sample ssat essay responses

• What is the SSAT?
• How is the SSAT Scored?
• The SSAT vs. the ISEE
• The SSAT: Word Problems
• The SSAT: Synonyms
• The SSAT: Analogies
• The SSAT Essay: What to Expect
• SSAT Word Problem Practice Questions
• SSAT Synonym Practice Questions
• SSAT Analogy Practice Questions

SSAT Essay Samples

• SSAT Prep Courses

Sample Topic: Do you agree that no good deed goes unpunished? It always bothers me when people talk about punishment. It’s not fair. I mean, there are some kids out there who do really good things, even though people don’t notice them. In my opinion, everyone spends too much time talking about whether or not there is enough punishment in the world. We should really be talking about more important things like the environment . . .

Common Pitfalls in Essay Writing

Brainstorming in action, sample topic 1.

Should free speech on the Internet be protected? Why or why not?

Sample Topic 2

Do we learn more from our mistakes than our successes? Why?

Sample Topic 3

My fondest memory is…

Just the Facts

• Develop and organize your ideas.
• Use three paragraphs.
• Use appropriate examples.
• Write in standard English.
• Stick to the topic.
• Use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Practice Essay

Essay Topic: Voting is such an important responsibility that all citizens should be required to vote in every election.

Step 1: Brainstorm

Do you agree or disagree with the prompt? What examples might you use to support your argument? (Remember, give yourself only a few minutes to do this!)

Step 2: Make an Outline

Keep your essay to three paragraphs. Paragraph 1 gives your introduction and an example. Paragraph 2 gives another example, and paragraph 3 gives your final example and/or your conclusion.

Step 3: Write your Essay

Give yourself 15 minutes to write.

Step 4: Proofread

Go back to your essay and read through it again. Does it make sense? Have you made any spelling or grammar errors? Fix them. Get used to making corrections clearly on your page, since that’s what you will do the day of the test.

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SSAT Practice Questions

Bonus Material:   PrepMaven’s SSAT Practice Question Bank

Applying to private elementary, middle, or high schools? If so, there’s a good chance you’ll have to take the SSAT (and do well on it!) as part of your application process. 

If you’re dead-set on a high SSAT score, then you likely already know that you’ll need to do some serious test prep to be ready for the test. Unfortunately, there aren’t many high quality SSAT Practice Questions out there. 

The good news is that PrepMaven has spent the last twenty years guiding countless students through the SSAT prep process, and we’ve developed a winning approach to preparing for this test. 

In this post, we’ll use that experience to provide you with a sampling of high-quality SSAT-style practice questions. Plus, we’ll give you access to our complete bank of SSAT practice questions for free–all you have to do is click the link below. 

Download PrepMaven’s SSAT Practice Question Bank

Jump to section: Official SSAT Practice PrepMaven’s SSAT Practice Questions 10 Upper Level SSAT Verbal Practice Questions 20 Upper Level SSAT Math Practice Questions 5 Upper Level SSAT Reading Practice Questions 12 SSAT Writing Prompts Next steps

Official SSAT Practice

Our expert tutors always recommend using official SSAT resources when possible, and the SSAT website is a great place to start your SSAT prep journey. 

However, the truth is that the official resources available will not be enough for most students serious about prepping for a top score. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you can get through the SSAT website with a yearly subscription fee of $80: 

• A mini SSAT practice test (free)
• 4 full-length practice tests
• 15 section tests
• 50+ Quizzes

These are fantastic resources, but they should be used sparingly. 

Most students should take around 3 months to prep for their first SSAT sitting. If you think about splitting all those resources across 3 months or more, then it’s clear that there really isn’t a ton of material to work with. 

That being said, we do recommend every student serious about the SSAT get access to the official materials. They’re simply going to be closer to the real thing than what you get from most resources online. 

PrepMaven’s SSAT Practice Questions

Below, we’ll provide you a sampling of SSAT practice questions for all sections, totally free. And, even more importantly, we’ll give you access to a large bank of these practice questions via free download. 

You might be wondering why we’re making these resources free when so many other companies expect you to pay for them. 

A few reasons. 

First, because we’ve been coaching students through SSAT prep for over two decades, and over that time we’ve become frustrated with the expensive, low-quality material out there. 

When writing our free comprehensive guide to available SSAT prep resources and practice , we noticed how few of the resources out there actually provide realistic and free SSAT practice questions. 

There are great vocabulary builders and math practice out there, but those don’t mimic the actual structure and style of the SSAT. We decided to change that. 

So, are we doing this totally from the goodness of our heart? 

Well… not only. We also hope that once you see the high quality of these free resources, you’ll consider taking the next step and working with one of our expert SSAT tutors. 

There’s no pressure, of course. But in the last 20 years, one thing has become absolutely clear to us: a student’s ability to improve on the SSAT is closely correlated to the quality of test prep instruction they receive. 

So, feel free to use the practice questions below to start getting ready for the SSAT. Then, when you’re ready to maximize your score potential, schedule a free test-prep consultation with us. 

10 Upper Level SSAT Verbal Practice Questions

The SSAT Verbal section is split into two question types: Analogies and Synonyms. Below, you’ll find 5 multiple choice sample questions for each type, ranging in difficulty. 

Here are 5 Sample SSAT Synonym questions:

1. LOQUACIOUS

B) talkative

2. VIGOROUS

B) energetic

3. DESTITUTE

C) fortunate

D) educated

4. TRANQUIL

C) peaceful

E) disturbed

5. PRECARIOUS

C) unstable

E) confident

Synonym Questions Answers: 

Now that you’ve given synonyms a shot, do your best with the following SSAT Analogy practice questions: 

• A) word is to punctuation
• B) fish is to pond
• C) star is to constellation
• D) cell is to jail
• E) note is to symphony
• A) chef is to knife
• B) writer is to bookstore
• C) teacher is to classroom
• D) artist is to painting
• E) pilot is to airplane
• A) big is to huge
• B) fast is to slow
• C) soft is to smooth
• D) rough is to scratch
• E) dry is to arid
• A) sailor is to ship
• B) musician is to song
• C) gardener is to plants
• D) doctor is to patient
• E) baker is to recipe
• A) tranquility is to peace
• B) joy is to sorrow
• C) light is to dark
• D) heat is to cold
• E) chaos is to order

Analogy Practice Question Answers: 

Want more help with the famously tricky SSAT Verbal section? Check out these free expert tips , get paired with one of our tutors , or get more questions like these for free below!

20 Upper Level SSAT Math Practice Questions

The SSAT Math section covers a wide range of topics, which you can read more about here . Broadly, you can expect to see questions on:

• Computation
• Number sense 
• Pre-algebra
• Statistics and probability 

Below, you’ll find a series of sample questions for each area. You can find many more questions like these in our free SSAT Practice Question Bank . 

Below are 5 Sample SSAT Algebra Questions. See how you do, then feel free to download our complete collection of sample SSAT questions below!

1) Maria earns a base hourly rate of $10 per hour at her job. However, if she works more than 8 hours in a day, she earns $12 per hour for each hour she works after the first 8 hours. How much money does Maria earn if she works 12 hours in one day?

2) Which of the following is a possible value of x for which x(x – 5) = 0?

3) Two numbers whose sum is 60 have a difference of 10. What is the smaller of these two numbers?

4) The product of 2m and 3 less than m equals 8. Which of the following could be a value for m?

5) There are 25 girls and 15 boys in a class. In the class, 3/5 of the girls brought lunch from home and 2/3 of the boys brought lunch from home. How many more girls than boys brought lunch from home?

Algebra Answers: 

1) If the perimeter of a rectangle is 50 meters and the width is 12 meters, what is the length?

• A) 6 meters
• B) 8 meters
• C) 13 meters
• D) 14 meters
• E) 15 meters

2) A rectangle has a length of 20 centimeters and a width of 9 centimeters. What is the area of the rectangle?

• A) 180 square cm
• B) 190 square cm
• C) 200 square cm
• D) 210 square cm
• E) 220 square cm

3) The diameter of a circle is 18 inches. What is the circumference, in inches, of the circle?

4) The perimeter of a pentagon is 35 units. If the length of each side of the figure is increased by 3 units, what is the perimeter of the new figure?

• A) 40 units
• B) 45 units
• C) 50 units
• D) 55 units
• E) 60 units

5) If the volume of a rectangular prism is 240 cubic cm, and the dimensions are 8 cm by 5 cm, what is the height of the prism?

Geometry Answers: 

Get more questions like these for free below!

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Number sense and Operations 

1) If 7+5𝑥=37 what is the value of x ?

2) The sum of three consecutive even numbers is 54. What is the middle number?

3) What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of 54 and 72?

4) The product of two numbers is 48 and their sum is 14. What are the numbers?

• A) 4 and 12
• C) 2 and 24
• D) 3 and 16

5) If the least common multiple (LCM) of 8 and 12 is x , what is x ?

Number Sense and Operations Answers

Data Analysis

1) If the mean of 5 consecutive whole numbers is 25, what is the smallest of these six numbers?

2) The average score of five tests is 78. The scores of the first three tests are 74, 82, and 76. What is the average score of the last two tests?

3) The distances (in miles) that eight friends travel to meet are 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, and 25. What is the median distance traveled?

4) If the average (arithmetic mean) of the numbers p and q is 45, which of the following must be true?

• E) p×q=2025

5) Which of the following must be true if two numbers, a and b , have a mean of 30 and b is less than a ?

