at work than she would behind a desk in a classroom. This past year I myself have been forced to look at my priorities as well. I have worked hard in school all my life and have made honor roll semester after semester, because I enjoy it. I have not filled up my schedule with classes I did not want because calculus and economics look good on a college transcript. I had a high enough GPA to join the National Honor Society, but I chose not to join because even though it might have impressed some admissions officers, it was not something that was going to make me happy. Instead I spend my time studying Creative Writing, Art History, and the other subjects I feel truly passionate about.There is a pleasure principle in psychology, which basically means that one will do whatever will make them most happy or least unhappy. I think that is true, and I feel that the happiness most people seek out is not about money or luxury. Maybe it looks like that from the media, because advertising says that people want to be like Donald Trump, but that is not real life. Real life is my next door neighbor who gardens as a second job for small fees because he loves to be outside, working with his hands in the nice weather. I am sure no one would mind winning the lottery, but to say that it is our primary motivator in life is sad and untrue. A person who is happy and making minimum wage is likely to live longer than someone who spends his or her life working sixtyfour hour weeks at a stressful job to make money hand over fist. Are some people very driven by money? Yes. Is that more important than the personal satisfaction that comes from doing something good? Literature, psychology, and our personal lives tell us no, and I hope it stays that way. (697 words)Sample 2In today’s decadent society, many things are not as they should be. As a member of my generation, I can look around at my fellow contemporaries, and say that many of their values are misplaced, or wrong altogether. The reason for this diversion from a life of strong values is not the fault of our generation alone, however. We, as teenagers, are targeted by an adult world, many of whose values are so far gone, it is almost as if they never had any to start with. And, also, the majority of teenagers’ main source of incoming information, television, is chock full of poor role models, and disgusting, often perverse forms entertainment. Am I a total cynic? No. I know that there are still good people out there, who have strong values, and are not driven by the forces of money, greed and materialism. But often, these islands in a sea of decadence are overwashed and overlooked. For that reason, I will trumpet those few heroes of society who still believe in the ideals of personal success, and the betterment of the world, rather than those who would sacrifice it for superficial gain.A very good example of someone like this is Mario Lemieux, owner and player for the Pittsburgh Penguins. As a former hockey player, I have always admired Lemieux, who exhibits good sportsmanship, and is one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Lemieux stunned the world through the 90’s, leading the team to two Stanley Cups, and also leading the league in scoring for several seasons. When Lemieux retired, many thought they would never see the day again when Lemieux would once again take the ice. Then, years after his retirement, the team went into bankruptcy. Lemieux, surprising everyone, bought the team out of bankruptcy, at a monetary loss to himself. And when the team was in a slump, Mario then decided to take the skates once more to help his team out of the gutter. Again, Lemieux gave up money to do this because he could not afford to pay himself a salary. And even after he came back, Lemieux is arguably one of the best players in the game.Lemieux’s personal decisions to give up his material monetary possessions to play for personal satisfaction is a great example to us all. (387 words)Score ExplanationThis clearly focused essay demonstrates clear and consistent mastery. The writer exhibits outstanding critical thinking in supporting the point of view that despite in "today's decadent society" shaped by "poor role models" and "disgusting, often perverse forms of entertainment," there are "those few heroes of society who still believe in the ideals of personal success, and the betterment of the world." The sustained example of Mario Lemieux provides effective and insightful support for this position, as the writer smoothly progresses through a chronological account of Lemieux's career that emphasizes not only the hockey player's skill but also his "good sportsmanship" and several "personal decisions to give up his material monetary possessions to play for personal satisfaction." These occurred when Lemieux "bought the team out of bankruptcy" by buying the team himself and when he returned to the game after retirement even though "he could not afford to pay himself a salary." Overall, this well organized essay demonstrates clear coherence. Throughout, the essay shows