Sample Topic Number Six 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 Six: Keeping Up Appearances

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.

Eight-to 12-year-olds in this country spend more than $40 million a month on beauty products, and teens spend another $100 million. New statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery show that cosmetic-surgery procedures performed on those 18 and younger have nearly doubled over the past decade. The society's president says, "I think what we've done is level the playing field, in that someone who may not have had great exposure to these things before--say, on a farm in Iowa--has the same options available to them."
(Adapted from Jessica Bennett, "Generation Diva," Time magazine, March 30, 2009)

Assignment: Are today's children and young teens overly concerned with their physical appearance? 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®.