Links and Tips for the ACT Writing Test
The ACT Writing test almost always requires an argument. I suggest the following major tips:
Basic description of the ACT Writing test
Tips from ACT for the writing test
Sample prompts and essays provided by ACT
ACT Writing Tips
Includes an overview, some tips, and example prompts and essays; put together by a teacher
ACT SparkNotes Test Prep
Basic overview and simple steps and ideas
- Read the prompt closely. Make sure you have a good idea of what they are asking you to write.
- Form an idea - you don't have to believe what you are writing, but you have to support it well.
- On a piece of scratch paper, write a basic outline of your argument and a draft thesis.
- Your thesis should directly answer the question in some way.
- Make sure to plan some concession or response in your outline to those who would disagree with your argument - the readers are specifically looking for this.
- Introduce your essay with some acknowledgement of the controversy being addressed or why this is an important issue.
- Have a clear thesis at the end of the introduction.
- For each paragraph, start with a topic sentence that is very clear about the point of your paragraph, then detail why that point is true in your opinion. Explain using examples, things you've read, or other detailed ideas.
- Conclude with a wrap up that addresses the overall controversy or concerns of the essay. Try to leave the reader with some image or idea to think about.
- DON'T USE YOU. Try to avoid I, although this isn't as importanty. Just remember that the focus and purpose of the essay is the answer to the question, not you personally.
- Write as neatly as you can.
- Possible timing plan: 5 minutes to prewrite and plan, 20 minutes to draft, 5 minutes to proof-read.
Basic description of the ACT Writing test
Tips from ACT for the writing test
Sample prompts and essays provided by ACT
ACT Writing Tips
Includes an overview, some tips, and example prompts and essays; put together by a teacher
ACT SparkNotes Test Prep
Basic overview and simple steps and ideas