skillful use of language in its selection of a varied, accurate, and apt vocabulary and demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence structure ("Am I a total cynic? No. I know that there are still good people out there, who have strong values, and are not driven by the forces of money, greed, and materialism. But often, these islands in a sea of decadence are overwashed and overlooked. For that reason, I will trumpet those few heroes of society who still believe in the ideals of personal success, and the betterment of the world"). This outstanding response receives a score of 6.Sample 3 (Score 11)Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and assignment below: (2007.5)Assignment: Do circumstances determine whether or not we should tell the truth? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observation.Sample 4 (Score 12)Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and assignment below: (2007.6)Assignment: Do people truly benefit from hardship and misfortune? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.Sample 5 (Score 12)Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and assignment below: (2007.6)Assignment: Do people truly benefit from hardship and misfortune? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.Sample 6 (Score 12)Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and assignment below: (2007.10)Assignment: Should we admire heroes but not celebrities? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.Sample 7 (Score 11)Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and assignment below: (2007.10)Assignment: Should we admire heroes but not celebrities? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.Sample 8 (Score 11)Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and assignment below: (2007.10)Assignment: Should we admire heroes but not celebrities? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.3. Writing ProcedureApproaches to the Essay (OG-106)z Read the prompt carefully, and make sure you write on the topic given.z Decide your viewpoint on the topic.z Spend a couple of minutes on planning.z Vary the sentence structure in your writing.z Use clear, precise, and appropriate vocabulary.z Leave time to review what you have written.Plan Your Essay (4 min.)(1) Read the statement with an eye for its complexity and implications. (1 min.)(2) Decide on a tentative position and brainstorming (2 min.)(3) Organize your ideas (1 min.)Compose Your Essay (20 min.)(1) Compose a brief introductory paragraph. (4 min.)(2) Compose the body of your response. (14 min.)(3) Compose a brief concluding or summary paragraph. (2 min.)Refine Your Essay (1 min.)(1) Proofread for significant mechanical problems. (1 min.)4. Plan Your EssayFamiliarize the topics of SAT(1) Motivation; Inner vs. Outer Cause(2) Choice & Decision(3) Progress & Technology(4) Success & Adversity(5) Breaking the Rules / Majority(6) History & Present(7) Education, Knowledge & Practice(8) Viewing from Different Angles(9) Individual vs. Group, CooperationBrain Storming(1) Position: Yes / No(2) Idea ①←—— Example ①②—— Example ②(3) Idea ←(4) *Idea ③←—— Example ③ (Concession ←—— Counterexample)Progression of Ideas(1) Parallel(2) Sequential(3) Contrast5. Compose the Introductory ParagraphYou Shouldz demonstrate that you understand the complexities or implications of the issuez let the reader know that you have a clear perspective on the issuez anticipate the ideas you intend to present in your essay’s body paragraphz not go into detail about your reasoning, and not provide specific examplesz not begin by repeating the statement(1) Question + (typical answer) + positionz Why, you may wonder, should spiders be our friends?Because they destroy so many insects, and insects include some of the greatest enemies of the human race. Insectswould make it impossible for us to live in the world; they would devour all our crops and killour flocks and herds, if it were not for the protection we get from insect-eating animals. Weowe a lot to the birds and beasts who eat insects but all of them put together kill only afraction of the number destroyed by spiders. Moreover, unlike some of the other insecteaters, spiders never do the harm to us or our belongings. ——Lesson 2, NCE Book 4 z Why does the idea of progress loom so large in the modern world? Surely progress of a particular kind is actually taking place around us and is becoming more and moremanifest. Although mankind has undergone no general improvement in intelligence ormorality, it has made extraordinary progress in the accumulation of knowledge.