Data Analysis Answers

5 Upper Level SSAT Reading Practice Questions

The upper-level SSAT Reading section will present you with a series of passages and ask you to answer multiple choice questions on each one.

Below, we’ve offered a sample SSAT Reading passage and a series of realistic SSAT-style questions. As with the real SSAT, you’ll have five answer options for each question, with four wrong answers and one correct answer. 

(1) In the late 19th century, the bustling city of New York was rapidly evolving into a cultural and industrial hub. Amidst this transformation, a wave of immigrants from diverse backgrounds arrived, each bringing their own unique traditions and perspectives. The convergence of different cultures resulted in a vibrant and dynamic society, where innovation and creativity flourished.

(6) Art and literature particularly thrived in this environment. The Harlem Renaissance, for instance, was a remarkable period during which African American artists and writers made significant contributions to American culture. This movement not only produced extraordinary works of art but also challenged the prevailing racial stereotypes and advocated for civil rights.

(11) Meanwhile, the city’s architecture was undergoing a radical change. Skyscrapers began to dominate the skyline, symbolizing the economic power and modernity of New York. Innovations in construction techniques and materials allowed for buildings to reach unprecedented heights. The iconic Flatiron Building, completed in 1902, became a symbol of New York’s architectural ingenuity and remains a beloved landmark to this day.

Questions for Passage #1

The primary focus of the passage is

• A) the technological advancements in 19th century New York
• B) the cultural and industrial evolution of New York City
• C) the impact of immigration on New York’s economy
• D) the history of the Flatiron Building
• E) the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance is described as a period when

• A) racial stereotypes were reinforced
• B) African American cultural contributions were highlighted
• C) New architectural styles were introduced
• D) New York’s economy significantly declined
• E) immigration rates were at their lowest

As used in the line 4, the word “convergence” most likely means

• A) separation
• D) expansion

The author’s tone in describing the architectural developments in New York can best be described as

• A) critical
• B) indifferent
• C) admiring
• D) nostalgic
• E) skeptical

The purpose of mentioning the Flatiron Building is to

• A) highlight a famous landmark in New York
• B) emphasize the role of immigrants in construction
• C) illustrate the advancements in building techniques
• D) discuss the economic power of New York
• E) describe the residential areas of the city

Reading Answers: 

Want more resources? Check out our 6 expert SSAT Reading Strategies, contact our test prep experts , and get more questions like these for free below!

12 SSAT Writing Prompts

While it’s not scored, the SSAT Writing section is still something you should prepare for. Your SSAT writing sample will be sent directly to the independent schools you set as score recipients, so they’ll be reading exactly what you wrote. 

That means it’s good to get a bit of practice in with this section before the real test. Check out our 16 tips for a great writing sample here!

Below, we’ve offered some 6 Sample SSAT Writing prompts. On the real SSAT, you’d have two pages and 25 minutes to write your response. 

4 SSAT Creative Prompts (Middle Level SSAT)

• As the sun set, the forest came alive with…
• She couldn’t believe her eyes when she found …
• In the quiet of the night, he heard a faint whisper…
• The old house on the hill was rumored to be…

4 SSAT Personal Prompts (Middle and Upper Level SSAT)

• Describe a time when you helped someone else. What did you learn from the experience?
• How do you define happiness? What brings you the most joy in life?
• What role does technology play in your life? How has it influenced you?
• If you could travel to any place in the world, where would it be and why?

4 SSAT General Prompts (Upper Level SSAT)

• Is it ever acceptable to lie? Explain your perspective.
• Should professional athletes be considered role models? Why or why not?
• What can we learn from historical events to improve our future?
• What are the benefits of traveling to new places?

For more SSAT Writing Sample prompts, as well as Math, Reading, and Verbal practice, download our free SSAT Practice Question bank below!

If the private school of your dreams considers or requires SSAT scores, then you should do everything possible to earn an impressive one. 

That starts with familiarizing yourself with the test and getting lots of high quality practice with resources like the ones in this post. 

But your success on the SSAT also depends on making sure you’re using all these resources in the most effective way.

That’s why we see students improve so dramatically when working with one of our SSAT test-prep experts. Our SSAT tutors won’t just teach you the content: they’ll make sure that every hour you spend prepping is more efficiently spent, helping you maximize your score. 

You can schedule a free test-prep consultation with our team here . And, of course, you can download our extensive bank of SSAT practice questions free below!

Top SSAT/ISEE Posts

• 13 Best SSAT Tutoring Services
• Scoring on the SSAT
• Your Complete Guide to the SSAT
• SSAT Writing Sample: What You Need to Know
• 7 Tips for Mastering SSAT Vocabulary
• SSAT Analogies Practice
• ISEE vs SSAT: Comparing the Private School Admissions Tests
• What is a Good SSAT Score
• Creating an Effective SSAT Study Plan
• SSAT Math: What You Need to Know
• SSAT Verbal Strategies from the Experts

Mike is a PhD candidate studying English literature at Duke University. Mike is an expert test prep tutor (SAT/ACT/LSAT) and college essay consultant. Nearly all of Mike’s SAT/ACT students score in the top 5% of test takers; many even score above 1500 on the SAT. His college essay students routinely earn admission into their top-choice schools, including Harvard, Brown, and Dartmouth. And his LSAT students have been accepted In into the top law schools in the country, including Harvard, Yale, and Columbia Law.

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What to Know About SSAT & ISEE Writing Samples

Posted on: March 19, 2019

One aspect that the SSAT and ISEE have in common is the writing sample. Each test asks the student to write a relatively short essay in response to a prompt provided by the test. On the SSAT, students have the choice between different styles of prompts. The ISEE simply offers a single standardized test type of prompt. Both tests give students a page for notes and two lined pages for the actual essay. The SSAT essay is at the beginning of the test, while the ISEE essay is at the end. Naturally, parents are concerned about how to best prepare students for the essays. Here are the major points to keep in mind. Read these with your student to be sure they know what to expect. Your tutor will review the writing as well.

It Doesn’t Count, Except That It Does. (Or It Doesn’t Count, Mostly.)

Neither the SSAT nor the ISEE writing samples are scored. Although students will want to make a good impression, it is important to remember that no score is given to the essay. The writing samples are sent along with the test scores to the recipient schools designated by the families. They provide another piece of information to the admissions team. Instead of spending time and energy wondering how to ace the essay, try spending a little more time clarifying your strategies for the multiple choice sections of the test, which are scored.

The writing sample represents another opportunity for the school to get to know the student. Students get a chance to practice when taking the tests in the PrepMatters office. Additionally, tutors may assign an essay as part of the homework. Here are some suggestions on how to create a piece that is a solid addition to your overall profile.

Plan for Success

Both the ISEE and the SSAT give you space to plan your essay. Use It. In whatever “format” works best, you should take a few moments to jot down thoughts about what you would say in response to the prompt. We use the term “format” loosely here . Bullet points. Formal outline. Thought Bubbles. Words on a page. Also, think about which points are stronger. This planning sheet is not reviewed by the school, so students should format in a way that is quick and clear to them. Brainstorm and get the ideas you will use out of your head and onto the page. Then, as you write, you’ll have a handy checklist to aid in the process. Take just a few minutes – maximum five, for the planning stage.

Brevity and Clarity

When composing our response, we want to remember our readers. As a writer, I want to make it easy for them to understand my point of view and to follow my reasoning. Although you’ll want to have some variety to your sentences, you’ll mostly want them to be clear. Additionally, you’ll want your sentences to be shorter rather than convoluted and possibly hard to follow. Even if you are doing the creative prompt for the SSAT, you will want to choose sentences that are more to the point. Though it can be a chance to show off our growing vocabulary, don’t worry about using all of the hardest words you know. Remember, clarity is worth more than having the most obscure words in our writing.

Evidence and Explanation

We want to make reviewing our essay a pleasant task for the reader. This means we want to tell them where we are going, then take them there. This sample is not as sophisticated as your writing for your English class, but it should still follow some basic rules:

Take a clear position.

Some of the essay prompts can have more than one response. Also, there is no one right answer. You don’t want to take too much time examining alternatives. At most, briefly mention some possibilities, then make a definitive statement about where your essay is going. “Although there have been many great leaders in our nation’s history, I would most like to have dinner with Franklin D. Roosevelt.”

Use paragraph form.

We don’t want our pages covered by a solid block of words. We want clear paragraph breaks to indicate new subjects. By focusing on one aspect of the larger picture, each paragraph helps us organize what we have to say. If I am sharing a story about the time our club held a food drive, I should have separate paragraphs explaining how we got organized, the challenges we faced, and the actual event.

Provide specific evidence.

This is where the planning comes in handy. If you say that leadership is important, be sure to tell the reader about actual leaders you have had, have learned about, or have been. Support for your claims can come from history, books you’ve read, or real life. What personal experiences can you draw on to back up your statements? It is much stronger to say that loyalty is important, then share the time you were loyal to a classmate when they were getting picked on for being different.

