Richard Perry/The New York Times There are many stereotypes about New Yorkers.
Pencils up, everybody.
The SAT will no longer require test-takers to answer the dreaded essay question, College Board officials announced Wednesday.
But here at City Room, we hold our readers to a higher standard.
Presenting the City Room 2014 SAT Essay Test.
Your participation is required.
Our essay question is based on sample essay questions from the College Board’s web site.
One tip: A main criticism of the SAT essay is that it does not penalize incorrect assertions, even egregiously wrong ones. This grading loophole will soon be closed on the SAT. But for now, we encourage you to exploit it, if it helps.
You have five minutes.
Begin.
Prompt 1
There are three assumptions often made about New Yorkers: One, they are rude. Two, they think they are superior to all other citizens. Three, they lack the same values as the rest of the country.
Assignment: Are any of these assumptions true? Why or why not? Support your position with reasoning and examples from your life and daily dealings.
Prompt 2
Think carefully about the issue presented in the following quote and the assignment below.
“New York is a sucked orange,†Ralph Waldo Emerson once said.
Assignment: What? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
Leave your short response, no more than 150 words, to one of the two prompts in the comments. Students will be graded by fellow City Room readers, who will recommend essays that deserve a high score. (And remember, you have five minutes to complete your essay. You won’t be penalized for keeping it short.)
