ACT Writing
1 Question – 30 Minutes
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The ACT Writing prompt is an
ARGUMENTATIVE topic.
You will need to take a clear position on
the topic (yes or no).
Grading the Essay
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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.
Important Notes
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You must include a CRITIAL CONTEXT
in your essay.
You must mention the OPPOSING
ARGUMENT in your essay.
Critical Context
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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.
Examples of Critical Context
Top Four Critical
Contexts:
1. Academic
2. Social
3. Economic
4. Political
Other Common Contexts
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Environmental
Vocational/Career
Global
Ethical
Moral
Recreational
Personal
Historical
Agricultural
Legal
Opposing Argument
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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.
Before you write….
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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.
Begin to write……
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Add a title to the top of the page.
INTRODUCTION
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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.
Keep writing……
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Focus on 2 body paragraphs, one per argument.
Use specific details in each paragraph. Go as indepth 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.
And writing……
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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!
And writing…..
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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.
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