Important to Remember

Since this is a standardized test, there are some additional factors we should be considering. We have two pages for our response. Try to use at least one and half pages. Don’t begin your essay on the page for notes: that will not be read. Keep your writing within the lines. The essay is scanned digitally and what is outside may not be legible. Speaking of legibility, be sure to write in your most readable handwriting. Both tests accept either cursive or print. Similarly, try to use correct grammar and punctuation, but don’t stress and eat up precious time debating. Although our goal is, of course, none, one or two errors won’t distract the reader from your message or make it hard for them to understand you. You won’t know your reader. You are writing to an adult, or a group of adults, who don’t know you. It is better to be a little more formal, as you would speak to your school principal. Be honest in your writing, but be respectful. Pretend you are writing to someone from a different background, a different gender, or a different part of your city or country. If you are not using history or literature, use real events from your life. The readers don’t want to read about games, movies, or other popular culture, though these can be used as examples.

One Good Swing

Again, the writing sample is only one, ungraded, part of your SSAT or ISEE. Do your best to follow the tips here, then forget about it. You are either off to conquer the rest of the test or to enjoy the rest of the day and your academic year.

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SSAT Writing Sample: How to Ace It

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) includes a writing sample as part of the exam. This section is an opportunity for you to showcase your writing skills and provide admissions committees with insight into your abilities. To excel in the SSAT writing sample, follow these tips:

Understand the Format

1. familiarize yourself with the prompt: .

The SSAT writing sample provides a prompt or a question that you need to respond to. Understand the prompt thoroughly before you begin writing.

2. Time Limit: 

You have 25 minutes to complete the writing sample, so time management is crucial. Allocate a few minutes for brainstorming, writing, and revising.

Plan Your Response

3. brainstorm ideas: .

Before you start writing, jot down key points or ideas related to the prompt. Create an outline or rough plan to help structure your response.

4. Stay on Topic: 

Ensure that your response directly addresses the prompt. Straying off-topic can result in a lower score.

Organize Your Writing

5. structure your essay: .

A well-structured essay typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should have a clear purpose.

6. Introduction: 

Start with a compelling introduction that introduces the topic and your stance or perspective on it. A strong thesis statement can provide clarity.

7. Body Paragraphs: 

Support your thesis with relevant evidence, examples, and explanations. Use each paragraph to develop a single idea, and transition smoothly between paragraphs.

8. Conclusion: 

Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in the conclusion. Avoid introducing new information at this stage.

Focus on Clarity and Style

9. be clear and concise: .

Write in a clear and straightforward manner. Avoid overly complex sentences or vocabulary that may confuse the reader.

10. Varied Sentence Structure: 

Use a variety of sentence structures to make your writing more engaging. Avoid repetitive sentence patterns.

11. Effective Language Use: 

Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Avoid errors that can distract from your message.

12. Vocabulary: 

Use a range of vocabulary to convey your ideas effectively. Avoid excessive repetition of words or phrases.

Develop Your Ideas

13. provide examples: .

Whenever possible, support your arguments or ideas with concrete examples. Real-life anecdotes or well-chosen examples can make your writing more convincing.

14. Elaborate and Explain: 

Don't assume that the reader will understand your point without explanation. Provide context and elaboration to ensure your ideas are fully understood.

Revise and Proofread

15. revision: .

After completing your first draft, take a moment to review and revise your essay. Check for clarity, coherence, and organization. Make any necessary changes to improve your writing.

16. Proofreading: 

Carefully proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors. Even minor mistakes can affect the overall impression of your writing.

17. Practice Writing Prompts: 

Familiarize yourself with different types of writing prompts and practice writing essays under timed conditions. This will help you become more comfortable with the format and improve your writing skills.

18. Seek Feedback: 

If possible, have a teacher or tutor review your practice essays and provide feedback. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement.

Stay Calm and Focused

19. stay composed: .

On test day, try to stay calm and focused. Manage your time wisely, and don't let anxiety affect your writing.

20. Review Your Work: 

If you finish early, take a moment to review your essay for any errors or improvements you can make.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, excelling in the SSAT writing sample requires careful preparation, effective organization, and strong writing skills. Understanding the format and prompt, planning your response, and structuring your essay are essential steps. Additionally, focusing on clarity, style, and the development of your ideas can make your writing more compelling. Don't forget to revise and proofread your work to ensure it's error-free.

Ultimately, the SSAT writing sample is a chance to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and express your thoughts coherently. While it's important to do your best, keep in mind that admissions committees consider a range of factors in their evaluation process. Approach the writing sample with confidence and use it as an opportunity to shine among prospective schools. Good luck with your SSAT and your future academic endeavors!

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SSAT Essay Writing Sample 1

Home > SSAT Test > SSAT Writing > SSAT Essay Samples

Directions: Choose the essay topic appropriate to your exam and write an essay. Sample responses begin on the next page.

Topic: Some educators suggest that all elementary, middle school, and high school students should be required to wear school uniforms. What do you think?

Essay Sample:

Many people have suggested that all students be required to wear uniforms to school. Some students object to this idea because it takes away their individuality, but I think there are a number of reasons why school uniforms might be a good idea.

Over the past few years, there have been no dress guidelines and no dress codes in our schools. Some students just naturally dress neatly and appropriately, but others are truly sloppy. When people dress in sloppy clothing, they tend to be too relaxed. This leads to sloppy thinking. Pretty soon they lose respect for school and teachers and the whole learning process. School uniforms would remind these students that they are in school for a purpose. I think that if everyone were dressed in the same uniform there would be more school spirit too. Students would all feel as if they were part of something important.

Some students, especially girls, worry too much about their clothes and how they look. They bother their parents to spend too much on clothes, often more than their families can afford, and are always trying to compete. I have heard about boys fighting over "status" clothes. There have been cases of stealing fancy jackets and sneakers and even some knifings. School uniforms might cost more, but each student needs only two or three of them. This would take the pressure off poorer families. If everyone dressed alike, there would be no competition. A special benefit that educators probably haven't thought of is that of extra sleep. With no choice of what to wear, it will be much quicker to dress and get out in the morning.

I think we should try out school uniforms. I expect that discipline, paying attention, and school spirit will go up while squabbles about appearance and fights over clothing will go down. And I think that many students will be happier without the competition, and parents will be happier too.

More Information

• SSAT Essay Samples
• What Is the SSAT Writing Sample?
• SSAT Writing: Example of A Well-written Essay
• A Well-written SSAT Essay Example
• SSAT Essay Writing Sample 2
• Test Structure
• SSAT Verbal
• SSAT Synonyms
• SSAT Analogies
• SSAT Reading
• SSAT Writing
• Essay Samples
• Essay Prompts
• ISEE Verbal
• ISEE Synonyms
• ISEE Sentence Completion
• ISEE Reading
• ISEE Quantitative Comparisons
• ISEE Mathematics Achievement
• ISEE Word Problems
• ISEE Writing
• SSAT&ISEE Downloads

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How to Showcase Your Writing Skills on The SSAT Creative Essay Prompt

Boost your academic success with expert advice, get the best study tips, test prep strategies, and academic insights delivered straight to your inbox..

Prepped and Polished has been featured on:

SSAT and ISEE Tutor Terri K. of Prepped & Polished, LLC in South Natick, Massachusetts teaches you six strategies and one bonus tip for the SSAT Creative Prompt in the SSAT Essay Section .

• Prewrite your response.
• Use a clear structure.
• Decide what point of view and tense you will use.
• Use effective imagery and vocabulary.
• Use effective grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

BONUS TIP: Do NOT underestimate the power of your writing sample.

Today, I’m going to share some tips with you on how to showcase your writing skills by crafting a superior response to the  SSAT  creative prompt. Starting last testing year, a new structure was introduced for the middle and upper-level  SSAT writing prompts . For the middle level, a student has a choice of two creative prompts from which he’ll select one and answer one.

Here are two samples: ‘I looked into its eyes and suddenly . . .’ or, ‘The classroom was empty.’ The upper level has a choice of two prompts, one creative and one essay. Here’s a sample creative prompt: He couldn’t believe they wanted his help. Using these sentences as your first line, your task is to write a story, real or imagined, using these sentences as your first line in 25 minutes. Students now have the ability to write two pages rather than just one.

Tip Number 1: Pre-write your response.

 Practice writing a creative essay in advance that could be adapted to a variety of prompts. A lot of students ask me, “Can I prepare for a creative prompt?” and you can. Think of a story that you’ve been itching to write or an accomplishment that you’d like an admissions officer to know about you. Research a favorite subject.

For example, ‘. . . and then she came in the door.’ That prompt could

enable you to write a variety of stories about almost anything you choose. It could be about a teacher, a friend, a sibling, a principal, a detective, a mother, or a father. Here are some other examples of creative prompts: ‘He was sure there was an exit somewhere.’ ‘I knew it was dangerous, but . . .’ ‘It all started off Friday.’ ‘The silence was deafening.’ ‘He was hanging by a thread.’ The possibilities are endless.

Tip Number 2: Use a clear structure. 

Plots of stories can be divided into 5 basic parts. First, you have the exposition; this is the background and the setting and situation of the story. Then there’s the rising action, where characters try to solve a problem or conflict. That leads to the climax; that’s the critical point where the tension of the story reaches a peak. Then there’s the falling action, where the tension decreases and the conflict begins to be settled. Finally, the resolution, where the conflict is resolved, and there’s a solution to the problem. In 25 minutes, it might be difficult to wrap up the story in a neat package and have a final, complete resolution. You can show that the characters are beginning to change, that they’re beginning to see things differently.

Tip Number 3: Decide what point of view and tense that you will use. 

