Pro Tips for Writing a Strong ACT Essay
Pro Tips for Writing a Strong ACT Essay
The ACT writing task tests your abilities to analyze multiple perspectives and share your own perspective on controversial issues under time pressure. Reading sample essays and analyzing different prompts can help you make better sense of the exam, but we still decided to give you some additional tips to help you work smarter.
Practice with a Purpose. Random essays won’t improve
your skills. It’s always better to read real sample essays, use ACT prompts, and time yourself so you get used to the pressure. Once you’re done, review your work. Ask yourself: were your arguments strong? Did you stay on topic?
Plan Before You Write. You’ll risk losing your train of thought halfway through the essay task if you dive in without having a proper plan. Take your time to figure out your thesis and outline your body paragraphs. Brainstorm and jot down any examples (and evidence!) you want to use.
Don’t Obsess Over Grammar. This isn’t a grammar test. While proper punctuation and sentence structure are important, ACT is, after all, a persuasion test. Focus on making your ideas clear and easy to follow; flawless grammar won’t save you from a weak argument.
Keep Up with Common Topics. You’ll never know what exactly to expect from your writing prompts, but they usually cover the big questions. Having a general sense of current debates in technology, education, etc. will help you think faster.
ACT Essay Examples
Check out the two sample essays below; reading the actual test examples will do way more for you than reading through tens of pages of advice. Just don’t forget to analyze them; pinpoint the strengths that the response exhibits and think about what could be improved.
Learn how to write a diversity essay while you’re at it! Talking about your unique background and how it helped shape who you are as a person today will go hand-in-hand with your high ACT score so you can impress even the pickiest admissions officers.
Should We Limit the Power of Influencers?
Are Traditional Libraries Still Necessary?
You’re Ready To Write!
If you think about it, writing an essay in 40 minutes isn’t exactly a relaxing way to spend your morning. But it’s not really all that terrifying as it seems before the test day. The ACT writing test won’t be a nightmare if you have the right game plan.
Time is tight, but manageable. You’ve got less than an hour to plan, write, and edit. Make every one of those 40 minutes count.
It’s optional, but not really. Some colleges require it, but even if they don’t, a strong essay score can set you apart from other applicants.
Mind the four domain scores: Ideas & Analysis, Development & Support, Organization, and Language Use.
Preparation is your secret weapon. Read sample essays, time yourself while you write, and analyze different perspectives. Get comfortable with the ACT strategies.
Structure matters. A coherent essay needs proper structure to keep you on track. Pay attention that your essay has a strong introduction, clear body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
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