ACT Writing

1 Question – 30 Minutes The ACT Writing prompt is an ARGUMENTATIVE topic. You will need to take a clear position on the topic (yes or no).

Grading the Essay Essays are read by two readers. Each reader gives a score ranging from 1-6. Scores are averaged together. Good scores range from Essays are graded on how clearly your ideas are focused, how specific your details are, how organized your essay is, etc. Grammar, spelling, punctuation are a small part of the score.

Important Notes You must include a CRITIAL CONTEXT in your essay. You must mention the OPPOSING ARGUMENT in your essay.

Critical Context To earn a top score, your essay must contain a CRITICAL CONTEXT. The CRITICAL CONTEXT is the type of argument you use. All of your points must be under one CRITICAL CONTEXT.

Examples of Critical Context Top Four Critical Contexts: 1. Academic 2. Social 3. Economic 4. Political Other Common Contexts Environmental Vocational/Career Global Ethical Moral Recreational Personal Historical Agricultural Legal

Opposing Argument To earn a good score, you must mention that there is another side to the argument you are making. DO NOT elaborate on this “other side” argument or you will be deducted points for losing focus in your essay. Simply state, “Some would say _____, but this is not true because ________. You can put this statement anywhere in your paper, but I’d recommend including it early.

Before you write…. 1. Read the prompt. 2. Choose a side & stick to it. 3. Pick a context & stick to it. 4. Decide on 2 arguments. 5. Consider what the other side would say. 6. Make notes in the space provided.

Begin to write…… Add a title to the top of the page. INTRODUCTION DO NOT repeat the prompt word for word! DO NOT answer back, “Yes, I agree with…” Start with an attention getter if you can. Get to your thesis. You can include your mention of the other side in your intro.

Keep writing…… Focus on 2 body paragraphs, one per argument. Use specific details in each paragraph. Go as in- depth as you can with each argument. Graders like to see 3 levels of depth. Example: Reading magazines at school gives students practice reading. The more students practice, the better they will become at both reading and thinking, and being a better reader and thinker will enhance the students’ chances of being successful in college since the reading at the college level is often difficult and intellectually demanding.

And writing…… Use transition words and phrases in paragraphs and between paragraphs. DO NOT use simple transitions like first, second, next; you will have points deducted for those because they are too easy. Use as much advanced vocabulary as you can to show you have a “good command of the English language.” Use words correctly though!

And writing….. Make sure you save time to add a CONCLUSION to the end of your paper. Even if the conclusion is short, it is important! If you don’t have a conclusion, the best you will score is a 3.

Final Thoughts You have 30 minutes; here’s a sample of how to use that time. Read the prompt - 1 minute Choose a side & context & brainstorm – 2-3 minutes Write – minutes Reread & Review – 1-7 minutes