The first person uses ‘I’. The third person uses ‘he,’ ‘she,’ ‘it,’ or ‘they.’ Decide what tense, past, present, or future, you will use for your story, and be consistent. Writing in the present, ‘I see,’ ‘I do,’ and ‘I go’ can be a bit awkward, but sometimes, it’s an effective way of presenting the story.

Tip Number 4: Your story should use effective vocabulary and good imagery.

Your goal is clear, lively writing that uses imagery, which is the 5 senses; figurative language like similes, metaphors, and personification; and well-chosen vocabulary that shows rather than tells. Use exciting verbs to empower your writing. 

For example, ‘The pitiful defendant got on her knees and asked for mercy.’ Substitute ‘asked’ for ‘pleaded for mercy.’ Instead of ‘Linda was scared’, you could write her, ‘Hands were clammy,’ or ‘Her body was quivering like a bowl of Jell-O’. Avoid ‘he said, she said’. Reveal a character’s tone. ‘He asked contemptuously’, or you could say ‘She snorted in amusement’. Check for overused words like ‘things’ and ‘stuff’.

Tip Number 5: Use effective grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

When you proofread, look for the two most common pitfalls, which are sentence fragments and run-on sentences. A sentence fragment is part of a sentence that is punctuated as if it were a complete sentence. For example, ‘On that morning, I sat in my usual spot on the old wooden stool in the corner of my mother’s kitchen.’ That fragment lacks a subject or verb. We can correct that by saying, ‘On that morning, I sat in my usual spot, on the old wooden stool in the corner of my mother’s kitchen.’ Run-on sentences are two complete sentences that run together as if they are one.

If there are two independent clauses in one sentence, you must make them into two sentences separated with a period, joined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction: And, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet, or connected with a semicolon.

For example, here’s a run-on sentence: ‘Michael Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls; he was the team’s star player’; definitely a run-on sentence. Here are 3 ways you could correct that: You could add a period and a capital letter. You could put a comma and a coordinating conjunction, ‘and,’ or a semicolon and have a lowercase ‘H.’ Then, you would eliminate the problem of a run-on sentence. 

The best way to excel on the creative prompt is to read a wide selection of materials to increase your vocabulary; this will enable you to select just the right word whenever you need it. Reading your favorite authors empowers you to improve your writing skills and develop your own writing style and language.

Do not underestimate the power of your writing sample. Schools use the writing sample as an indication of how well you write under controlled conditions, to estimate your academic capability to perform in an independent setting, and to compare your performance with other applicants for admission or with your current academic record. The bottom line is that the essay is often used as the final judgment.

I hope these tips today will help you to write your best creative response on the SSAT. 

Are you getting ready for the SSAT? Which of Terri’s creative prompt tips did you find most helpful?

Post your tips/comments below.

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SSAT Essay Prompts

General Tips: 

• make sure your writing appropriately responds to the topic. 
• Does the topic require you to take a position on an issue? 
• Does it ask you to demonstrate cause and effect? 
• Does it ask you to describe or characterize something? 

Are you being asked to write about a story? Every story should have a clear start, middl e, and end. 

Persuasive writing requires arguing for or against an idea. To take a side on an issue, we need to urge the reader to behave in a specific way or to agree to certain positions on an issue.

The SSAT Writing Sample

Students should write about an experience or topic they’re familiar with. 

• Writing samples should be short, concise, and focused. 
• Use specific details to describe your experiences and emotions. 
• Try to avoid using big words and complex sentences.

Writing samples should be written as if you were speaking directly to your reader. You should use the active voice and avoid the passive voice. Your writing should be clear and concise. Use proper grammar and punctuation.

Which Prompt Should I Choose?

Students should write about how they feel about the choice of prompts. What do you think about this question? Why does it matter?

Students should be aware that selecting one prompt over the other may not always be given priority by admissions authorities!

The writing sample replies are solely evaluated by admissions staff on their own merits and writing ability; but, they may also be evaluated in light of institutional priorities, or criteria that are distinctive to that particular private school.

Tips For Prompt Selection

Students are encouraged to choose questions that fit one or more of these criteria. We advise students to choose the writing example question that most closely relates to their beliefs and personal experiences.

• charms, enthralls, and coerces them
• brainstorming produces the most original ideas

Student 1 is a great debater. She enjoys debating and crafting arguments. Her writing style is very well developed. She could use this skill to write a persuasive essay about the topic.

The second creative question on the middle level SAT, on the other hand, may remind Student 2 of his grandmother and a time when she played pickle ball with him when he thinks about the two prompts. The prospect of sharing these recollections excites him.

Students should use the persuasive prompt if they want to persuade someone else to do something. They should use the creative prompt if they want to create something.

We recommend practicing with sample SSATS before taking the real test. This way, you’ll know what to expect when you take the actual exam. 

General Tips For The SSAT Writing Sample

Creative writing prompts are usually more difficult than persuasive ones. Writing legibly is very important because if admissions officers can’t read your response, they will never know what an amazing writer you are.

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SAT Essay Prompts: The Complete List

SAT Writing , SAT Essay

On every SAT Essay, you'll have to read an argument meant to persuade a broad audience and discuss how well the author argues his or her point. The passage you'll have to read will change from test to test, but you'll always need to analyze the author's argument and write a coherent and organized essay explaining this analysis.

In this article, we've compiled a list of the 14 real SAT essay prompts that the College Board has released (either in The Official SAT Study Guide or separately online) for the new SAT. This is the most comprehensive set of new SAT essay prompts online today.

At the end of this article, we'll also guide you through how to get the most out of these prompts and link to our expert resources on acing the SAT essay. I'll discuss how the SAT essay prompts are valuable not just because they give you a chance to write a practice essay, but because of what they reveal about the essay task itself.

UPDATE: SAT Essay No Longer Offered

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In January 2021, the College Board announced that after June 2021, it would no longer offer the Essay portion of the SAT (except at schools who opt in during School Day Testing). It is now no longer possible to take the SAT Essay, unless your school is one of the small number who choose to offer it during SAT School Day Testing.

While most colleges had already made SAT Essay scores optional, this move by the College Board means no colleges now require the SAT Essay. It will also likely lead to additional college application changes such not looking at essay scores at all for the SAT or ACT, as well as potentially requiring additional writing samples for placement.

What does the end of the SAT Essay mean for your college applications? Check out our article on the College Board's SAT Essay decision for everything you need to know.

SAT essay prompts always keep to the same basic format. Not only is the prompt format consistent from test to test, but what you're actually asked to do (discuss how an author builds an argument) also remains the same across different test administrations.

The College Board's predictability with SAT essay helps students focus on preparing for the actual analytical task, rather than having to think up stuff on their feet. Every time, before the passage, you'll see the following:

• 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.

And after the passage, you'll see this:

"Write an essay in which you explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [her/his] audience that [whatever the author is trying to argue for]. In your essay, analyze how [the author] uses one or more of the features listed in the box above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his 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 [her/his/their] audience."

Now that you know the format, let's look at the SAT essay prompts list.

14 Official SAT Essay Prompts

The College Board has released a limited number of prompts to help students prep for the essay. We've gathered them for you here, all in one place. We'll be sure to update this article as more prompts are released for practice and/or as more tests are released.

SPOILER ALERT : Since these are the only essay prompts that have been released so far, you may want to be cautious about spoiling them for yourself, particularly if you are planning on taking practice tests under real conditions . This is why I've organized the prompts by the 10 that are in the practice tests (so you can avoid them if need be), the ones that are available online as sample prompts, and the ones that are in the text of the Official SAT Study Guide (Redesigned SAT), all online for free.

Practice Test Prompts

These 10 prompts are taken from the practice tests that the College Board has released.

Practice Test 1 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Jimmy Carter builds an argument to persuade his audience that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should not be developed for industry."

Practice Test 2 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Martin Luther King Jr. builds an argument to persuade his audience that American involvement in the Vietnam War is unjust."

Practice Test 3 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Eliana Dockterman builds an argument to persuade her audience that there are benefits to early exposure to technology."

Practice Test 4 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved."

Practice Test 5 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Eric Klinenberg builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to greatly reduce their reliance on air-conditioning."

Practice Test 6 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Christopher Hitchens builds an argument to persuade his audience that the original Parthenon sculptures should be returned to Greece."

Practice Test 7 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Zadie Smith builds an argument to persuade her audience that public libraries are important and should remain open"

Practice Test 8 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Bobby Braun builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to invest in NASA."

Practice Test 9 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Todd Davidson builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to fund national parks."

Practice Test 10 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Richard Schiffman builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to work fewer hours."

Special note: The prompt for Practice Test 4 also appears on the College Board's site with real sample essays written in response. If you've written a practice essay for practice test 4 and want to see what essays of different score levels look like for that particular prompt, you can go there and look at eight real student essays.

Free Online Practice

This prompt comes from the College Board website .

"Write an essay in which you explain how Dana Gioia builds an argument to persuade his audience that the decline of reading in America will have a negative effect on society."

This prompt comes from Khan Academy , where it is listed as an alternate essay prompt to go along with Practice Test 2:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Leo W. Gerard builds an argument to persuade his audience that American colleges and universities should be affordable for all students."

The Official SAT Study Guide 2020

The Official SAT Study Guide (editions published in 2015 and later available online for free) contains all 10 of the previously mentioned practice tests at the end of the book. In the section about the new SAT essay , however, there are two additional sample essay prompts (accompanied by articles to analyze).

