Getting Your Writing Sample Started
Read the prompts carefully. Take a few minutes to think about them and choose the one you prefer. Then, organize your thoughts before you begin writing (scrap paper for organizing your thoughts will be provided when you test). Be sure that you use a pencil, that your handwriting is legible, and that you stay within the lines and margins. Remember to be yourself and let your ideas flow or your imagination soar! If you want to change what you have written, erase or neatly cross out the words you want to eliminate and add the new words so they are legible. Two line-ruled pages will be provided. Don’t feel as if you have to fill both pages—just do your best to provide a well-written story or essay.
Writing Sample Test-Taking Strategies
1. While creativity is encouraged, remember that the admission officers in the schools to which you are applying will be reading your writing sample. Be sure that your story or essay is one that you would not hesitate to turn in for a school assignment.
2. Read both prompts. Take a couple of minutes to think about what you’re going to write. You can use your scrap paper to organize your thoughts.
3. Choose a working title for your story or essay. The Middle and Upper Level SSAT doesn’t require a title, but a working title will help to keep you on track.
4. If you choose to write a story, make sure it has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Get involved in your story. Give details, describe emotions, and have fun.
5. If you choose to write a personal essay, be sure to provide interesting details to illustrate your thoughts and feelings.
6. If you choose to write a general essay, be sure to organize your ideas and provide plenty of reasons and examples to support your point of view.
7. If there’s time, check your writing for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors.
View Correct Answer
The Official Study Guide for the Middle Level SSAT includes practice writing sample prompts, which can be found at the beginning of the practice tests. Each sample
includes directions, two prompts, and an answer sheet similar to the one you’ll receive during the actual test.
