Read the question carefully, noting key words to direct the purpose of the essay. For instance, the word "compare" requires a discussion of similarities and differences; "analyze the impact" involves an inquiry into causes and effects. The words "evaluate" and "defend" demand an argument and reasons. Purdue's Online Writing Lab (OWL) suggests first determining the purpose of your writing and then choosing an organizational pattern. As you write, reflect your organizational pattern in the transitions you use. For example, a composition emphasizing causes or effects might use the words "as a result," "therefore" and "because."
Brainstorm for several minutes before writing. The Davidson Institute for Talent Development suggests drawing or listing your main points to organize your paper. Resist the urge to jump into your essay before reflecting. To encourage prewriting, the Florida Department of Education provides a brainstorming sheet prior to the directed writing.
Create a clear introduction. Ideally, grab your readers' attention. Purdue's OWL recommends stating your point and indicating the direction of your essay. Do not add support or examples here; wait for the body paragraphs. Make a good first impression by writing as legibly as possible and indenting this paragraph (and others). According to the Davidson Institute, students should avoid first-person references, such as "I believe" and "in my opinion" on the SAT writing assessment. On any assessment, these words add little substance.
Begin each of your body paragraphs (two or three) with a topic sentence. In an essay about the effects of television on children, you might begin with "First of all, excessive television viewing can have physical effects on young children." Beginning this general topic sentence with the transition "first of all" alerts the reader that another effect will follow in the next body paragraph. Then add support or details about effects, such as obesity and lack of fitness. The Davidson Institute recommends two body paragraphs for the SAT directed writing; you may find that other timed compositions require more.
Complete your essay by writing a brief conclusion that reinforces your main point. Reread the essay carefully to check for conventions, such as capitalization, punctuation and spelling. Remember that every composition needs not only a beginning and a middle, but also an end to provide closure.