Format of ACT Writing Test
The following is information from Kaplan Spotlight ACT
The Writing Test is 30 minutes long and includes one essay. you'll be given a topic or issue and be expected to take a position on it, supporting your point of view with examples and evidence. You don't have to be a great creative writer to succeed on the ACT Writing Test. Instead, you have to show that you can focus on an issue and argue your point of view in a coherent, direct way with concrete examples. Furthermore, the essay graders are not primarily concerned with your grammar and punctuation skills. In terms of writing, clarity is what they are looking for. You are being tested on your ability to get an idea across in writing. One of the biggest challenges of the Writing Test is the time frame. With only 30 minutes to read about the issue, plan your response, draft the essay, and proofread it, you have to work quickly and efficiently. Coming up with a plan and sticking to it are key to succeeding on the Writing Test.
The Writing Test consists of one prompt that lays out the issue and gives directions for your response. There is no choice of topic; you must respond to the topic that there. Don't worry too much about not knowing anything about the issue you have to write about. Test makers try to craft topics that will be relevant to high school students.
The readers realize you're writing under time pressure and expect you to make some mistakes. The content of you essay is not relevant; readers are not checking your facts. Nor will they judge you on your opinions. what they want to see is how well you can communicate a relevant, coherent point of view.
The test makers identify the following as the skills tested by the Writing Test:
Stating a clear perspective on an issue. The means answering the question in the prompt.
Providing supporting evidence and logical reasoning.
Maintaining focus and organizing ideas logically.
Writing Clearly
Questions ACT graders use when evaluating ACT essays
1. Does the author answer the question?
2. Is the author’s position clearly stated?
3. Does the body of the essay support and develop the point?
4. Are there at least three supporting paragraphs?
5. Is the relevance of each supporting paragraph clear?
6. Does the author address the other side of the argument?
7. Is the essay organized with a clear introduction, middle, and conclusion?
8. Did the author use one paragraph for each new idea?
9. Is each sentence in a paragraph relevant to the point made in the topic sentence?
10. Are transitions clear?
11. Is the essay easy to read? Is it engaging?
12. Are sentence varied?
13. Are good vocabulary words used effectively?
Steps to Writing an Essay
Step 1: Prompt (2 minutes) Read the prompt to identify the issue.
Step 2: Plan (3-5 minutes). Decide on your position and write a short list of examples to support it.
Step 3: Produce (15-20 minutes). Write your essay.
Step 4: Proofread (5-6 minutes). Review your work to look for any corrections or clarifications you can make quickly.
One example…
Another example…
Another example…
Therefore…
Transitions
Contrast = but, however, on the other hand, although, even though
Similarity = likewise, similarly
Evidence = since, because, in light of, first, second, third
Conclusion = therefore, thus, as a result, so
Most Common Errors on the ACT
Sentence Fragments
Subject Verb Agreement
Pronoun Agreement
Misplaced Modifiers
Common misused words Examples: their, there, and they’re
Questions ACT graders use when evaluating ACT essays
1. Does the author answer the question?
2. Is the author’s position clearly stated?
3. Does the body of the essay support and develop the point?
4. Are there at least three supporting paragraphs?
5. Is the relevance of each supporting paragraph clear?
6. Does the author address the other side of the argument?
7. Is the essay organized with a clear introduction, middle, and conclusion?
8. Did the author use one paragraph for each new idea?
9. Is each sentence in a paragraph relevant to the point made in the topic sentence?
10. Are transitions clear?
11. Is the essay easy to read? Is it engaging?
12. Are sentence varied?
13. Are good vocabulary words used effectively?
To score a 4:
Answer the question
Support ideas with examples
show logical thought and organization
Avoid major and frequent errors
