Essay Writing (Writing Sample)
What to know
The writing sample asks you to produce a focused, organized, well-developed essay under time pressure. Plan briefly: identify the prompt's task (agree/disagree, explain, argue), take a clear position, and draft a thesis that names your main point and, often, your reasons. Organize into an introduction with thesis, body paragraphs each built around one reason with specific examples, and a conclusion that reinforces rather than merely repeats. Develop evidence from reading, experience, or observation-hypothetical examples are weaker than specific ones. Vary sentence structure and use precise verbs.
Traps
Prompt drift-answering a related but different question. Unsupported generalizations ("everyone knows"). Listing points without developing them. Informal register (slang, contractions, "you" in academic argument). A conclusion that introduces a new argument. Also, spending too long planning or revising and leaving no time to finish.
Rule of thumb
Budget the time: roughly 5 minutes planning, 20 drafting, 5 revising. Before writing, state your thesis in one sentence; after writing, check that every paragraph supports it.
Worked example: Prompt: Should schools require community service? A weak thesis says "Community service is good for many reasons." A strong thesis says "Schools should require community service because it builds practical skills and connects students to their communities." Each body paragraph then develops one reason with a concrete example.