Defining Terms Practice
Below are some examples of common terms that may show up on an SAT writing assignment and that you should define if you use them in an essay.  Avoid simplistic "dictionary" definition.  Think carefully about each one, and then write a simple but useful definition of each term in your own words.  Include a well-chosen example if it helps to illustrate your definition. 

1. Democracy
2. Courage
3. Adventure
4. Liberty
5. Political Power
6. Discipline

Brainstorm Your Alternatives Creatively
Brainstorming Practice
Give yourself 6 minutes for each exercise below.  Use the space below each questions to practice brainstorming.  Write down all the words, ideas, associations, people, events, books, etc.  that pertain to the issue implied by the question.  Don't censor or criticize any idea; just get it down on the paper. Then, in the last few minutes, try to organized your thoughts into ideas for individual paragraphs.  Try to find one idea for each of four paragraphs. (don't write the paragraphs though)

1. Should safety always be first?
2. Is the pen always mightier than the sword?