1. Let’s focus on the ACT Writing Test…
Plan and write a persuasive essay based on a provided prompt in 30 Minutes
Possible score of 12 points:
2 graders (each assign 1-6) and then total
Graded holistically

2. Examine the Prompt
Most prompts focus on an issue in high schools, not in the larger world
The prompt often begins with a phrase such as “In high schools,” “Many high schools,” or “Educators debate”
The prompt will focus on a topic students should be able to address without prior research

3. The prompt will present the issue four times
1. by introducing the issue;
2. by presenting the issue as it is viewed by those who support one side of the issue;
3. by presenting the issue as it is viewed by those who support the other side of the issue;
4. by framing the issue as a question about which to write.

4. Sample prompt
Educators debate extending high school to five years1 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 years2 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 years3 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? 4 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.

5. Sample reasoning
Notice that the prompt will also present general reasons for either
supporting the issue, or
Some educators support extending high school to five years because they think students need more time to achieve all that is expected of them
not supporting the issue.
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

6. Plan Before You Write
Take a short time (2-3 minutes) to plan in the test booklet before you write
You won’t have time to revise, so plan ahead before writing
Choose a position for your thesis
List your points in order
List your counterclaim
List some transitions

7. Context
After examining the prompt, choose a context to work with. Pick a large idea, suggested by the prompt, in which to frame your supporting statements. Use only one context in your essay, such as Economic Safety Education Social

8. Choose ONE Context extending high school to five years Economic
More staff needed
More classroom space to be added
More materials and textbooks to be purchased
Education
More time for electives
More time to prepare for college
More opportunities for diverse classes

9. Counter Arguments
Anticipate how someone would argue with your point. Acknowledge that the argument exists and refute it. Even though some students may resist five years of high school, the added time will better prepare them for college.

10. Transitions
Use transitions to move from one idea to the next and one paragraph to the next. The more sophisticated your transitions are, the better, but be sure they are accurate. in addition to however consequently as a result finally therefore

11. Vocabulary
ACT is easily impressed with sophisticated vocabulary. While you shouldn’t sound like you swallowed a dictionary, try to choose more sophisticated words when you can. Instead of: Use this: Itch Incurable chafing Want to escape yearn for freedom Be in charge leadership roles Raising elevating

12. Spelling and Grammar
Of course, you should use proper spelling and grammar. However, this is considered a rough draft, so the occasional error will not count against you, as long as your message is clear and the essay understandable. It is likely that you won’t have much time to revise. Do correct any errors you see.

13. Essay Length
You do need to FINISH the essay, including a conclusion. Make sure you can do so in 30 minutes. One long paragraph doesn’t show that you know how to use paragraphs. Five paragraphs is likely more than you can finish in time. Aim for 3-4 paragraphs including an introductory paragraph and a concluding paragraph. Use at least one, preferably two, supporting middle paragraphs.

14. Scoring
Each essay is rated 1-6 by two different people. 1, 2, 3 are considered low and basic. These essays often wander off topic, do not show critical thinking, or do not address counter arguments. 4-5 are medium quality grades. These essays may answer the question but do not do so thoroughly. 6 is the highest score. These essays show counter arguments, critical thinking, and sophisticated vocabulary.

15. To get maximum points: Take a clear position
Discuss multiple perspectives – even those with which you don’t agree
Anticipate and address counter arguments
FINISH the essay (Intro THROUGH Conclusion)
Provide transitions
Proper grammar, spelling, etc
Appropriate vocabulary