Sample Prompt 1:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Peter S. Goodman builds an argument to persuade his audience that news organizations should increase the amount of professional foreign news coverage provided to people in the United States."

Sample Prompt 2:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Adam B. Summers builds an argument to persuade his audience that plastic shopping bags should not be banned."

How Do You Get the Most Out of These Prompts?

Now that you have all the prompts released by the College Board, it's important to know the best way to use them. Make sure you have a good balance between quality and quantity, and don't burn through all 14 of the real prompts in a row— take the time to learn from your experiences writing the practice essays.

Step By Step Guide on How to Practice Using the Article

#1: Understand how the SAT essay is graded .

#2: Follow along as we write a high-scoring SAT essay, step by step .

#3: Plan a set of features you'll look for in the SAT essay readings and practice writing about them fluidly. This doesn't just mean identifying a technique, like asking a rhetorical question, but explaining why it is persuasive and what effect it has on the reader in the context of a particular topic. We have more information on this step in our article about 6 SAT persuasive devices you can use .

#4: Choose a prompt at random from above, or choose a topic that you think is going to be hard for you to detach from (because you'll want to write about the topic, rather than the argument) set timer to 50 minutes and write the essay. No extra time allowed!

#5: Grade the essay, using the official essay rubric to give yourself a score out of 8 in the reading, analysis, and writing sections.

#6: Repeat steps 4 and 5. Choose the prompts you think will be the hardest for you so that you can so that you're prepared for the worst when the test day comes

#7: If you run out of official prompts to practice with, use the official prompts as models to find examples of other articles you could write about . Start by looking for op-ed articles in online news publications like The New York Times, The Atlantic, LA Times , and so on. For instance, the passage about the plastic bag ban in California (Official SAT Study Guide sample essay prompt 2, above) has a counterpoint here —you could try analyzing and writing about that article as well.

Any additional articles you use for practice on the SAT essay must match the following criteria:

• ideally 650-750 words , although it'll be difficult to find an op-ed piece that's naturally that short. Try to aim for nothing longer than 2000 words, though, or the scope of the article is likely to be wider than anything you'll encounter on the SAT.
• always argumentative/persuasive . The author (or authors) is trying to get readers to agree with a claim or idea being put forward.
• always intended for a wide audience . All the information you need to deconstruct the persuasiveness of the argument is in the passage. This means that articles with a lot of technical jargon that's not explained in the article are not realistic passage to practice with.

What's Next?

We've written a ton of helpful resources on the SAT essay. I f you're just getting started, we recommend beginning with our top SAT essay tips for a quick overview of the essay task and what you need to know.

A little more familiar with the SAT essay but still not quite sure how to write one? Follow along with our step-by-step guide to writing the SAT essay .

Looking to earn a high score? Learn what it takes to get the highest score possible on the SAT essay here .

Plus, if you want a reference linking you to all of our great articles on the SAT essay, be sure to check out our ultimate SAT essay guide .

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Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

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Ssat essay: here’s everything you need to know.

Posted on December 7th, 2022 by Allison . Posted in SAT Test Prep , SAT tutoring - 0 Comments

Although the  Upper Level SSAT essay is not scored, it is still important to do your very best, as it will be sent to the schools to which you are applying. Practicing ahead of time with some essay prompts is a good idea. The SSAT includes a 25-minute Writing Sample of one to two pages in length. Upper Level SSAT 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).

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 spelling, 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, violent, or inappropriate subject matter.

The Upper Level SSAT Essay requires students to write either a short story or an essay in twenty-five minutes. 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 expository essay). Two sentences will be provided, and students are asked to select the sentence they find most interesting and use it as the basis for an essay or a story.

SSAT Essay General Tips:

Make sure your writing appropriately responds to the topic. Does the essay topic require you to take a position on an issue (persuasive essay)? Does it ask you to show cause and effect (expository essay)? Does the topic ask you describe or characterize some subject or topic (expository essay)? Are you being asked to tell a story (creative writing)? If you are writing an essay, make sure you have a clear introductory paragraph, two or three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. If you are writing a story, make sure your short story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Budget your time! Make sure to save time at the end to edit for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Persuasive Essay Tips:

Persuasive writing requires you to argue for or against an idea; to take a side on an issue; to urge the reader to behave a certain way; or to urge the reader to agree to a certain position on an issue. Take a side. Don’t sit on the fence. Use concrete examples from history, literature, current events, or personal experience to support your position. Right before you conclude your essay, consider writing a counterargument: – In a counterargument, you present an opposing view and then show why it is not as strong as the view you have been presenting. – Imagine an intelligent skeptic reading your essay.

Creative Writing Tips:

Decide what point of view you will use and stick to it! Sometimes the point of view is established by the sentence provided: – First person uses “I”: “I couldn’t believe my eyes.” – Third person uses “he”, “she”, “it”, “they”: “He couldn’t believe his eyes.” Decide what tense you will use for your story and stick to it! Sometimes the tense is established by the sentence provided: – Past tense: I saw, I went, I did. – Present tense (rarer and more difficult to maintain): I see, I go, I do. Establish the setting of your story using vivid description involving sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. In your first paragraph, establish the conflict. – Conflict is the problem, difficulty, or challenge facing the main character. Every story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end (in other words, rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion).

Expository Writing:

If you are asked to define something, provide your definition or explanation and then support your definition or explanation with details or examples from history, literature, current events, or personal experience. If you are asked to offer a description, think of two or three important qualities that you would like to discuss. – Make sure you choose a subject about which you are familiar. – Be as detailed as possible. When writing to establish cause and effect, establish the cause, define the effects, and offer solutions or explanations for why this is so.

Essay Prompts

You have twenty-five minutes to complete each writing sample. Here’s a list of essay prompts with which to practice:

Schools would like to get to know you better through an essay or story using one of the two topics below. Please select a topic you find most interesting and fill in the circle next to the topic you choose.

Short Essay Topics: Topic: He would have to try again. Topic: It was the biggest challenge she would have to face.

Expository Essay Topics Topic: What three qualities define a good student? Topic: What is the most important issue facing the world today and what would you do to contribute to solving this issue?

Persuasive Essay Topics: Topic: Is it more important to learn from mistakes or successes? Topic: Which are more important, arts and music or sports and athletics?

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ISEE Sample Essay Prompts and Responses

The ISEE Essay is the fifth and final section of the ISEE lower, middle, and upper level tests. This personal essay is not scored; however, a copy of it is sent to each school to which families send their scores. Students have 30-minutes in which to write up to 2 pages in response to one prompt.

Although the ISEE essay is not technically scored, it is nonetheless an important opportunity for students to showcase their unfiltered individuality and convey their excellent communication skills.

• Read our in-depth overview of the ISEE Essay
• Download the accompanying ISEE essay brainstorming and outlining worksheet in PDF
• Learn how to tutor the ISEE (for parents and educators)

Browse through our comprehensive Prep Guides:

• ISEE Lower Level Prep Guide
• ISEE Upper and Middle Level Prep Guide

ISEE Essay Sample Prompts

What is something you have accomplished that has made a great impact on you?

Who was your most important role model as a child? Describe this person and his or her influence on you.

If you were in charge of a school trip, where would you go and why?

If you could change an action you took in the past, what would you change and why?

What aspects of high school interest you the most?

If you could gain one new skill, what would it be and why?

If you could have dinner with any person (real or fictional) from any point in time, who would you choose and why?

Describe a community service project you have completed or would like to undertake. Explain why this choice has importance to you.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted daily life in 2020. Describe some of the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

The world we live in is far from perfect. Name one issue of importance to you and provide some ideas for how to fix this problem.

Describe in detail a time when you helped a friend or family member in need.

If you could control the weather, what would you do and why?

Example Brainstorming, Outlines, and Responses

Essay prompt 1 - accomplishment, start by brainstorming.

The prompt is asking you about something that you have done that has had an effect on your life in some way. After completing this task, you could be a completely different person, or you are more firmly set on the path towards your goals.

This accomplishment could be big or small, charitable or self‐serving, or serious or hilarious. It doesn’t matter as long as the thing you accomplishment affected you in some meaningful way. For example:

• Victory or defeat in a sport
• Award won or lost in a competition
• Book or book series that you’ve read
• Vacation you’ve taken
• Community service you’ve completed
• Family event you’ve attended
• Church activity in which you’ve participated
• Individual (human or animal) that you’ve formed a relationship with
• Goals that you’ve met in and/or out of school
• Movie that you’ve seen

Then Write a Quick Outline

• (Detail 1) There were lots of small performances.
• (Detail 2) I felt an immediate sense of history.
• (Detail 1) The ruins were awe-inspiring.
• (Detail 2) No one really knows their purpose.
• (Detail 1) My favorite part was the Rosetta Stone.
• (Detail 2) I imagined what it was like to first discover it.
• (Conclusion) My family’s visit to England was eye-opening.

