1. INTRODUCTIONS The introduction to an ACT essay has to do these things:
Grab the rater’s attention
Explain your position on the topic clearly and concisely
Acknowledge the counter-argument to the writer’s position
Transition the rater smoothly into your three examples

2. Structure Attention-getter Background Information
Mention what the other side says about the issue – counterargument
Thesis (which includes your 3 reasons)

3. Attention-Getter You have to grab the reader’s attention right away.
Do not use a rhetorical question – they are over used, unsophisticated, and lame.
This is your first impression – make it noteworthy.

4. ATTENTION GETTING OPENINGS:
A startling fact or bit of information
A meaningful quotation
A rich, vivid description or image
A fresh analogy or metaphor
An interesting anecdote, story, or dramatic episode
A definition of your topic in your own words
Use a series of fragments to focus the reader’s attention on images or key words you want them to think about.

5. OPENINGS TO AVOID
Dictionary definitions of words your reader should know
Rhetorical questions that use the word you (“Did you know …”)
An announcement of topic (“This paper will be about …”)
Overly broad or general statements (“There are many novels, all of which have characters. Some characters are heroes, and some are not.”)
A “book report” list of irrelevant facts (William Shakespeare lived in the Elizabethan era in England. He wrote many plays. One of these plays was Hamlet.)

6. Background Information
This could be in the form of:
Definitions
Historical context
Information which the reader needs to clearly understand your essay.

7. Mention of the Counterargument
Acknowledge what the other side might about your position on the issue.
This can be part of your background information.

8. Thesis This needs to be clear, concise, and to the point.
This should be the last sentence of your introduction.
Do not use “I” or “me” or “we” or “you”
Make sure you take a clear stand.
Make sure your reasons actually support your argument and that they are 3 different reasons.

9. The Body Paragraphs
The Meat: 3 Reason/Body Paragraphs (Paragraphs #2-4)
Each of your 3 example paragraphs should follow this basic format:
4–5 sentences long
The first sentence should be the topic sentence, which serves as the thesis statement of the paragraph. It explains what your reason is and places it within the context of your argument.
The next 3–4 sentences are for developing your reason. In these sentences you show through specific, concrete discussion of facts and situations just how your example supports your essay thesis statement.

10. The Structure
Topic Sentence – The thesis of your paragraph. This is one of the REASONS you are using to support your thesis.
Explanation – Explain your reason a little more. Kind of like background information.
Evidence – Provide evidence that supports your REASON.
Explain how that EVIDENCE supports your REASON.
Closing sentence – Restate your main idea in a different way

11. TIPS!!!
Pretend that the person reading the essay knows nothing about the topic. But make sure you use formal language.
The body paragraphs are used to explain why your REASONS support your ARGUMENT. Do not puke in your body paragraphs.

12. The Conclusion: 3-4 sentences
Summarize your argument and reasons, and link the reasons to broader things like politics, history, art, business, etc.
Expand your position by contemplating what would happen in the world if people or groups followed the argument you make in your essay.
Your last sentence should leave a lasting impression and give the reader something to think about.