1. Bell Ringer: December 21
If you haven’t done so, you have 5 minutes to write your thank you card 
If you have, answer the following question…
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn
Who do you spend the most time with? Do you agree with Rohn’s statement? Why/why not?

2. MME Test Prep 2011
ACT Writing 1

3. ACT Writing
The writing test consists of one writing prompt that briefly states an issue and describes two points of view on that issue.
You are asked to write in response to a question about your position on the issue described in the writing prompt. This is a 30-minute timed test. 3

4. Typical ACT topics Dress codes Block scheduling, year-round school
Justice/equality
Technology
curriculum and learning options
The definition of success
The importance of learning from mistakes
Community service
Now, let’s read the prompt on the next slide:
Past topics do not necessarily indicate future topics, but notice that the issues are debatable but not extremely controversial 4

5. Sample prompt:
In some high schools many teachers and parents have encouraged the school to adopt a dress code that sets guidelines for what students can wear in the school building. Some teachers and parents support a dress code because they think it will improve the learning environment in the school. Other teachers and parents do not support a dress code because they think it restricts the individual student’s freedom of expression.
In your opinion should high schools adopt dress codes for students? In your essay take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Notice how the prompt includes some arguments for and against the issue in question. Do not veer from the prompt to find a different topic.
TAKE A POSITION. Do not straddle the fence on the essay. 5

6. Essay Framework
In order to develop an effective response, we will create an essay framework. This is a “road map” to guide you through the essay and help you avoid dead ends.
Because the writing exam is only 30 minutes long, you should take no more than five minutes to create a basic essay framework. 6

7. After reading the prompt, identify the following on your guide sheet:
TOPIC: What is the main subject or issue in the prompt?
PURPOSE: What does the prompt ask you to do?
Address these two basic areas and give students a moment to complete the tasks on their guide sheet. 7

8. TOPIC: dress codes in high schools
PURPOSE: explain why high schools should or should not adopt a dress code 8

9. Consider possible responses to the essay task
Consider possible responses to the essay task. On your guide sheet, create a position statement to rephrase the prompt and reveal your stance on the issue. 9

10. Dress Code
Pros Cons

11. Sample position statements:
High school dress codes should be implemented because they encourage better behavior, are economical, and help students focus on their academic priorities.
High schools should not adopt dress codes for students because dress codes are too restrictive, they don’t change student behavior, and they hamper student self-expression.
Our sample essay framework will argue against high school dress codes. Your position statement does not have to be as detailed as these examples, but it should clearly reveal your stand on the issue.
The position statement does not have to reveal the contents of the essay as these statements do. However, the best position statements offer at least a hint of where the essay is heading. 10

12. Next, think about possible responses to your position
Next, think about possible responses to your position. Somewhere in your essay, you should address and respond to a counterargument, an argument against your position. 11

13. Counterarguments and Rebuttals
Including a counterargument shows the judges that you have considered alternate points of view. To avoid confusion, indicate that this is not your own point of view.
“Dress code advocates believe . . .”
“Supporters of school uniforms claim . . .” 12

14. Counterarguments and Rebuttals
A rebuttal is a response to this counterargument. You should include a rebuttal to reveal why your stance is ultimately better.
Create a counterargument and rebuttal on your guide sheet now.
Allow students time to create their own counterargument and rebuttal on the essay guide. 13

15. Counterarguments and Rebuttals
Counterargument: Dress code supporters often claim that dress codes can make it easier for families on a limited budget to buy appropriate clothes for school.
Rebuttal to counterargument: Some uniforms may be less expensive than designer clothing; however, they are still expensive. Inevitably, some students will find ways to exhibit wealth through the dress code. Also, families should have the freedom to look for bargains. 14

16. Counterarguments and Rebuttals
YOU CANNOT EARN THE HIGHEST SCORE ON THE WRITING EXAM UNLESS YOU EXPLORE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE ISSUE, COMPLICATIONS OF THE ISSUE, AND/OR FULLY RESPOND TO COUNTERARGUMENTS TO YOUR POSITION. 15

17. In addition to a counterargument and rebuttal, you should offer clear, detailed reasons that support your view.
REASONS/ARGUMENTS: What is a major argument to defend my stance on the issue?
EXAMPLES/CONNECTIONS: What evidence, examples, or hypothetical situations help me defend my view? How will I connect this argument to my thesis/position statement?
Give students time to develop at least two distinct arguments and connection statements. 16

18. Offer details and use precise language
Which is more effective?
Dress codes are good because they help students be good and stuff.
-OR-
Research has shown that dress codes foster healthier student attitudes and reduce bullying.
Be specific! Use concrete language and include events, descriptions, dates, and measurable changes over time!
Even if you cannot recall specific dates/events, try to include some descriptive details. 17

19. VARIETY Offer a range of examples from: Art & music History Politics
Literature
Science and mathematics
Personal experience- Avoid using I, me, my, you, your throughout the essay. Consider the difference: “I think dress codes are too restrictive.” –or- “Many students find dress codes too restrictive.”
For example, having all the examples based on your personal life may come across as shallow or limited. The ability to offer ideas and arguments beyond one field shows that you are a well-read writer. 18

20. Now, take a moment to develop at least one distinct reason/argument supporting your stance on the issue. Write this on your framework sheet and also jot down any examples/connections that further support your position. For reference, the definitions are listed below:
REASONS/ARGUMENTS: What is a major argument to defend my stance on the issue?
EXAMPLES/CONNECTIONS: What evidence, examples, or hypothetical situations help me defend my view? How will I connect this argument to my thesis/position statement? 19

21. #1
REASON/ ARGUMENT: Dress codes are too restrictive. They limit students to certain colors and styles of clothing.
EXAMPLES/CONNECTIONS: Students already endure many restrictions, including when to eat, when to go the restroom, and what courses to take. Their choice of what to wear, one of their few freedoms, should not be restricted. 20

22. #2 REASON/ARGUMENT: Dress codes do not change student behavior.
EXAMPLES/CONNECTIONS: Students dressed in required styles or uniforms can still engage in fighting and bullying. Also, studies have shown that a dress code does not necessarily change student behavior, and it could even be used to mask misbehavior beneath a “professional” appearance. 21

23. #3 REASON/ARGUMENT: Dress codes hamper student self-expression.
EXAMPLES/CONNECTION: Development of identity is an important part of the educational experience. Dress codes prevent students from displaying their personalities and interests in creative ways. Because they restrict identity development, dress codes should not be adopted.
A more philosophical argument, although research may support the claim, too 22

24. A top-scoring essay: Shows a clear understanding of the task
Takes a position on the issue
Addresses complexity by examining different perspectives and/or complications of the issue, responding to counterarguments
Develops ideas with logical, specific, ample arguments 23

25. A top-scoring essay: Remains focused on the prompt
Is clearly and logically organized
Includes transitions to connect ideas (“In addition to,” “because,” etc.)
Offers an effective, clear, and well- developed introduction and conclusion
Uses varied sentences (length, structure) and precise word choice. 24

26. DO: Write only on the given topic Take a clear position on the topic
Describe and respond to at least one counter-argument and address other perspectives
Use transitions, varied word choice, and varied sentence structure
Include specific reasons and examples
Write as neatly as possible 25