TL;DR advice for the Writing Sample

kastens

I'm taking the writing sample tomorrow. Here's what I've gathered from online advice:

1) It isn't scored, but it matters insofar as it demonstrates ability to write an essay under timed conditions and that it roughly matches the quality of your personal statement (given the time constraints of the writing sample) to show that someone else didn't write your personal statement. Don't go in blind, but you shouldn't stress too much on this.

2) What matters is ability to make a coherent argument from the information given. Don't bring in outside knowledge or try to make arguments unrelated to the information at hand in the prompt.

3) Look at sample prompts and responses to get a general idea of how the prompt and essay could look. After this, do at least one simulated writing sample so you don't get cold feet on the actual sample.

4) Different websites suggest different structures. I've seen sites suggest anything from 2-6 paragraphs. The 6 paragraph formats seemed unorganized and too long for the time constraints. The 4 paragraph seems best as it matches traditional essays, demonstrating writing ability, and it seems to best organize the information that is necessary for a good response to the prompt, given time constraints. These paragraphs may not be long; keep in mind your time limit. Here are the suggested formats for 2, 3, 4, & 5 paragraph essays:

2: Body 1 (Argument for your position, with thesis). Body 2 (Counterargument against the opposition).

3: Body 1 (Argument for your position, with thesis). Body 2 (Counterargument against the opposition). Conclusion (restate thesis and strongest points).

4 (Best option in my opinion): Intro (Restate information given and provide thesis). Body 1 (Argument for your position). Body 2 (Counterargument against the opposition). Conclusion (restate thesis and strongest points).

4b (IRAC): Issue (state the issue that you are being asked to analyze). Rule (state the criteria). Application (apply the criterion to both sides). Conclusion (explain why your position is best given the facts).

5: Intro (Restate information given and provide thesis). Body 1 (1st Argument for your position). Body 2 (2nd Argument for your position). Body 3 (Counterargument against your position). Conclusion (restate thesis and strongest points).

hopefulling

Love the IRAC mention - I wouldn't have thought to incorporate that, but it would make writing an argument even better / more organized.

Beyond Kahn's page, where do you find actual sample essays? (Just google search it??) I have some paper test booklets, that have the writing sample question to practice on ... but not an actual sample essay to compare my attempt to.

Thanks for the helpful info above!! ... And good luck on your WS. ... I'm planning to take mine next Monday after I take the test on Sunday. And/or to also take it Sunday - but now I can practice for it on Sunday night and then be ready for it Monday!!

Auntie2020

SO HELPFUL. thanks for this!