1. The Writing section

2. The writing section is 30 minutes long and includes one essay.
You will be given a topic or issue on which you must take a position, supporting your point of view with examples and evidence.
You don’t need to use creativity!!!
Grades are primarily looking for clarity
Organization is the key to success – you should read the prompt and immediately develop three body paragraphs and a thesis.
You must develop a plan and stick to it in order to complete an essay in the short amount of time.

3. Writing the essay
Act essay topics always deal with “high school situations,” so don’t worry about not understanding the topic. Read the entire prompt and use the background information it gives you, if you need it.
You must take a position. Don’t try to argue both sides of the issue or feel personally tied to the one you agree with. Choose the side you can argue the most convincingly, but do address the opposite side within your agrument.
It will test your ability to
state a clear perspective on an issue (clearly answering the question)
Provide supporting evidence and logical reasoning (support – specific details)
Maintain focus and organize ideas logically (avoid digressions )
Write clearly
Readers do understand that it is a first draft that will be graded.
Let’s read the directions on page 35

4. Writing the essay Plan before you write. (6-7 min for planning)
Use a variety of sentence structures (type and length).
Save your best example for last and stress its relative importance.
Make sure you have an introduction; it doesn’t need to be long but must address the prompt.
Make sure each body paragraph has a topic sentence and at least one strong example.
Make sure you write a strong conclusion.
Avoid using I excessively and also avoid slang.
Use transitions!!! Use key words from the prompt.
Leave yourself 2 minutes to Proofread.
Do not copy the prompt in your essay.

5. Scoring criteria
Let’s take a look at questions a grader would consider when reading an essay.
Look at page 268 in your book!!
Now, let’s practice!!
Turn to page 279 in your book. You have 30 minutes to complete this practice writing prompt.
Write on with a pencil on your own paper.