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12 Practice <strong>Tests</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>SAT</strong><br />

Practice Test Eleven Answers and Explanations I<br />

977<br />

Answers and<br />

Explanations<br />

how <strong>the</strong> obstacle was turned to good effect in paragraph<br />

2, and concludes with a fina!, highlighted example. These<br />

are discussed in a clear and convincing way.<br />

Vocabulary is also strong (buoyant, <strong>for</strong> example), and <strong>the</strong><br />

essay demonstrates a good grasp of grammar and sentence<br />

structure.<br />

SECTION 1<br />

6 Score Essay<br />

Every obstacle can be turned into an opportunity, if one has<br />

<strong>the</strong> right attitude or perspective. People with this attitude are<br />

buoyant, not easily discouraged, and welcome challenges<br />

and adversity. One personal example took place in sixth<br />

grade, when I broke my hand by falling off my bicycle. The<br />

doctor had to put it into a cast.<br />

The cast was a real obstacle. It was on my right hand,<br />

<strong>the</strong> one I write with. It looked like homework would be<br />

impossible! But I learned to type with one hand, and I did<br />

my English and social studies work on <strong>the</strong> typewriter. My<br />

mom helped me by writing out my math homework based<br />

on answers I gave her. The experience sure helped my<br />

typing! It also made me learn <strong>the</strong> value of work, and gave<br />

me a chance to really learn to appreciate my mo<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

In addition, having <strong>the</strong> cast was an excuse to improve<br />

my basketball game. I was a decent player, but most<br />

com<strong>for</strong>table with my right hand. But with <strong>the</strong> cast on I was<br />

<strong>for</strong>ced to practice dribbling with my left hand, and now I can<br />

go ei<strong>the</strong>r way.<br />

Finally, <strong>the</strong>re was one o<strong>the</strong>r unexpected benefit. In art class,<br />

I was never very good. But one day, with my hand still in <strong>the</strong><br />

cast, I tried drawing with my left hand. To my surprise, I was<br />

much better at it than be<strong>for</strong>e! The cast is long gone, but I<br />

still draw left-handed and am really quite good at it. Maybe<br />

I'd never have known about this ability if I hadn't made my<br />

obstacle into my opportunity.<br />

6 Score Critique<br />

The essay is scored based on four basic criteria: Topic,<br />

Support, Organization, and Language. This essay<br />

demonstrates an especially strong grasp of <strong>the</strong> writing<br />

assignment, earning especially high points <strong>for</strong> Topic,<br />

Support, and Organization. The author states a <strong>the</strong>sis in<br />

paragraph 1, provides several specific, relevant examples of<br />

4 Score Essay<br />

To say that every obstacle can be turned into an opportunity<br />

is to be an optimist. Some people just always look on <strong>the</strong><br />

bright side, and are able to overcome <strong>the</strong>re obstacles.<br />

Dorothy in <strong>the</strong> Wizard of Oz is stranded by <strong>the</strong> tornado and<br />

can't go home. So instead of just sitting <strong>the</strong>re, she takes <strong>the</strong><br />

opportunity to make friends with Scarecrow and o<strong>the</strong>rs, and<br />

to rid <strong>the</strong> world of wicked witches. Her optimism wins her<br />

<strong>the</strong> right to go back to Kansas.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> real world, Marie Curie was told women couldn't<br />

be scientists. But she was optimistic and persevered and<br />

discovered radium. Now <strong>the</strong>re are more women scientists<br />

than ever.<br />

Ophelia in Hamlet however, is not an optimist. She and<br />

Hamlet fall in love but <strong>the</strong>n he pushes her away. She<br />

doesn't understand why and kills herself.<br />

I like to think I'm an optimist too. If somebody tells me I<br />

can't do something, I just try harder until I can. Take field<br />

hockey: I went out as a freshman and barely made <strong>the</strong><br />

team, but worked and worked and this year was a starter on<br />

<strong>the</strong> varsity. We came in second in <strong>the</strong> league. Life is like that<br />

if you look on <strong>the</strong> bright side. Don't get discouraged. Every<br />

cloud has a silver lining. So if you are an optimist, every<br />

obstacle is an opportunity.<br />

4 Score Critique<br />

The essay is scored based on four basic criteria: Topic,<br />

Support, Organization, and Language. This author attempted<br />

with some success to fulfill <strong>the</strong> assignment. She gives some<br />

relevant examples from literature and history that work well<br />

with <strong>the</strong> prompt. But her examples are a bit underdeveloped<br />

and confused. The essay is too short to develop its ideas<br />

well. The author should explain more how <strong>the</strong> obstacles<br />

she mentions became opportunities <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> individuals in<br />

question. Also, she could have left out <strong>the</strong> example about<br />

Ophelia, which does not really fit with <strong>the</strong> essay.

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