How To Write An ACT Essay Step-By-Step
How To Write An ACT Essay Step-By-Step
So, you’re in the room. No multiple choices, no safety nets, just you and a prompt you have to turn into an essay in less than an hour. If that sounds stressful to you, let us take some weight off of your shoulders: writing a great essay only requires a well-thought-out strategy that you follow religiously. So, let’s break the entire thing down into manageable steps. We promise you, it won’t seem as scary afterward.
Understand the Prompt
You would never jump into an argument without actually knowing what you’re arguing about. The same rule applies here, too. Each ACT prompt gives you a controversial issue, different perspectives, and a question that basically asks, ‘Where do you stand?’
Before you start developing your arguments and writing the text, you should:
Read the prompt carefully. Don’t just skim through it! Misunderstanding the prompt will mess up your whole essay.
Figure out the big debate. Find the core issue at hand and decide what your thoughts are.
Understand the perspectives. You don’t necessarily have to agree with them, but you can’t write the essay task without understanding what they’re saying.
Decide Where You Stand
The ACT isn’t there just to test how good your writing abilities are or if you can handle sentence structure. This section lets the admissions officers know whether you can form a logical argument based on your own perspective.
Pick a side (or find a middle ground). You can fully a gree with one perspective, mix a couple together, or come up with your own take.
Make sure it’s defendable. Here’s a pro tip: you don’t have to choose what you personally believe. If you can’t back up your arguments with real examples, you should rethink your position. Just go with the point you can defend the best.
Be clear and confident. Don’t jump around different opinions, it will make you sound like you don’t know where you stand. Pick a stance and own it.
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Find Arguments and Evidence
Now that you know which side you’re defending in your ACT essay, you need to start building your case. Sit down and brainstorm how you’ll back up your arguments and where you’ll find credible sources.
Real-world examples. Dig into historical parallels, current events, and science. You can even visit pop culture to find relevant examples.
Personal experience. You can absolutely use a relevant personal story, if you have one. Just make sure it stays on topic.
Common sense. If you know how to craft a well-explained argument, some logical reasoning can be just as strong as a historical fact.
Plan Before You Write
Think outlining is just extra work? Think again! It might feel like you’re just wasting time, but a proper outline is like a GPS; a roadmap ensures you don’t get lost halfway through. Following these simple steps will save you a ton of time when you actually start writing:
Decide on your thesis. Your thesis is your main argument. The entire essay should support it, so choose wisely.
Plan your body paragraphs. Each separate paragraph should focus on only one argument with supporting evidence.
Plan where to address counterarguments. Decide where you can acknowledge the other side the best.
Write a Gripping Intro
Your introductory paragraph is the first impression, so you have to make it count. A robotic intro is an instant red flag for the grader. Fluff and filler will make them want to just stop reading. Shortly put, you have one chance to pull the reader in, and you have to do everything to get it done:
Start with something engaging. A shocking fact or a statistic, a bold statement, or a thought-provoking question will keep the reader on their toes from the very first sentence.
Give insightful context. Give a brief overview of the issue in the writing prompt and summarize the perspectives.
Clearly state your thesis. The grader should know exactly where you stand and what to expect by the end of your intro.
Build Strong Body Paragraphs
The first body paragraph is where you start actually proving your point. Each paragraph should focus on only one argument and back it up with solid evidence. If your grader has to guess what you’re saying, that’s not a good sign, so keep the text logical and to the point. Here’s how to structure your body paragraphs:
Start with a clear topic sentence. The grader should know what the paragraph will cover from the first sentence.
Back it up with evidence. Don’t forget to support each one of your arguments with facts, examples, or skillful reasoning.
Explain why it matters. You shouldn’t just list the points and sources. Connect the dots; how do these examples prove your thesis?
Address counterarguments when needed. You can use another perspective to further strengthen your point. If the given arguments make sense, you should acknowledge them, but then explain why your argument is stronger.
Wrap It Up
You’ve made your case; now it’s time to wrap your argumentative essay up and make a final point. You can write the most coherent essay, but if the conclusion is weak, it will make the entire thing feel unfinished. So, don’t just rewrite the intro in different words and call it a day. And whatever you do, don’t introduce any new arguments in the concluding paragraph. Instead:
Restate your thesis. Reinforce your ideas once more in a fresh way and show that the arguments have been fully developed.
Summarize your strongest points. No need to rewrite everything. Just a quick recap will suffice.
End with something memorable. Any essay should leave the reader with something to think about. Think about a powerful final sentence, maybe an open-ended question, a bold statement, or even a call to action.
A powerful final sentence leaves a lasting impression. Maybe a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a bold statement.
