SSAT Writing

This section of the SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test) assesses students’ ability to express themselves. It is not graded but is provided to the school to help them get a feel for how well the student writes and organizes their ideas. This sample also helps the admissions officers evaluate how the student compares to other students at the same level applying to the same program.

Important characteristics to make writing readable and effective:

• Ideas
• Organization
• Voice
• Word Choice
• Sentence Fluency
• Proper Writing Conventions
• Presentation

Elementary Level:

The student is given a picture. They are to write a response to the picture with a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Writing Sample Example:

Tell a story using the picture below. Make sure that your story has a beginning, middle, and end.

Middle Level:

At this level, the student is given two prompts. They must pick which one they would like to write about. They must use their 25 minutes wisely to create an essay based on one of the prompts. The student needs to make sure their story has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Writing Sample Examples:

Creative Prompt: Write a creative essay that begins with the phrase below.

A. Today seemed like the perfect day, until…

Personal Prompt: Write a personal essay.

B. Who is your hero? What makes this person your hero?

Upper Level:

At this level, the student is given two prompts. They must pick which one they would like to write about. They must use their 25 minutes wisely to create an essay based on one of the prompts. The student needs to make sure their story has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Writing Sample Examples:

Argument Prompt: Write an argumentative essay. Take a side on the following question.

A. Is social media an asset or liability in the classroom?

Creative Prompt: Write a creative essay that begins with the phrase below.

B. As I walked into the classroom, all eyes were focused on me…

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