Tips for Taking the ACT Writing Test

#1 Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet.

Instructions This is a test of your writing skills. You will have thirty (30) minutes to write an essay in English. Before you begin planning and writing your essay, read the writing prompt carefully to understand exactly what you are being asked to do. Your essay will be evaluated on the evidence it provides of your ability to express judgments by taking a position on the issue in the writing prompt; to maintain a focus on the topic throughout the essay; to develop a position by using logical reasoning and by supporting your ideas; to organize ideas in a logical way; and to use language clearly and effectively according to the conventions of standard written English. You may use the unlined pages in this test booklet to plan your essay. These pages will not be scored. You must write your essay in pencil on the lined pages in the answer folder. Your writing on those lined pages will be scored. You may not need all the lined pages, but to ensure you have enough room to finish, do NOT skip lines. You may write corrections or additions neatly between the lines of your essay, but do NOT write in the margins of the lined pages. Illegible essays cannot be scored, so you must write (or print) clearly. If you finish before time is called, you may review your work. Lay your pencil down immediately when time is called. DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO.

#2 Do some planning before writing the essay; you will be instructed to do your prewriting in your Writing Test booklet. You can refer to these notes as you write the essay on the lined pages in your answer folder.

#3 Do not skip lines and do not write in the margins. Write your essay legibly, in English, with a No. 2 pencil. Do not use ink, a mechanical pencil, or correction fluid. Carefully consider the prompt and make sure you understand the issue—reread it if you aren't sure. Decide what perspective you want to take on the issue. Then jot down your ideas: this might simply be a list of reasons and examples that you will use to explain your point of view on the issue. Write down what you think others might say in opposition to your point of view and think about how you would refute their arguments. Think of how best to organize your essay.

#4 At the beginning of your essay, make sure readers will see that you understand the issue. Explain your point of view in a clear and logical way.

#5 Stay focused on the topic.

#6 Discuss the issue in a broader context or evaluate the implications or complications of the issue.

#7 Address what others might say to refute your point of view and present a counterargument.

#8 Use specific examples.

#9 Vary the structure of your sentences, and use varied and precise word choices.

#10 Make logical relationships clear by using transitional words and phrases.

#11 End with a strong conclusion that summarizes or reinforces your position.

#12 If possible, before time is called, recheck your work: Correct any mistakes in grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling. If you find any words that are hard to read, recopy them so your readers can read them easily. Make any corrections and revisions neatly, between the lines (but not in the margins).

Prompts used for the ACT Writing Test: describe an issue relevant to high school students ask examinees to write about their perspective on the issue As a starting place, two different perspectives on the issue will be provided. Examinees may choose to support one of these perspectives or to develop a response based on their own perspective.

Sample Prompt: 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.

Plan your essay In your notebook, plan for a 4 – 5 paragraph essay answering this sample prompt. Make sure your organization is clear and thoughtful.