Writing Sample Strategy

[bonoz]

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What is the best writing strategy in order to gain the best score you can? should you just be simple and straighforward? how many paragraphs should you have? what should your organization look like?

Here is a sample prompt from AAMC Test 9:

"The primary goal of every business should be to maximize profits."

Now how would you write about that? How would YOU go about writing it in an organized fashion or how would you simply organize it? how many paragraphs?

Is there a basic formula for writing these?

Thanks

 

[scorpiobeauty6]

The key is answering all 3 of the questions that accompany this prompt. If you fail to answer each one of the 3 questions using concrete examples...there is no way that you can attain a decent score. You should look at some of the TPR stuff for tips...the TPR Hyperlearning MCAT Verbal Reasoning & Writing Review (the WS section has its own chapters within the book) has strategies and step-by-step tidbits for maximizing your score. And, there is also a breakdown score wise for what things you must have in your essay to attain which score. That would be where I would definitely start 1st. All or most of your questions above can be answered in this book.

 

[bonoz]

The key is answering all 3 of the questions that accompany this prompt. If you fail to answer each one of the 3 questions using concrete examples...there is no way that you can attain a decent score. You should look at some of the TPR stuff for tips...the TPR Hyperlearning MCAT Verbal Reasoning & Writing Review (the WS section has its own chapters within the book) has strategies and step-by-step tidbits for maximizing your score. And, there is also a breakdown score wise for what things you must have in your essay to attain which score. That would be where I would definitely start 1st. All or most of your questions above can be answered in this book.

I don't have that book and don't know anyone who might. If I order one I doubt it'll get here by June 18 because that's when I take mine.

 

[Wheee]

try your library. I know my town's public library has a shelf of MCAT stuff, and I'm betting TPR is on it.

 

[txprodigal]

I think e-mcat.com also has some sample essays which have been graded that you can look through to see what AAMC is looking for.

 

[Omni]

For the essay, thsi is what I try to do:
Use big words (like ubiquitious and tenacious)
Use figurative language (metaphors or anologies)
I generally structure my essays to come out to 4 paragraphs
And finally, to support my argument, I will use real world examples. Something that is happeneing in the world right now, in literature, or in my personal life. I will use examples from my personal life as a last resort, and usualy, I'll make them up in order for it to fit coherently. Also, when you do use examples, make sure you don't use controversial issues like "Israel was wrong because of blah blah blah" or "Palestine was wrong for blah blah blah" because al though they say there are objective, I'm sure it can and will affect your outcome.

 

[dexs]

I can help here because sadly (I'd prefer more points in PS) the writing section continues to be my stong suit.

Do it in 3 paragraphs.

1st P: Rephrase the prompt in your own words. Before you start writing think of different words to put the prompt in your own terms. Primary= foremost, main etc..., buisness= enterprise, company etc..Profits= success, financial gain and so on. Then give a real world example that agrees with the prompt. Wrap it up with a "true but however" type sentence.

2nd P: Opposite example. Just say the reverse and give an example

3rd P: Rephrase prompt in your own words. Mention each scenario, and mention your earlier examples. Say what makes the difference. Then end with a sentence thats almost a question but makes your two distictions a little more philisophical.

Done crudely this will still usually yield a 4-5, without large grammatical errors. To bump it to the 6 add a sentence or two (no more) giving depth to your examples.

Also, spend 5 or 6 min making a solid outline before you start writing. Seems like a waste but in the end you'll produce a better essay faster.

 

[rockaction]

Thesis
Antithesis
Synthesis

Works like a charm