Bluebook SAT Essay 2

Question 1

A student analyzing an SAT Essay source text identifies a section where the author introduces an opposing viewpoint and then systematically refutes it.
In their essay, how should the student describe this technique to achieve a high 'Analysis' score?

Accepted Answer

As a demonstration of ethos and logos, where the author builds credibility by acknowledging and then logically dismantling a counterargument.

Answer

As a logical fallacy, because the author is creating a 'straw man' to easily defeat.

Answer

As the author's primary claim, since it is discussed in significant detail.

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As an emotional appeal (pathos), designed to make the audience dislike the opposing view.

Question 2

When writing the SAT Essay, a student paraphrases a key piece of evidence from the source text but forgets to use quotation marks for a distinctive two-word phrase taken directly from the passage. How would scorers likely evaluate this minor error within the 'Writing' dimension?

Accepted Answer

It would be considered a minor error in the conventions of standard written English, but unlikely to significantly impact the score unless it's part of a larger pattern of imprecision.

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It would severely lower the 'Writing' score due to plagiarism.

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The error would be ignored entirely if the rest of the essay is strong.

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It would automatically cap the 'Writing' score at a 2 out of 4.

Question 3

A source text for the SAT Essay relies heavily on 'anaphora,' the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. To earn an advanced 'Analysis' score, which of the following is the MOST effective way for a student to discuss this device?

Accepted Answer

Identify the repeated phrase and explain how the rhythmic, emphatic effect of the repetition serves to reinforce the author's central claim and influence the reader's perspective.

Answer

Simply state that the author uses anaphora and provide three examples from the text.

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Explain that anaphora is a type of rhetorical device related to parallelism.

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Suggest that the author should have used a different device, such as epistrophe, for better effect.

Question 4

In a scenario where the SAT Essay source text presents a complex argument but contains no statistical data, personal anecdotes, or historical facts, which feature would be the most crucial for a student to analyze?

Accepted Answer

The author's use of reasoning to connect abstract ideas and the structure of the logical progression.

Answer

The author's use of evidence, by pointing out its absence.

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The author's use of pathos, as emotional appeals must be the primary tool.

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The formatting of the text, such as paragraph length and indentation.

Question 5

Which of the following describes a nuanced analytical claim that would contribute to a high-scoring SAT Essay, as opposed to a simple summary statement?

Accepted Answer

By juxtaposing stark, quantitative data with a poignant, emotional anecdote, the author forces the reader to confront the issue on both an intellectual and a personal level, making the argument's call to action feel more urgent.

Answer

The author begins by stating their main point in the first paragraph.

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The author uses a personal story about their childhood to connect with the reader.

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The author includes several facts and statistics throughout the passage to support the argument.

Question 6

A student taking the Bluebook SAT Essay practice test notices the author of the source text uses 'litotes,' a form of understatement where an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary (e.g., 'not a bad idea'). What is the most likely reason an author would use such a device, which the student should explain in their essay?

Accepted Answer

To create a tone of ironic, measured confidence or to subtly emphasize a point without appearing arrogant.

Answer

To confuse the reader with complex sentence structure.

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To fill space and meet a required word count for the original publication.

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To directly state a controversial opinion in the strongest possible terms.