One of the most important things to remember when writing a strong essay for the SAT is that the graders are going to be looking at whether a particular point of view is developed or not. This is the basis of a thesis statement - taking a stance on a subject one way or another. The opening paragraph of an essay should include this as the backbone of the rest of the essay. By establishing a very clear position on a matter, it will be easier to "fill in the blanks" and finish the essay.
WRONG: The Cleveland Browns play for Cleveland, Ohio.
RIGHT: The Cleveland Browns are the best team in the NFL.
While the second may be hard to prove with facts, it takes a definitive stand on the matter and is not merely reciting a fact. The more generalizations that are used in the opening paragraph, the harder it will be to have a complete and cohesive essay.
The more specific a thesis statement, the easier it will be to construct the rest of the essay in a way that you receive the most points possible. The descriptive and emotional the thesis can be made - while sticking to reality - the better essay that will follow the introductory paragraph.
● Start with a clear position on a particular matter.
● Build support for the position in remaining paragraphs.
Fact: Abraham Lincoln was a US President during the civil war.
Argument: Abraham Lincoln played a pivotal role in the North winning the US Civil War.
Speaking only in generalizations and not making a specific argument will force the person grading the essay to give you a three - even if you use the most poetic prose possible. The reason is that a statement of fact is not a thesis statement and not what the SAT essay is asking a test taker to write.
By using exact facts and explaining how they support a claim (or argument), it is possible to easily construct a strong essay quickly that backs up the thesis statement and comes together in a cohesive whole - something that will allow a test grader to give full points.
