Hey guys,
It is important to do well in SACs, although they are no guarantee of good results in the end, as they can be adjusted according to your exam results and the results of your cohort. I remember getting full marks for almost all my SACs, but I did drop four or five marks overall.
In terms of context essays, I always encourage my students to write in the expository form, as this is the safest and most consistent format to present your essay in the exam. Different examiners simply respond differently to creative pieces, and the effect my not be properly mitigated by cross-marking. Persuasive pieces tend to limit how much you can explore a context.
In context essays, you should think of yourself as a philosopher, as opposed to an analyst. Always acknowledge the truth in the prompt, but be sure to also explore the opposite contention (e.g. Conflict has destructive consequences; but it can also be a catalyst for progression).
In conflict, you are going to come across these topics (or variations of these):
1) What causes conflict?
2) How do people deal with conflict?
3) How does one's internal conflict relate to external conflict?
4) Is conflict always destructive/negative?
If you want more advice on how to write the essay in particular, throw me an email.