Sample Response

Something that I have accomplished that has made a great impact on me is the vacation I took to England last year, the first time I traveled outside of the country. In English class, we had just learned about Shakespeare and read parts of some plays, and in History class we had been studying Stonehenge and other ruins. My parents thought the trip would be a great connection to my studies. Upon visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, and museums in London, my interest in the wider world grew immensely. For me, the trip really started when we drove to Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon. At Shakespeare’s house, a woman greeted us with the introduction to “Romeo and Juliet,” and I was impressed with how easily she spoke the words. Then, I felt a wave of goosebumps as we entered his home. By just standing in the middle of his home, I felt a respect for Shakespeare that was greater than anything I had felt in the classroom. The next day, we went to see Stonehenge. When I looked out at the ruin, I felt the same strange feeling as I did in Shakespeare’s home. It was early, and the sun hit the stones in a way that made them seem mystical. Someone placed these enormous stones here centuries ago for an unknown purpose, and I was walking on the same ground they did all those years ago! I spent the rest of the day thinking about the people who built Stonehenge and what it would be like to meet them. For the rest of our trip, we visited many museums around London. In the British Museum, I was most interested in the Rosetta Stone, the large stone tablet that allowed us to decipher several ancient languages. The stone was much larger than I anticipated, and I could clearly see the various markings covering it. I suddenly imagined scientists discovering it and marveling at the opportunities it presented to understanding ancient languages. All in all, my family’s trip to England was an eye-opening experience. Getting to see what I was learning about in school made me truly excited about learning. In the end, visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, and London’s museums opened me up not only to information but to the desire for that information. I can’t wait for our trip to South America next year!

Essay Prompt 2 - Role Model

The prompt is asking you about the most important individual that you have modeled yourself and/or the things you do in some way and their influence on you. This individual does not need to be someone you have actually met, nor does his or her influence have to have had that great of an impact on you.

However, role models are usually those individuals who have changed or shaped your life in an effective way. Your choice does not necessarily have to be heavy or serious, but you think carefully about your choice. For example, your role model can be a/an:

• family member (parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, sibling, cousin)
• actor/actress
• sports figure
• historical figure
• fictional character (book, television, comic, video game, etc.)
• (Detail 1) He puts dangerous criminals in jail.
• (Detail 1) As a philanthropist, he improves the life of Gotham’s residents.
• (Detail 1) His parents died when he was young.
• (Conclusion) Batman has inspired me to fight injustice, help others, and be humble.

My most important role model as a child was Batman. I have always admired his actions, and growing up, many of my birthday parties were Batman-themed, and I was always Batman for Halloween. Batman is a great role model as he always tries to do the right thing as a person and as a crime-fighter, he is charitable to those in need, and he has persevered through a very difficult life. When Batman lost his parents as a child at the hands of a criminal, he made it his mission to battle crime in Gotham City. Batman utilizes his intelligence and vast wealth to stop criminals. like Ra’s al Ghul, a man determined to destroy Gotham City. Batman always puts himself in danger to help others, so why can’t I do the same? Once, I saw someone being bullied in the hall and without thinking, I got between them. I was shoved by the bully in the process but eventually the bully walked away. Batman’s alter ego is Bruce Wayne. He inherited a lot of money from his parents, which he uses to help those in need in Gotham City. The Wayne Foundation provides meals for the homeless, funds scientific research, and manages free medical clinics. This inspires me to perform whatever charitable work that I can. Every holiday season, I work in soup kitchens and participate in food and clothing drives with my church. I am also a member of Small Steps, an organization that helps underprivileged young people. Batman has led a very difficult life, but he has made the most of it. When he lost his family at a young age, he found a father figure in the family butler, Alfred. Batman always selflessly seeks to help those in need. Whenever I feel down about how life is treating me, I think of all the hardships that Batman has faced and try to make the most of the situation, because there are many people who have it worse than I do. All in all, Batman was, and still is, the most important role model to me as a child. He inspires me to stop violence and wrongdoing whenever I can, strive to help as many people as possible, and to overcome hardships with optimistic thinking. Although he is fictional, Batman demonstrates what it really means to be a good person.

Essay Prompt 3 - School Trip

The prompt is asking you about an eventful school trip that you would like to go to with your friends. This could be a place that would be educational, sports related, or anything that just interests you.

You should think about all of the necessary things that a class must need for this trip. The trip should also be meaningful in some way. For Example:

• Movie theater
• Baseball game
• Science museum
• The waterpark
• Washington D.C.
• The Texas Renaissance festival
• (Detail 1) NASA’s budget is always getting cut.
• (Detail 2) We should see it in case it closes.
• (Detail 1) NASA astronauts were the first men on the moon.
• (Detail 2) Examine moon artifacts.
• (Detail 1) Understand what it’s like to live in space.
• (Detail 2) See astronaut tools and equipment.
• (Conclusion) A trip to NASA would be historically, culturally, and scientifically valuable.

If I were in charge of a school trip, I would take my fellow classmates to a place that is not only full of excitement and fun, but also must be educational. That is why I would take my class to the NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas. NASA would be the best possible trip because it is a historic place for the United States and highly educational. It is urgent to go soon, though, before there are even more budget cuts. The Space Center holds some of the most indispensable memories from our past. The history of NASA can show us how the race to the moon inspired the advancement of science and technology. There are displays filled with some of the old space suits, equipment, and moon rocks. The Space Center even has simulation areas, where students can experience high speeds, fly in the old space crafts, or even pretend to be the first astronauts to walk on the moon. NASA is still developing new and exciting equipment and tools to help possible missions to Mars and other planets. Recently they have launched numerous satellite missions, landed two rovers on Mars, and created countless inventions to help space travel. All of these things can be seen at the Space Center, too! Just by observing these new gadgets and gizmos, students can be inspired to become future engineers, scientists, physicists, mathematicians, and so much more. We must go to NASA before any more possible budget cuts that could potentially close down the Space Center. The cuts have already stopped the manned missions to space and limited the number of unmanned missions. Most American astronauts now have to go to Russia in order to explore outer space. I would hate to not get the chance to explore this amazing institution that put the first men on the moon. School trips should also consider important moments in our history. They should also inspire students to explore the fascinating world around us, and show the relevance of our studies. And it is important to think about opportunities that may be missed due to time. In the end, the school trip I would plan would be a mission to NASA, where my classmates and I could learn the history and future of space travel before it’s too late!

Essay Prompt 4 - Change Personal Past

The prompt is asking you about a moment in your life that you may regret. Think of something that you may have done that may have affected another person. Maybe you did something that changed your life in a bad way. What would you change and why? For example:

• Not studying for my history test and failing it
• Blaming my sister for breaking the TV
• Pretending to be hurt during the basketball tournament
• Forgetting to get my Mom something for Mother’s day
• Stealing a candy bar from the store
• Burning my thumb trying to light a firework
• (Detail 1) Should not let fear take over.
• (Detail 2) It’s OK to lose.
• (Detail 1) It takes a team to win.
• (Detail 1) Show my little brother it’s okay to lose and play fairly.
• (Conclusion) I shouldn’t have faked an injury, but now I’ve learned form my mistake.

The action I most regret happened last year during the 7th grade boys’ basketball championship match. We were down by ten points with eight minutes left and I was frustrated because I wasn’t playing well. So I fell to the floor and faked an injury. I want to erase this from the history books because I should have stood up to my fears, I could still have won the game, and I could have set an example for my brother. I pretended to be injured because I was afraid to lose. I grew up watching movies where the bad guys are the losers. I never saw myself as a bad person, so when I was losing, I panicked. I wish I could go back in time and tell my old self that it’s OK to lose. If I had faced my fears at that basketball game, I would have had the courage to do other scary things, like ask someone to the 8th grade prom. I let my team down. It was not my job to win the game alone; it was the team’s job to win. Later that year, I had to work with three other students to write a report on the Civil War. I was not familiar with the Southern side of the war, but one of my group was. We worked as a team and earned an A on the assignment. Finally, I could have set an example for my younger brother, who was sitting right behind the bench. If I had acted differently, I could have shown the power of teamwork, and that it’s OK to lose. By staying on the ground, I instead made it OK to lie and give up. If I could take back that night on the court, I would have taught my brother a valuable lesson in sportsmanship. In the end, that night still happened. I still fell on the floor and pretended to feel pain. I cannot take it back, but I can still learn from my mistake. I can now hold my head up when I lose a game. I am extremely proud and grateful to be on a team. And I admitted my mistake to my brother, setting an example about accountability. While I would change this mistake if I could, I am better for the experience.

Essay Prompt 5 - High School

The prompt is asking you about the things that you may hope to learn or do in high school. It is something that may be exciting and interesting to you, but not to everyone else.

You could talk about sports, science, theater, or new friends. As long as it interests you. For example:

• Being on the swim team
• Acting in a high school play
• Learning how to play a new instrument
• Meeting new friends from other middle schools
• Working in the science laboratory
• (Detail 1) Chemistry experiments
• (Detail 1) Learn to play trumpet
• (Detail 2) Dad’s jazz records
• (Detail 1) Learn to act
• (Detail 2) Compare middle & high school plays
• (Conclusion) I am excited about all the new things to learn in high school.

