ACT® Writing Prep: Practice Tips for Writing

Should You Take the ACT Writing Test?

Wondering whether to take the optional Writing Test? Sylvan typically recommends students take the optional writing test. Some schools require (or strongly recommend) that students take the essay, so you’d be limiting yourself by opting out.

The optional Writing Test assess writing skills students have been working on during their entire high school career. Prepping for the verbal sections of the ACT will go a long way in helping you score well on the essay!

Preparing for the Writing Test

Sylvan has created strategies to make this section less frightening. Learn more about what to expect from the ACT Writing section, then check out our ACT Writing tips below!

There is 1 writing prompt on the optional ACT Writing test. The prompt itself describes an issue and presents 3 different perspectives. It is meant to measure your writing skills in 4 areas: ideas and analysis, development and support, organization and language use and conventions.

You’ll have 40 minutes to complete your essay. Your essay is scored based on your ability to:

• Express an understanding of the stated issue.
• State your opinion using examples and logic.
• Analyze the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective.
• Maintain your focus and organize your ideas.
• State your ideas clearly using standard written English.

Below is a sample prompt from ACT.org. Notice how it describes an issue—Intelligent machines—and then it presents 3 different perspectives about the issue.

The Essay Task is to “analyze and evaluate” these perspectives, “state and develop your own perspective on the issue” and “explain the relationship between your perspective and those given.”

 

ACT Writing Tips

Tip 1: Interview Yourself

The Writing Test prompt will always ask you to evaluate multiple perspectives on an issue and to write about your own perspective. Asking yourself questions is a great way to brainstorm ideas:

• Do I agree or disagree with the first/second/third perspective? Why?
• What has happened to me, or to other people in my life, that has influenced my thoughts on this issue?
• What books have I read that have influenced by opinions on this issue?
• What are some historical examples related to this issue?
• What is my perspective on this issue?
• What examples from my experience support this perspective?

Tip 2: Use the Timing Strategy/h3>

You have 40 minutes to complete your response. This includes the time it takes to read the prompt, plan your response and write. Use your time wisely! The timing strategy below offers guidelines to help you pace yourself as you prewrite and write your essay.

8 Minutes (Prewrite)

• Mark up the prompt.
• Brainstorm.
• Organize your thoughts.

27 Minutes (Write)

• Write your introduction.
• Write your supporting paragraphs.

5 Minutes (Conclude)

• Write a conclusion.

How the ACT Writing Test Scoring Works

If you choose to take the optional Writing Test, your response will be scored on the 1-6 scale by two reviewers. These scores will then be combined for the 2-12 score for each competency that will appear on your ACT score report.

These scores will then be combined and translated to a scaled score for Writing on the 1-36 scale. Remember that this section is optional and will not affect your multiple-choice composite score.

Score = 6

Responses at this score point demonstrate effective skill in writing an argumentative essay.

Ideas and Analysis: Argument critically engages with multiple perspectives on the given issue.

Development and Support: Development of ideas and support deepen insight and broaden context.

Organization: Response exhibits a skillful organizational strategy.

Language Use: Use of language enhances the argument.

Score = 5

Responses at this score point demonstrate well-developed skill in writing an argumentative essay.

Score = 4

Responses at this score point demonstrate adequate skill in writing an argumentative essay.

Score = 3

Responses at this score point demonstrate some developing skill in writing an argumentative essay

Score = 2

Responses at this score point demonstrate weak or inconsistent skill in writing an argumentative essay.

Score = 1

Responses at this score point demonstrate little or no skill in writing an argument essay.

Visit www.act.org for more detailed information.