——Lesson 22, NCE Book 4(2) Stating conflict views + position:z I am always amazed when I hear people saying that sport creates goodwill between the nations, and that if only the common peoples of the world could meet one another atfootball or cricket, they would have no inclination to meet on the battlefield. Even if onedidn't know from concrete examples (the 1936 Olympic Games, for instance) thatinternational sporting contests lead to orgies of hatred, one could deduce it from generalprinciples. ——Lesson 6, NCE Book 4 z Many people in industry and the Services, who have practical experience of noise, regard any investigation of this question as a waste of time; they are not prepared evento admit the possibility that noise affects people. On the other hand, those who dislikenoise will sometimes use most inadequate evidence to support their pleas for a quietersociety. This is a pity, because noise abatement really is a good cause, and it is likely tobe discredited if it gets to be associated with bad science. ——Lesson 25, NCE Book 4(3) Background description + positionz Education is one of the key words of our time. A man without an education, many of us believe, is an unfortunate victim of adverse circumstances, deprived of one of the greatesttwentieth-century opportunities. Convinced of the importance of education, modern states'invest' in institutions of learning to get back 'interest' in the form of a large group ofenlightened young men and women who are potential leaders. Education, with its cycles ofinstruction so carefully worked out, punctuated by textbooks--those purchasable wells ofwisdom--what would civilization be like without its benefits? ——Lesson 33, NCE Book 4(4) Anecdote + positionz Practice-15, Practice-35Paul Ehrlich, discovered a drug……. It was named “Formula 606”, because the first 605tests were mistakes. The lesson we can safely draw from this story is that ……(5) Quotation + positionz OG-1“It is a small step for a man; but a giant leap for mankind.” ——Neil Armstrongz OG-3“We choose to go to the moon and other things, not because they are easy, but becausethey are hard.” ——John. F. Kennedyz As the saying goes, … The saying is used to point out that… This is nowhere more true than on the question of XXX.z There is an old saying that “…,” which is true in most cases.z There is an idiom in English that says…6. Compose the Body ParagraphYou shouldz be sure the first sentence of each paragraph begins a distinct train of thought and clearly conveys to the reader the essence of the paragraph, and stick to that sentencez arrange your paragraphs according to the outline so your essay flows logically and persuasively from one point to the nextz devote no more than 3 or 4 sentences to any one point in your outlineExamplez brief examplez specific example¾ personal experience¾ anecdote¾ fictionz Analogy(1) Brief examplez Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who cut through argument, debate and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand and remember. Churchill warned theBritish to expect “blood, toil, tears and sweat”; F. D. Roosevelt told Americans that “theonly thing we have to fear is fear itself”; Lenin promised the war-weary Russians peace,land and bread. Straightforward but potent message.z Some of the greatest scientific discoveries are the result of inspirations caused by chance occurrences. Three brief examples can demonstrate this point. First, Archimedes’ noticingthe rise of water level as he submerged himself in a tub led to the formulation of the laws ofliquid displacement, the foundation of many of the laws of modern physics. Second, SirIsaac Newton discovered the law of gravity because an apple fell on his head while he wassitting under a tree. Third, after being caught in a strong current of hot rising air while flying his gas balloon, George Alexander Whitehead thought about the occurrence and developed the fundamental principles of meteorology.(2) Specific examplez Nor is it only the ignorant and ill-educated person who was such faith in the bottle of medicine. It is recounted of Thomas Carlyle that when he heard of the illness of his friend, Henry Taylor, he went off immediately to visit him, carrying with him in his pocket what remained of a bottle of medicine formerly prescribed for an indisposition of Mrs.Carlyle's. Carlyle was entirely ignorant of what the bottle in his pocket contained, of the nature of the illness from which his friend was suffering, and of what had previously been wrong with his wife, but a medicine that had worked so well in one form of illness would surely be of equal benefit in another, and comforted by the thought of the help he was bringing to his friend, he hastened to Henry Taylor's house. History does not relate whether his friend accepted his medical help, but in all probability he did.