A big aspect of high school that interests me the most is the opportunity to learn new things. In middle school I was on the football, basketball, and swim teams. It is time to challenge myself with something new and exciting. What is more different from sports than science and the arts? In high school I am most interested in the opportunity to take more science classes, learn how to play the trumpet, and act in a play. I have always loved my science classes growing up, and every year I enter the science fair. My favorite subject is chemistry, but my middle school did not have the proper supplies for chemistry experiments. This will not be the case in high school. My brother even told me that the chemistry classes use Bunsen burners. The process to become a scientist starts in high school and I cannot wait to start. Science is not the only new subject I want to learn. I have this urge to play the trumpet. My dad grew up in New Orleans and played the trumpet when he was in high school. Growing up, he would play his old jazz records for me, and sometimes even play along with his trumpet. Some of the records are so old, the labels have fallen off. I am excited to think that, while in high school, I can learn how to play as well as my dad. Maybe I can even play with him one day. I would also love to act in a play. When my older brother was in high school, I went to his performance as Scrooge in their rendition of A Christmas Carol, and it inspired me. In middle school, our holiday performance was much simpler. In high school, even though I might not get to play Scrooge like my brother, the chance to be part of a big performance is something I am really excited about. High school is a time for a student to grow and develop into an adult. The adult I want to become will need science, music, and theater classes. With the information I learn in my science classes, I can go on to get a degree in chemistry. Studying music and drama can bring me closer to my dad and brother. High school seems like a very interesting and memorable place.

Essay Prompt 6 - New Skill

The prompt is asking you about something you may want to learn. It is something that may be exciting and interesting to you, but you haven’t learned yet.

You could talk about a sport that you want to learn, or even a musical instrument. As long as it interests you. For example:

• learn how to play soccer
• learn the rules of basketball
• improve my cooking skills
• be better at math
• learn magic
• take lessons to learn to play the drums
• (Detail 1) Help him in the kitchen.
• (Detail 2) Give him a break.
• (Detail 1) Save money.
• (Detail 2) Eat healthy.
• (Detail 1) Be a television celebrity chef!
• (Detail 2) Open my own restaurant.
• (Conclusion) Learning to cook has many valuable benefits.

There are many different skills that I want to learn, but at the moment I would most like to learn how to cook. I have always enjoyed food, and I feel it is time for me to learn how to make it myself. If I learn the skill of cooking, then I can help my dad with dinner, I can take my skills with me to college, and maybe I can even start a career with it. The main reason why I want to learn this skill is to be able to cook with my dad. Every night he makes an amazing meal with fresh and healthy ingredients, and he always packs me a delicious homemade lunch.. I want to be able to come home from school and help my dad by prepping the necessary ingredients, then he can take over when he gets back from work. Maybe one day my dad can sit back and relax while I cook the whole meal! Learning to cook is also a skill that I can take with me when I finally get to go to college. I would rather learn how to make homemade chicken noodle soup with organic vegetables than eat microwaved broth out of a cup. I learned in my health class that the body needs a good balance of healthy fats, vitamins, proteins, and carbs. Homemade food is better for providing these nutrients, which will give me the energy to succeed in college. Cooking could also help me make some money. One day, I could even have my own restaurant! I can take what my dad teaches me and use it at my restaurant. Maybe I would even get a chance to have my own cooking show to share the importance of eating healthy food with other kids. They could pass on what they learn to their brothers and sisters, or even to their own kids in the future. Learning to cook is a very important skill. It might bring my father and me closer together and give him the break he deserves. I could take this skill with me to college. This skill could even end up being a possible career! In the end, learning the skill to cook would better my father’s life, help with my studies, and even give me opportunities to better my life and the lives of others.

Essay Prompt 7 - Dinner Guest

The prompt is asking you who in the world, from history, literature, or even TV you would most like to meet. Maybe this is a person you have always admired, or perhaps it is someone who could teach you a new skill. Maybe they could answer a question about the past you have always had, or maybe you would just like to be their friend.

Start by considering a wide range of possible people, both real and fictional, then narrow it down to the one you are most excited to write about. Your choice of guest does not necessarily have to be heavy or serious! For example, your dinner guest could be a/an:

• world leader (current or historical)
• religious figure
• personal ancestor
• famous athlete
• author, actor, artist, performer
• favorite book or TV character
• superhero or action hero
• (Detail 1) Studied about him in school.
• (Detail 2) Learn about his inspiration.
• (Detail 1) Led a movement, so inspirational.
• (Detail 2) How to handle disagreement.
• (Detail 1) A lot of conflict today.
• (Detail 2) Want guidance for how to improve.
• (Conclusion) Gandhi could inspire me to become a better person.

If I could have dinner with any person from any point in time, I would choose to share a meal with Mahatma Gandhi. I have always found him to be an inspiring figure and am drawn to the way he was both a spiritual and political leader. If we had dinner together, I would want to learn more about non-violent protest and about how to be an effective leader, and I would be curious to see if he had advice about how to live in today’s world. In school, we studied Gandhi’s non-violent protest, or satyagraha. If I had dinner with Gandhi, I would ask him more about this so I could learn his personal perspective, not just what others wrote about him. I want to know where he got his inspiration from, and how he stayed focused on his non-violent goals. Finally, I want to understand why he always promoted non-violence, especially when it seems like violent action might be easier. I also want to talk to Gandhi about how to be a good leader. He led a huge movement in India to help end British rule, and was central to establishing the new government during a stressful period of time. Leadership is hard, and I want to know how he managed to get through it all, particularly when handling disagreements between his followers. I have been very interested in leadership since I became involved in student government. Finally, I want to ask Gandhi for advice about living in today’s world, which is split by so many disagreements and everyone is always so angry. I really believe that Gandhi’s peaceful approach to events in the past could be a model for us today. I would be so interested to hear his suggestions for how to solve conflict, and especially what advice he might have for me personally about how to live more peacefully. Ever since I learned about Gandhi, he has been a big source of inspiration. That is why he is the historical figure I would choose to have dinner with. I would learn more about his approach to non-violence and leadership and get advice for living in the present. Of course, I cannot have dinner with Gandhi, but I can study his life and teachings by reading or watching documentaries and he can still be a valuable role model.

Essay Prompt 8 - Community Service

The prompt is asking you about community service or service learning projects you have completed, or perhaps hypothetical projects you would like to participate in. You may have volunteered with your family, through a community center or religious organization, or even at school. If you have not had a chance to do one of these projects, this is a good opportunity to come up with an idea you feel passionate about.

There are many kinds of community service—you may work directly with people, or you might work “behind the scenes” to ensure that a community has what it needs. For example:

• volunteering at a soup kitchen/food bank
• tutoring or teaching struggling students
• weeding a community garden or park grounds
• helping a non-profit with admin/mailing/filing tasks
• cleaning school classrooms
• participating in a fund drive for charity (read-a-thon, bake sale, charity run, etc.)
• cleaning graffiti off of buildings
• building homes in another country
• (Detail 1) Fun bonding activity.
• (Detail 2) People were so grateful.
• (Detail 1) Everyone needs to eat.
• (Detail 2) Important to provide.
• (Detail 1) Other ways to help out.
• (Detail 2) Bathing/beauty/health supplies.
• (Conclusion) Volunteering made me want to help solve inequality.

One of the most impactful community service projects I participated in was volunteering to help at a local food bank. That experience made me reflect about how people who might not be able to afford food are really no different from you or me. It helped me to understand that everyone deserves equal treatment whatever their circumstances, and it made me want to help my community more in the future. At the food bank, my church youth group was put in charge of a special Thanksgiving meal for the homeless, with turkey and all the side dishes. I helped prepare the mashed potatoes. After they had eaten, some of them shared with us how they became homeless, and I was struck by how many of them were just unlucky. I was also really affected by how grateful they were for a square meal, and to be treated like everyone else. Many of them said how meaningful it was just to be treated with kindness. We are all the same, even if some of us cannot afford food. That is just an external thing, and it doesn’t mean anything about how much value someone has. Homeless people are people, too, and if my family had been as unlucky as some of them, we could be homeless too. That is why it’s so important that we try to provide services for people in need, whether it’s food or clothing or shelter. After my experience at the food bank, I really want to help more often. Talking to one of the homeless guests, they said that one of the hardest things to find are bathroom products like shampoo or soap or deodorant. So this year, I want to organize a donation drive of those kinds of products to give out to the guests at the Thanksgiving dinner. It would be so meaningful to be able to provide things that they actually need and want. It is easy to ignore a problem like homelessness, or pretend that if people can’t afford food it’s somehow their fault. After my experience volunteering at the food bank, I realize that this is not true. We have a responsibility to our fellow citizens, especially if we have more resources than they do. I am really looking forward to future community service projects because I think that it is so important to try and combat inequality.

Essay Prompt 9 - COVID-19

The prompt is asking you about how a global pandemic affected you personally. Your response may vary depending on where you lived and how your family coped with the pandemic. Remember that the prompt is also interested in how you adapted to the changes and, where possible, made the best of difficult situations.

