SSAT SSAT Practice Test (Writing Sample) 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the SSAT Writing Sample section?
- To test grammar rules
- To give admissions officers a writing sample for evaluation (Correct answer)
- To score your essay on a 1–6 scale
- To test reading speed
Correct answer: To give admissions officers a writing sample for evaluation
The Writing Sample is unscored but sent to schools so admissions officers can evaluate the applicant's writing ability.
Question 2: The SSAT Writing Sample section gives students how many minutes to complete their essay?
- 10 minutes
- 20 minutes
- 25 minutes (Correct answer)
- 35 minutes
Correct answer: 25 minutes
Students are given 25 minutes to complete the SSAT Writing Sample.
Question 3: For the SSAT Writing Sample, students are given a choice between which two prompt types?
- Narrative prompt and persuasive prompt
- Creative story prompt and essay prompt (Correct answer)
- Poem prompt and story prompt
- Summary prompt and debate prompt
Correct answer: Creative story prompt and essay prompt
Students choose between a creative/narrative prompt and an essay/expository prompt.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes a strong essay introduction?
- A restatement of the prompt with no opinion
- An attention-grabbing hook followed by a clear thesis statement (Correct answer)
- A list of all the points to be made
- A summary of the entire essay
Correct answer: An attention-grabbing hook followed by a clear thesis statement
A strong introduction hooks the reader and presents a clear thesis that guides the rest of the essay.
Question 5: What does a 'thesis statement' do in an essay?
- Summarizes the conclusion
- States the main argument or central idea of the essay (Correct answer)
- Lists all the evidence
- Introduces the characters
Correct answer: States the main argument or central idea of the essay
A thesis statement presents the central claim or argument that the essay will support and develop.
Question 6: In a creative writing prompt, which element is most important for engaging the reader?
- Using as many adjectives as possible
- A clear beginning, middle, and end with a compelling conflict (Correct answer)
- Writing the longest story possible
- Using complex vocabulary throughout
Correct answer: A clear beginning, middle, and end with a compelling conflict
A well-structured narrative with a compelling conflict keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
SSAT SSAT Practice Test (Writing Sample) 1
What is the primary purpose of the SSAT Writing Sample section?