Essay Question
Read through the tips and sample question below. When you are ready, Start the test.
Tips
The essay question will ask you to respond to an essay topic, which is also called a prompt. You will have 25 minutes to develop and express your ideas. You must write your entire essay on the lines of your answer sheet. The essay topic will be broad, and it will not require you to have advanced knowledge of a particular subject.
Things To Remember
- Be sure to write on the topic that is given.
- Even though your written response will be a first draft of an essay, you should still plan what you are going to write. Before you begin your essay, write down a brief outline in your test booklet. Remember that a standard essay includes a thesis, an introduction, supporting points, and a conclusion.
- You may write in any style that effectively expresses your ideas. Your essay could be narrative, expository, persuasive, or argumentative.
- Your essay should demonstrate that you can develop, support, and express your point of view. You may support or oppose any point of view presented in the prompt.
- Your handwriting must be legible.
Directions and Sample Question (Prompt)
Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below.
If you polled Americans regarding their opinions on music, you would hear comments such as "I like every kind of music except jazz," or "I only listen to rap music." Americans have strong opinions about music, often declaring one style to be inherently superior to others. Such comments are pure nonsense. Whether it is played on a 300-year-old violin or on a new kazoo, any form of music requires its practitioner to have a degree of talent.
Assignment: Is one style of music superior to all others? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.