Sample Topic Number Four for the SAT Writing Test

According to the College Board,* you're expected to do three things in an SAT essay--things that you've probably heard many times before:

• develop a point of view on an issue presented in an excerpt


• support your point of view using reasoning and examples from your reading, studies, experience, or observations


• follow the conventions of standard written English

One way to prepare for the writing portion of the SAT is to practice composing essays on topics similar to those that appear on the actual test. Before attempting the topic that follows, you may find it useful to review our Ten Tips for Composing a Successful Essay for the SAT or ACT.

Sample Topic Number Four: Identifying Teenage Drivers

You have 25 minutes to compose an essay on the topic assigned below.

Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and assignment.

At least one state has already passed a law requiring an identifying marker on the license plates of cars driven by teenagers in the first year of their provisional licenses. According to Pam Fischer, director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, "The No. 1 cause of death for teenagers is traffic accidents. The more we can do to mitigate that, the better it will be for everyone."
(Adapted from Robert Strauss, "Law Aims to Ease Identifying Teenage Drivers," The New York Times, April 23, 2009)

Assignment: Do you think that requiring such identification will improve traffic safety or only target teenage drivers unfairly? Compose an essay in which you develop your point of view on this topic. Support your position with arguments and examples drawn from your reading, studies, experience, and observations.

* About.com Grammar & Composition is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by the College Board, and this topic has not been approved for use on the essay portion of the SAT®.