——Lesson 28, NCE Book 4 z One allegation often made is that noise produces mental illness. A recent article in a weekly newspaper, for instance, was headed with a striking illustration of a lady in a state of considerable distress, with the caption 'She was yet another victim, reduced to a screaming wreck'. On turning eagerly to the text, one learns that the lady was a typist who found the sound of office typewriters worried her more and more until eventually she had to go into a mental hospital. Now the snag in this sort of anecdote is of course that one cannot distinguish cause and effect. Was the noise a cause of the illness, or were the complaints about the noise merely a symptom? Another patient might equally well complain that her neighbours were combining to slander her and persecute her, and yet one might be cautious about believing this statement. ——Lesson 25, NCE Book 4(3) Personal experience: friendly, interesting and authoritative(4) Anecdotez A case in point is that……z Something serves as a typical example is……(5) Fictionz So much is certain: that we would have doctors and preachers, lawyers and defendants, marriages and births -- but our spiritual outlook would be different. We would lay less stress on 'facts and figures' and more on a good memory, on applied psychology, and on the capacity of a man to get along with his fellow-citizens. If our educational system were fashioned after its bookless past we would have the most democratic form of 'college' imaginable. Among tribal people all knowledge inherited by tradition is shared by all; it is taught to every member of the tribe so that in this respect everybody is equally equipped for life. ——Lesson 33, NCE Book 4 (6) Analogyz“Nations should cooperate to develop regulations that limit children’s access to adult material on the Internet.”However, information on the Internet is not easily contained within national borders.Limiting access to such information is akin to preventing certain kinds of global environmental destruction. Consider the problem of ozone depletion thought to be a result of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) emissions. When the government regulated CFC production in the U.S., corporations responsible for releasing CFC's into the atmosphere simply moved abroad, and the global threat continued. Similarly, the Internet is a global phenomenon; regulations in one country will not stop "contamination" overall. Thus,successful regulation of Internet pornography requires international cooperation, just assuccessful CFC regulation finally required the joint efforts of many nations.z“Learning writing should progress in proper sequence——similar to learning pottery——observe, copy and originate.”Writers and potters are similar in that they both learn their crafts by imitating masters,people skilled in the crafts. They devote a great deal of time and concentration to followingthese masters. For example, before the potter can produce a delicate vase or asymmetrical pitcher, he or she must spend time watching a master at work. Likewise, anovice writer cannot produce a well-organized essay or even a coherent paragraph withoutfirst studying good models. The potter observes the way the expert spins the wheel andforms the clay; then he or she tries to do exactly what the master has done. Similarly, theapprentice writer imitates the work of a master writer. The potter begins with small, simpleprojects. In the same way, the writer begins with short paragraph and proceeds to theessay only after mastering the basics. So just as the potter gains inspiration and skill froman experienced artist, a writer learns to communicate effectively after studying the work ofmaster writers.Authority / Quotationz“Can knowledge be a burden rather than a benefit?” ——2007.5.5z Confucius once said, “When you know a thing, to hold that you know it. And when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it. This is knowledge.” ——Analectsz Huxley, “If a little knowledge is dangerous, where is the man who has so much as to be out of danger.”z XXX, CEO of XXX Company, which is a major manufacturer of XXX, once pointed out (andI paraphrase) that… This illustrates the point that…z Professor XXX, highly respected and well-known professor at Chinese Academy of Social Science, once pointed out (and I paraphrase) that… This illustrates the point that…z As head of …(name of department) at my university once said (and I paraphrase):“…”This illustrates the point that…Statistics(1) specified, detailed:z How many spiders are engaged in this work on our behalf? One authority on spiders made a census of the spiders in grass field in the south of England, and he estimated thatthere were more than 2,250,000 in one acre; that is something like 6,000,000 spiders ofdifferent kinds on a football pitch. Spiders are busy for at least half the year in killinginsects. It is impossible to make more than the wildest guess at how many they kill, butthey are hungry creatures, not content with only three meals a day. It has been estimatedthat the weight of all the insects destroyed by spiders in Britain in one year would begreater than the total weight of all the human beings in the country. Lesson 2, NCEBook 4(2) authorizedz Ignoring the responsibility of education to enrich the personal lives of student would result in serious moral as well as psychological problems among university students. Accordingto a recent survey conducted by the Sociology Department of Peking University amongten top universities in China, twenty percent of undergraduate students suffer from variouskinds of mental disorders, such as depression, exaggerated mood swings, extreme anxiety,and insomnia. The result of the survey also indicates the increase of over ten percent。