Because the prompt is asking for more than one example, it’s good to brainstorm a wide variety of possibilities. For example:

• attending school online
• having private music lessons online
• not being able to see friends or family in person
• not being able to go on planned trips
• worrying about the health of family and friends
• facing personal fears about illness
• facing personal fears about vaccines/needles
• not having personal space because of parents working at home
• (Detail 1) Really hard to work with my teacher.
• (Detail 2) Learned to be more self-motivated.
• (Detail 1) Disappointed not to go to Europe.
• (Detail 2) Family cooked dinners together.
• (Detail 1) Really sad because they are getting old.
• (Detail 2) Taught them to use new technology.
• (Conclusion) I am now able to see some good things that came out of the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic definitely impacted my daily life in 2020. Before the pandemic, I was expecting to have a normal year a lot like the year before, but once COVID began, everything changed. Three of the biggest changes were that I had to start taking music lessons online, my family’s trip to Europe was canceled, and I couldn’t see my grandparents in person. But I overcame each of these challenges and had new experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I have been taking clarinet lessons for three years. When the pandemic hit, my teacher taught lessons using Zoom, but it really wasn’t the same. We realized that it would actually be more helpful if I made a recording before each lesson for us to talk about. In order to make the recording in time, I had to be independently motivated. That motivation is something I’m glad to have found because it has helped me improve much more quickly. Another big change from the pandemic was that my family’s summer trip to Europe was canceled. I was so sad, because I had been really excited to visit all of the different countries. But my parents realized that we could still experience being abroad at home, so every Friday night, we cooked dinner together as a family, picking a different country’s recipes to focus on. It is a new tradition that we will continue even when the pandemic is over. The saddest thing about the pandemic for me was not being able to see my grandparents. Their health is not always good, and I really missed seeing them. When it was clear that the pandemic was lasting a long time, though, they said they wanted to learn how to video-chat and text with us. I got to teach them how to use their smartphones. It was a double blessing: I got to bond with them, and now we text almost every day. Although no one could be happy that COVID-19 happened, I have come to see that there were some silver linings to my experience. I discovered how to self-motivate myself to practice clarinet, my family became closer as a result of our cooking dinner, and I deepened my relationship with my grandparents. Although the pandemic has had many negative impacts, I am glad to be taking these positive changes forward into my life.

Essay Prompt 10 - World Problem

The prompt is asking you about an issue you feel the world is facing, and how you would try to solve this problem. It may be helpful to think of both global and individual solutions. Consider both what a country’s government could do to help and what actions an individual (like you or one of your friends) could take to help.

It will probably be easier to write this essay if you choose a topic that you feel strongly about. Remember that you don’t have to solve all of the world’s problems, just focus on the one you feel most drawn to. For example, you might consider:

• violence/war
• poverty/hunger
• climate change
• political polarization
• disability rights
• LGBTQ+ discrimination
• immigration/refugees
• animal extinction
• (Detail 1) Watched a documentary in school.
• (Detail 2) Discussion groups to learn more.
• (Detail 1) Speaking up for people.
• (Detail 2) Helping friends and family.
• (Detail 1) Make laws that prohibit discrimination.
• (Conclusion) It will take hard work, but we must try to end racism.

The world faces many big problems, but I think one of the most important to solve is racism. Racism exists everywhere, and we need to work to end it if we want to build a better world. There is not just one approach, because it is a complicated issue. The best way to try and solve this problem is to approach it on many different levels, such as in school, through individual actions, and from governmental policy and guidance. An important first step towards ending racism is to educate people. In my school, we watched a documentary about racism through history, and about how it shapes society today. We split into discussion groups with our classmates, and I was really moved by some of my peers’ stories. My understanding of racism completely changed after these experiences, and I think everyone should have a similar curriculum so that we can all learn more. Another important strategy is individual accountability. That means both making sure that I am not saying racist things but also that I try to help my friends or family be less racist, too. When my grandparents were using the word “Oriental” to describe an Asian person, I explained to them that it is not appropriate to say that any more. Now, they don’t use that word. If everyone watches out for this kind of behavior, the world can become a less racist place. The government also has an important role to play. They can make laws that prohibit discrimination, like not hiring non-white people. They can also make sure the punishments for acting in a racist way are severe. Although I think most people probably don’t want to be racist on purpose, there are still some who might not want to change their behavior unless they will be punished. That is where the government comes in and can act as a “bad cop” influence. Racism is a vast problem, and it will not be easy to end it. But I think it is one of the most important issues facing our world and we must work to make racism a thing of the past. It makes me so upset to think that there are people whose lives are so much harder than my own just because their skin is not white like mine. We are all the same, even if we look different.

Essay Prompt 11 - Family

The prompt is asking you about a time you helped out a family member who needed it. It will probably be easier to write about a time that you remember clearly. Start by thinking about all the times you can remember when a family member was in need and how you helped them. Keep in mind that helping someone in need can mean a lot of different things. For example, you might consider writing about:

• offering emotional support to a family member in a difficult situation
• taking care of an family member when they were injured or sick
• doing something kind for a family member to cheer them up
• helping a sibling study or understand homework they struggled with
• taking care of extra chores to relieve some of your parents’ stress
• doing yard work for you grandparents who might not be able to
• (Detail 1) Made it easier for her to get around.
• (Detail 2) We got to spend more time together.
• (Detail 1) The surprise cheered her up.
• (Detail 2) I got to use my art skills to help.
• (Detail 1) Friends were happy to help.
• (Detail 2) Meant a lot to her.
• (Conclusion) I’m closer to my sister after helping her through her injury.

One time that I helped a family member in need was last year when my sister sprained her ankle playing soccer. She was upset because she couldn’t play for eight weeks while she was in a cast. It was also hard for her because she had to use crutches to move around. I wanted to make things easier for her, so I carried her backpack for her at school. That way she didn’t have to deal with carrying it or opening doors. It also helped strengthen our bond because we don’t usually spend time together at school. However, we were able to talk between classes, and we still walk together even though I don’t have to carry her stuff anymore.  My sister also didn’t like her crutches because she thought they were uncomfortable and didn’t match any of her outfits. So, I asked my mom to take me to the store, and I got fabrics in her favorite colors to make cushions for her crutches. That way they didn’t hurt her arms so much and matched her backpack. I liked doing this because it made her happy and she didn’t mind using her crutches as much. It was also nice to practice my art skills. Another thing I did to help my sister was that I got all of her friends to sign a get well card for her. This took a lot of planning because I wanted it to be a surprise, but it was worth it because my sister really appreciated knowing so many people were thinking of her.  In conclusion, it was really sad when my sister hurt her ankle, but I’m glad I was able to help her by carrying her backpack at school, decorating her crutches, and getting a get well card for her. I think that everything I did helped her feel better and made us grow closer. I also learned that it’s important to show your family members that you’re there for them when something goes wrong.

Essay Prompt 12 - Weather

The prompt is asking you about what you would do if you had the ability to control the weather. It may be helpful to think about the weather on both a local and global scale. Consider both what changes you would make to the weather in your area and around the world.

It will probably be easier to write this essay about a weather change you feel most strongly about. Remember that you don’t have to talk about each aspect of the weather that you could change, just focus on the one you feel most drawn to. For example, you might consider:

• temperature
• humidity and dryness
• types of weather (ex. sunny, raining, cloudy)
• natural disasters
• seasonal weather
• (Detail 1) Ice in the Arctic Ocean has melted.
• (Detail 2) If the sea was colder, less ice would melt.
• (Detail 1) Animals in arctic environments are losing their homes.
• (Detail 2) Colder temperatures would help preserve their natural habitats.
• (Detail 1) The heat makes spending time outdoors less enjoyable.
• (Detail 2) Regulating the heat would make being outside more pleasant and safe.
• (Conclusion) If I controlled the weather, I could reduce the negative impacts that global warming has had.

If I could control the weather, I would make the temperature colder all around the world to help fix global warming. Global warming has had significant negative effects on the environment, harmed many species, and caused problems for humans. By regulating the temperature, I could help to reduce some of these negative impacts. I would make the global temperature a few degrees cooler and prevent huge changes in the temperature throughout the year. This would have a positive impact because global warming has greatly harmed the environment. For example, global warming has caused a lot of ice in the Arctic Ocean to melt which has led to rising sea levels. But, if I controlled the weather I would make sure that the ocean was cold enough so that this ice would stay frozen. Another problem I would address if I could control the weather is the harm global warming has caused for a lot of animal species. For instance, polar bears live in the Arctic where a lot of ice is melting. When this ice melts, it destroys the polar bears’ natural habitat and creates a dangerous situation for them. However, if I controlled the weather, I could ensure that Arctic animals’ habitats remain suitable for them. Finally, if I could control the weather, I could help limit the negative effects global warming has had on humans. Many people dislike when it gets very hot outside, and too much heat can even be dangerous. For example, it can be dangerous to play sports when it’s super hot outside because of the increased risk of dehydration and overheating. Therefore, making sure that the temperature never gets dangerously high would allow everyone to safely enjoy spending time outdoors. In conclusion, controlling the weather would allow me to lower the temperature across the world and lessen the negative impact that global warming has had on the environment, endangered species, and humans. If I controlled the weather, I  would regulate the temperature to ensure that these issues don’t worsen.

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11 Comments

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is totally awesome! Extremely helpful!! This is a VERY CLEAR approach to prompt writing and how to practice for the essay.

As a tutor, I would like to note that this section is extremely useful. The topics are all topics that any student should be able to relate to. I like the way you point out why the essay is important, even though it will not be graded. Emphasis should be on presenting yourself as a thoughtful student who is looking for ways to learn – exactly what schools are looking for. The brainstorming format is simple yet useful in steering the students to good ideas and content. The sample essays are great examples of excellent work. What a great job!

These are very good sample responses, HOWEVER, they are a bit too long. The ISEE only gives you two pages with a limited amount of lines to provide your answer. You are NOT allowed to take more space beyond the two pages provided. The answers above, while very thorough, are unlikely to fit in the official amount of space you will be given even if you write in a super small fashion.

Teeny typo noticed: What aspect of high school interest (interests) you the most? Sincerely, a fellow tutor =)

Thanks for the free tutoring!

Prompt six… bring my father and me closer together not my father and I. Would you say bring I? Me is the direct object of bring.

Yep, you’re completely correct! Thanks for the find!

It’s pretty useful.

I love this promt i feel the same way and this is very helpfull

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