ACT Writing

1. ACT Writing

2. 1 Question – 30 Minutes • The ACT Writing prompt is an ARGUMENTATIVE topic. • You will need to take a clear position on the topic (yes or no).

3. Grading the Essay • Essays are read by two readers. • Each reader gives a score ranging from 1-6. • Scores are averaged together. Good scores range from 8-12. • Essays are graded on how clearly your ideas are focused, how specific your details are, how organized your essay is, etc. • Grammar, spelling, punctuation are a small part of the score.

4. Important Notes • You must include a CRITIAL CONTEXT in your essay. • You must mention the OPPOSING ARGUMENT in your essay.

5. Critical Context • To earn a top score, your essay must contain a CRITICAL CONTEXT. • The CRITICAL CONTEXT is the type of argument you use. • All of your points must be under one CRITICAL CONTEXT.

6. Top Four Critical Contexts: Academic Social Economic Political Other Common Contexts Environmental Vocational/Career Global Ethical Moral Recreational Personal Historical Agricultural Legal Examples of Critical Context

7. Opposing Argument • To earn a good score, you must mention that there is another side to the argument you are making. • DO NOT elaborate on this “other side” argument or you will be deducted points for losing focus in your essay. • Simply state, “Some would say _____, but this is not true because ________. • You can put this statement anywhere in your paper, but I’d recommend including it early.

8. Before you write…. • Read the prompt. • Choose a side & stick to it. • Pick a context & stick to it. • Decide on 2 arguments. • Consider what the other side would say. • Make notes in the space provided.

9. Begin to write…… • Add a title to the top of the page. • INTRODUCTION • DO NOT repeat the prompt word for word! • DO NOT answer back, “Yes, I agree with…” • Start with an attention getter if you can. • Get to your thesis. • You can include your mention of the other side in your intro.

10. Keep writing…… • Focus on 2 body paragraphs, one per argument. • Use specific details in each paragraph. Go as in-depth as you can with each argument. Graders like to see 3 levels of depth. • Example: Reading magazines at school gives students practice reading. The more students practice, the better they will become at both reading and thinking, and being a better reader and thinker will enhance the students’ chances of being successful in college since the reading at the college level is often difficult and intellectually demanding.

11. And writing…… • Use transition words and phrases in paragraphs and between paragraphs. • DO NOT use simple transitions like first, second, next; you will have points deducted for those because they are too easy. • Use as much advanced vocabulary as you can to show you have a “good command of the English language.” Use words correctly though!

12. And writing….. • Make sure you save time to add a CONCLUSION to the end of your paper. • Even if the conclusion is short, it is important! • If you don’t have a conclusion, the best you will score is a 3.

13. Final Thoughts You have 30 minutes; here’s a sample of how to use that time. • Read the prompt - 1 minute • Choose a side & context & brainstorm – 2-3 minutes • Write – 20-25 minutes • Reread & Review – 1-7 minutes