1. JUNIORS… ARE YOU READY? THE ACT TEST : The Writing Portion

2. ACT Essay Directions You will have 30 minutes to construct an essay based on the above question. Think about your position on the question and make sure you have supporting reasons and examples to back up your opinion. Write an essay based on one of the two points provided, or you may choose to write on a different point of view.

3. How is it scored? Two raters will score your essay. They will each score it on a scale of 1-6. These two grades will be added together to make up a total score from 2-12.

4. The Essay

5. Writing the ACT Essay STEP 1: Read & understand the prompt. Take a position. 1 minute STEP 2: Brainstorm reasons and examples. 5 minutes STEP 3: Create an outline. 6 minutes STEP 4: Write the essay. 15 minutes STEP 5: Proofread the essay. 3 minutes 30 minutes

6. Sample Prompt #1 New laws are being proposed that would require schools to accommodate students who wish to transfer to a different school if the school falls below a certain level on statewide standardized tests. Supporters of this new law believe that it is a student’s right to transfer to a new school if his or her current school is not fulfilling its duties. Opponents argue that this law is impractical—what would happen if all the students requested transfers?—and unfairly weights test scores without considering other factors at a school. In your opinion, should students be allowed to transfer if schools score below a certain level on standardized test?

7. STEP #1 Decide what the question is. Restate it in your own words. This prompt is asking me

8. STEP #2 Brainstorm points for both sides of the argument Side A: Side B:

9. STEP #3 Choose which position you want to take and create your thesis! THESIS = TOPIC + OPINION (Should/Should not)

10. Sample Prompt #2 Many 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?

11. STEP #1 Decide what the question is. Restate it in your own words. This prompt is asking me

12. STEP #2 Brainstorm points for both sides of the argument Side A: Side B:

13. STEP #3 Choose which position you want to take and create your thesis! THESIS = TOPIC + OPINION (Should/Should not)

14. Thesis Statement Checklist Does your thesis statement respond directly to the prompt? Does your thesis contain a definite statement? Is your thesis an arguable claim? Does your thesis show you have knowledge about your topic? Does your thesis illustrate a passionate perspective? Is your statement neither too specific nor too broad? Does your thesis list the key points to be discussed in your essay? Can you provide evidence to back up your thesis?

15. Next steps…Writing the Essay! Paragraph 1: Introduction Paragraph 2: Reason 1 Paragraph 3: Reason 2 Paragraph 4: Reason 3 Paragraph 5: Conclusion

16. Paragraph 1: Introduction Paraphrase the prompt (1 sentence) Restate what you are being asked ______________________________________________________________ Thesis statement (1 sentence) Describe your position clearly and concisely. _______________________________________________________________ Essay Summary (3 sentences) List the three reasons you will use to support your thesis statement. It should go from best to third best. _______________________________________________________________

17. Paragraph 2: Reason 1 Your BEST reason Topic Sentence (1 sentence) State reason 1. ________________________________________________________ Explanation (1sentence) Explain reason 1. ________________________________________________________ Evidence (1 sentence) Provide 1 example. ________________________________________________________ Closing Sentence (1 sentence) Restate main idea. ________________________________________________________

18. Paragraph 3: Reason 2 Next best reason Topic Sentence (1 sentence) State reason 2. ______________ Explanation (1sentence) Explain reason 2. Evidence (1 sentence) Provide 1 example. Closing Sentence (1 sentence) Restate main idea.

19. Paragraph 4 : Reason 3 Next best reason Topic Sentence (1 sentence) State reason 3. ______________ Explanation (1sentence) Explain reason 3. Evidence (1 sentence) Provide 1 example. Closing Sentence (1 sentence) Restate main idea.

20. Paragraph 5: Conclusion Thesis (1 sentence) Restate your position. Counterclaim (1-2 sentences) Explain what other people might say about you argument _______________________________________ ________________________________________ Explanation (1-3 sentences) Explain what would happen if others followed your argument. ____ ____ ____________________