ISEE Essay Writing Guide: Your Tutor's Inside Tips

The basics:

• You'll get a writing prompt (a question or topic to respond to)
• Write in black or blue ink on two lined pages
• No one scores your essay with a number, but schools definitely read it carefully
• This is your chance to show your personality and writing skills

Don't just start writing! I always tell my students: "5 minutes of planning saves you 15 minutes of confusion."

Here's what I want you to do:

• Read the prompt twice (seriously, twice!)
• Circle the key words in the question
• Decide on your main answer/position
• Jot down 2-3 supporting reasons
• Think of one specific example for each reason

Quick planning example: Prompt: "What's your favorite season?"

• My answer: Fall
• Reason 1: New school year excitement
• Reason 2: Amazing traditions (Halloween, Thanksgiving)
• Reason 3: Beautiful nature changes

Your Opening Paragraph (3-4 sentences)

I've seen too many students start with boring phrases like "In my opinion..." or "I believe that..." Don't do this!

Instead, try these attention-grabbers:

• Start with an interesting fact: "Every October, millions of leaves fall from trees across America, but for me, each one represents something magical about my favorite season."
• Paint a picture: "The crisp air hits my face as I step outside, and I know immediately that fall has arrived."
• Ask a thought-provoking question: "What if I told you that the most beautiful season is also the one that teaches us the most about change?"

Then clearly state your main point. Don't make readers guess what you're arguing!

Your Body Paragraphs (2-3 paragraphs)

Here's my formula that works every time:

Each paragraph should have:

• Topic sentence - What's this paragraph about?
• Specific example - Tell a story or give details
• Explanation - Why does this example matter?
• Connection - How does this support your main idea?

Use these transition words to sound more sophisticated:

• To add ideas: Furthermore, Moreover, Additionally
• To show examples: For instance, Specifically, To illustrate
• To show contrast: However, On the other hand, Despite this
• To emphasize: Indeed, Most importantly, In fact

Your Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

Don't just repeat what you already said! I teach my students to:

• Restate your main idea using different words
• Connect to something bigger or more universal
• End with a memorable thought

Example: "Fall isn't just my favorite season because of pumpkins and pretty leaves. It's a reminder that change can be beautiful, and that every ending leads to a new beginning."

• Aim for 2-4 body paragraphs that support your main idea with specific examples and details.
• Use each body paragraph to explore one of the main reasons or supporting evidence for your thesis. In each body paragraph, include specific examples, anecdotes, and details to support your key points. This helps bring your essay to life and makes it more engaging for the reader.
• Organize your body paragraphs in a logical way, with each one building upon the previous one. Use transition words and phrases strategically to seamlessly guide the reader through the progression of your essay.
• Don't just list facts or examples - take the time to analyze and explain how they support your main argument or thesis. This demonstrates your critical thinking skills.
• Use a variety of sentence structures (simple, compound, complex) to make your writing more engaging and sophisticated. Avoid repetitive or overly simple sentences.

For Lower Level Students (Grades 5-6):

• What is your favorite family tradition? Describe why it's important to you and your family.
• If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it to help others?
• Describe your ideal weekend. What activities would you do and why would they make you happy?
• Who is your hero and what makes them heroic? Use specific examples to explain your choice.

For Middle Level Students:

• Is it better to have a few close friends or many acquaintances? Explain your choice.
• Describe someone who has influenced your life. What makes them special?
• If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be and why?
• Should students be required to do community service? Support your position.

For Upper Level Students (Grades 9-12):

• Do you believe that social media has a more positive or negative impact on teenage relationships? Support your position with specific examples.
• Should high schools require students to take a personal finance course before graduation? Defend your viewpoint.
• Is it more important for leaders to be liked or respected? Explain your reasoning using examples from history, literature, or personal experience.
• Some people argue that failure is more valuable than success for personal growth. Do you agree or disagree? Support your position with evidence.

Before the test:

• Practice writing essays by hand (not on a computer!) for 30 minutes
• Read sample essays to see what good writing looks like
• Ask yourself "So what?" after each paragraph - if you can't answer why it matters, rewrite it

During the test:

• If you're stuck, ask yourself: "What would I tell my best friend about this topic?"
• Use specific details - instead of "I had fun," write "I laughed so hard I snorted apple cider"
• If you mess up, just cross it out neatly and keep going

The secret sauce: The essays that impress schools aren't perfect - they're genuine. Show your personality, use your own voice, and don't try to sound like someone else. Schools want to meet the real you!

Remember, even the best writers started somewhere. Every essay you write makes you better. I've seen quiet students become confident writers and anxious test-takers become essay masters. You can do this too!

The ISEE essay isn't just about getting into a good school - it's about learning to express your ideas clearly and persuasively. That's a skill you'll use for the rest of your life.

Now grab a pencil, pick a prompt, set that timer for 30 minutes, and show that blank page what you're made of!

Here is an example of a well-crafted ISEE essay written using the guidelines provided by our in-house tutor.

Prompt: What is your favorite season? Why is it important to you?

• Read the essay prompt carefully. During the test, you may be tempted to answer a question as quickly as possible. While keeping an eye on the clock is a good tactic, rushing through questions is not. Make sure you fully understand the essay prompt before attempting to answer it. An essay whose content is off topic is an immediate zero, no matter how well-written or insightful it may be.
• Practice with sample prompts regularly. While you might not encounter the exact same prompt on the test, you'll likely face a similar one. This practice will help you understand the typical format, familiarize yourself with the appropriate writing style, and give you practical insight into the writing process required.
• Set a timer. In order to replicate the test conditions as closely as possible, it is highly recommended that you set a timer. This will help you get used to the time constraints and thereby feel less pressured during the actual test.
  • Spend 2-5 minutes outlining your essay before you begin writing.
  • Allow 15-20 minutes for actual writing.
  • Allow 2-5 minutes at the end to review and edit your work.

Now that you've enjoyed and benefited from our expert teacher guidelines on how to write an essay, why not take your skills to the next level? Check out our TestPrep online ISEE practice tests and start preparing for your test today!