PCAT Writing

[uknowyamapi]

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Hi guys, i was studying for the writing part of PCAT on Kaplan. It seems really hard. All the topic are related to political stuff. Is this similar to real test. Could anyone provide some sample essay questions? That would be really helpful. Thanks a lot!

 

[Trankuil]

The writing section is definitely a make or break section I would say.From what I know from taking the test, and what I have heard from others, the best advice I can give is to really make it unique. Both essays for me were asked to give an opinion. Make sure you can back your opinion with facts, and definately use proper grammer, punctuation, etc. If the question is political, just have fun with it. They dont really care what your opinion is, for or against, as long as you can strongly support your side. So make it unique and have fun with it, and you should be okay.

 

[uknowyamapi]

The writing section is definitely a make or break section I would say.From what I know from taking the test, and what I have heard from others, the best advice I can give is to really make it unique. Both essays for me were asked to give an opinion. Make sure you can back your opinion with facts, and definately use proper grammer, punctuation, etc. If the question is political, just have fun with it. They dont really care what your opinion is, for or against, as long as you can strongly support your side. So make it unique and have fun with it, and you should be okay.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Trankuil]

No problem 🙂 I was trying to remember what my specific essay questions were on, but I still cant recall what they were. I know one one of them though there was an obvious for or against side, and knowing that most people would right pro that certain idea, i chose to go against it and just let loose on the topic. Remember they are looking for critical thinkers and people that think outside the box, not people that follow the status quo all the time.

 

[Saiyo]

Do They look for advanced "Vernacular?"

 

[Trankuil]

Do They look for advanced "Vernacular?"

I think it definately helps to be able to have an expanded vocabulary, but you would look dumb if you tried to use a word you didnt fully understand and used it in the wrong context, so be careful with that.

 

[JJVmom]

I read that they might ask you to give an opinion. I can't find any examples of this. If that's the case, do you write in the first person?

 

[Trankuil]

I made one of my essays very opinionated, once again I cant recall the topic. I do remember one essay was medical field related. I tried to stay away from first person as much as I could, even though it was my opinion. When you are debating a case, which you basically are in an opinion essay, Using too much first person makes your essay seem less credible unless you have VERY good first hand experience.

 

[Fibre]

I think they used to give you a topic that either asked for a solution to a problem or give an opinion on a particular topic. However, as far as I know, they've stopped using the opinion prompts (probably because it causes more marking bias). The four prompts that I've been given on actual exams (January & June 2010) have all been "discuss a solution to the problem of..." prompts.

If you want to learn about politics and current world issues quickly, I suggest watching the evening news or reading summaries from the "Times Topics" section of the New York Times online.

 

[Rebkro]

I remember clearly what both of my essay questions were from yesterday's PCAT and neither one of them were political or opinion seeking. Also, not everyone has the same questions. I can tell this from the comments that another user of this forum made about yesterday's test.

The essay section seemed to me like a test of your critical thinking skills and your ability to create an intelligently organized essay. Maybe I'll amend this statement once I get my scores back though.

 

[BelleMD2B]

^^Agreed.

Both my essays involved "discuss a solution"...which I suppose could be opinion-related.

If anything, I felt the essays were a time to breathe - easier than I thought.

 

[adma826]

^^Agreed.

Both my essays involved "discuss a solution"...which I suppose could be opinion-related.

If anything, I felt the essays were a time to breathe - easier than I thought.

I actually enjoyed the essay section - I felt like it helped limber up my brain for the rest of the exam. I am glad it was first though, before I got muddled down with the subject exams.

I will be absolutely shocked if I get less than a 3 and like a previous poster, will have to amend my review of the essay section.