ACT Essay
ACT Impromptu Essay Guide
Summer Reading Edition
Step 1 – Organization
Brainstorm (about 5 minutes)
 Read the entire question
 break down the question into exactly what it is asking (AQA – answer question asked)
 Write down a clearly developed thesis (make sure the thesis answers the question why? and
is argumentative)
 Write down your three main points and three examples to support your thesis.
Step 2 – Writing
Begin writing your essay (25 minutes)
 Start with the introduction
 Present a formal opening paragraph:
 Title (not underlined or in quotes)
 General Hook/Lead-in statement – Establish the issue (and
present novel summary with novel and author)
 Present Thesis from Step 1
 Preview your three reasons and/or examples in your introduction
 Move to the body of your essay
 Give your paragraphs an opening transition -IE: “The first way _______ is
seen is when…”
 State the reason/example one to explain why thesis is true
 Present example from the story first
 Examples should be detailed
 Examples should prove your understanding of your novel
 Examples should NOT just be a summary of the whole book
 Explain significance of example - make sure to connect to thesis – This is
several sentences long!
 Write your conclusion
 Restate thesis in different words!
 Wrap up all points from body paragraphs individually
 Leave reader thinking about the theme of the impromptu
DO and DO NOT
DO – Write clearly and concisely.
DO – Write legibly.
DO – Provide support for your claims.
DO – follow the same general guidelines for a formal essay.
DO – Remember to breathe. This is simply a writing assignment. 
DO NOT - End body paragraphs with a quotation or an example – explain what the quotation or
example shows and then wrap up the paragraph.
DO NOT - Ask questions – answer them yourself; remember you are trying to prove something to
the reader, not sound uncertain.
DO NOT – Worry. Writing an impromptu essay is not very different than writing the types of
essays you have always written for school.