1. Writing Test 30-minute essay
ACT Test Prep
Writing Test
30-minute essay

2. Tips for the ACT Writing Test
Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet.
Carefully read the writing prompt and make sure you understand the topic.
The topic will most likely require you to take a side and defend your position.

3. Tips for the ACT Writing Test
Plan before you begin writing.
Do your prewriting in your Writing Test booklet.
You will write the actual essay on the lined pages in your answer folder.

4. How to Plan Your Essay Carefully read the prompt and choose a side
Make a list of evidence you can use to support your position.
Select three of your reasons that you feel you can best explain.
If you can’t come up with three reasons, write your essay focusing on at least two.
Make a list of things those who oppose your position might say about your topic.
Create a thesis statement.

5. How to Write Your Essay Open your essay with a good first sentence.
Use a question
Use a relevant quote. It does not have to be from someone famous. My mother once said, “ . . .” will work fine if the quote supports your point.
Make a statement about the controversial issue you are writing about.
Reword the essay prompt
Include three to five sentences in your introduction paragraph. Remember to end with your thesis statement.

6. How to Write Your Essay
Remember to start each body paragraph with a topic sentence.
Use specific examples to support your opinion.
Address what others who do not agree with you might say.
Example: Although some people believe that students should not have cell phones at school because they cause a distraction in the classroom, cell phones can be a useful tool for students if rules for using the cell phone are adequately enforced.
Then explain possible rules

7. How to Write Your Essay Include transitional words and phrases
Vary the structure of your sentences
Use simple sentence, compound sentences, complex sentences, compound-complex sentences
Start some sentences with prepositional phrases
Try starting sentences with subordinating conjunctions (although, when, unless, etc. ) Remember to use commas correctly with introductory phrases.
Make sure you use complete sentences – no fragments or run-ons

8. How to Write Your Essay
End with a strong conclusion that summarizes and reinforces your position.
If you have extra time, proofread your essay
Correct grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling
Make sure your handwriting is readable
Do not write in the margins.

9. What to Expect
The writing prompt will define an issue and describe two points of view on that issue. You are asked to respond to the question about your position on the issue. You may choose either position or you can present a new position. There is no right position to take.

10. Sample Essay Prompt 1
Educators debate extending high school to five years because of increasing demands on students from employers and colleges to participate in extracurricular activities and community service in addition to having high grades. Some educators support extending high school to five years because they think students need more time to achieve all that is expected of them. Other educators do not support extending high school to five years because they think students would lose interest in school and attendance would drop in the fifth year. In your opinion, should high school be extended to five years?
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.

11. Sample Essay Prompt 2
In some high schools, many teachers and parents have encouraged the school to require school uniforms that students must wear to school. Some teachers and parents support school uniforms because they think their use will improve the school’s learning environment. Other teachers and parents do not support requiring uniforms because they think it restricts individual freedom of expression. In your opinion, should high schools require uniforms for students?

12. Sample Essay Prompt 3
A school board is concerned that the state’s requirements for core courses in mathematics, English, science, and social studies may prevent students from taking important elective courses like music, other languages, and vocational education. The school board would like to encourage more high school students to take elective courses and is considering two proposals. One proposal is to lengthen the school day to provide students with the opportunity to take elective courses. The other proposal is to offer elective courses in the summer. Write a letter to the school board in which you argue for lengthening the school day or for offering elective courses during the summer. Explain why you think your choice will encourage more students to take elective courses. Begin your letter: “Dear School Board:”

13. Sample Essay Prompt 4
Most communities are considering adopting curfews for high school students. Some educators and parents favor curfews because they believe it will encourage students to focus more on their homework and make them more responsible. Others feel curfews are up to families, not the community, and that students today need freedom to work and participate in social activities in order to mature properly. Do you think that communities should impose curfews on high school students?

14. Sample Essay Prompt 5
Some high schools in the United States have considered creating separate classrooms for male and female students in subjects such as mathematics and science. Some educators think separate classes will be beneficial because students will be less distracted from learning. Other educators think having separate classes for females and males will not be beneficial because it will seem to support stereotypes about differences in ability between males and females. In your opinion, should high schools create separate classes for male and female students?