Plan before drafting
Start by identifying the prompt task, your main position, and two or three reasons or examples that support it. A short plan makes the draft easier to organize.
Build clear paragraphs
Use an introduction that states the controlling idea, body paragraphs that develop one point at a time, and a conclusion that reinforces the main position without simply repeating the introduction.
Revise for clarity
After drafting, check sentence clarity, transitions, word choice, punctuation, and whether each example clearly supports the main idea.
Sample Prompt & Outline
Prompt: Some people believe that success is mostly the result of hard work, while others believe that success depends mostly on opportunity and circumstance. Write an essay that develops your position on this issue. Support your position with specific reasons and examples.
Sample outline:
- Introduction: State a clear position — for example, that success is shaped by both hard work and opportunity, but consistent effort is what allows a person to make the most of the opportunities they get.
- Body paragraph 1: Develop one supporting example, such as a student who works hard despite attending a school with limited resources.
- Body paragraph 2: Acknowledge the opposing view (that opportunity matters more) and explain why your position still holds — for example, that people who work hard are more likely to notice and use the opportunities they do have.
- Conclusion: Restate your position and briefly note its broader implication, without simply repeating the introduction word for word.
Related Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TSIA2 essay practice free?
Yes. The practice resources on this site can be used without a paid subscription.
Does this page give an official essay score?
No. Any feedback or estimate on this independent practice site is for learning and is not an official TSIA2 score.
What should I review after writing?
Review organization, development, sentence clarity, transitions, grammar, punctuation, and whether your examples support your main point.
Is there a sample prompt I can practice with?
Yes. See the sample prompt and outline above for a model of how to plan a response before drafting.
How long should a practice essay response be?
There is no single required length. Focus on a clearly organized response with an introduction, developed body paragraphs, and a conclusion that fully addresses the prompt.