Fiveable's ACT Writing Section Overview: What's On It?

Finally, you've completed the four multiple-choice sections of the ACT! 🥳💯 Some students may be finished with the exam at this point, but if you signed up for the optional ACT writing section, you would take it at this time. So what does this section of the exam entail, and how can we ace it? Let's find out! 💡

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📚 Logistics and Content

As previously mentioned, the ACT writing section is optional; you will only take it if you register for the ACT with writing. This section happens after the four multiple-choice sections (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science). However, unlike the other sections of the exam, this section is not multiple-choice, and your score for the writing section will not impact your Composite score. ✏️

The writing section of the ACT involves a 40-minute timed essay. ✍🏽 This essay is a test of the writing skills you've learned throughout English classes in high school, as well as knowledge that would be taught in introductory college English classes.

📖 The Essay Prompt

In this section, you will be given one writing prompt that surrounds a complex issue 🌎, as well as three different perspectives on said issue. Your goal for writing the essay is to craft and build your own perspective on this complex issue after carefully considering the prompt! 💬 There will be a few planning questions provided to help you spark some ideas (but do know that these planning questions are optional and not scored).

In addition to developing your own perspective, you must also evaluate how your perspective relates to one or more other perspectives. It's important to note that you can either create a completely new and different perspective OR adopt one of the prompt's given perspectives as your own. 🚨 And don't worry, your opinion on the issue will not impact your score on this section! 🤝

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📝 Scoring

You will receive five scores for the ACT's writing section:

• • One single subject-level writing score (scale ranges from 2–12)
• • Four scores for each writing domain (based on a scoring rubric) Let's take a deeper dive into the four writing domains you'll be scored on. 🤔

📖 The Four Writing Domains

Ideas and Analysis

When it comes to this domain, you'll be scored based on your ability to come up with valuable ideas and think critically about the various perspectives on the prompt's given issue. 

You will really need to understand the topic at hand, why you're writing about it, and who you're writing for. You should be able to generate ideas that are relevant to the specific situation at hand. So, just make sure you're able to generate productive ideas and engage with different viewpoints in a thoughtful and insightful way! 🤩

Development and Support

In this domain, you'll be scored based on how well you can analyze ideas, provide reasons, and strengthen your arguments. You'll succeed if you explain and delve into your ideas, discuss the potential consequences, and support them with relevant examples. 

It's also always good to make sure to help the reader comprehend their thought process regarding the issue at hand. It's all about effectively communicating your ideas, offering logical reasoning, and painting a clear picture for the reader. 🧠

Organization

Here, your scores reflect how well you can structure and present your ideas in a clear and purposeful manner. After all, organizational choices play a vital role in achieving effective writing! If you arrange your essay skillfully, it's less likely that your audience will get confused while reading. 

Those who perform well in this domain organize their essays to connect various ideas and guide the reader through their logic. 🗣 The goal is to create a well-organized piece that facilitates understanding and ensures a smooth flow of thoughts for the reader. So, it's all about organizing your ideas in a logical and coherent manner, keeping the reader engaged throughout the essay. 📚

Language Use and Conventions

In this particular domain, you'll be scored based on how well you use written language to clearly convey your arguments. Follow the rules of grammar, structure sentences effectively, choose appropriate words, and use proper punctuation and spelling. 

Also, don't forget to consider your readers, adjusting your style and tone to effectively connect with and engage your audience! Overall, make sure to express your ideas clearly and convincingly using written language. ✍🏽

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💡 Tips and Tricks

Need some advice for this section? We got you covered! 🥳

🧠 Tip #1: Use your time wisely!

Remember, this section is only 40 minutes long. You likely won't have time to go through an excessively thorough essay process. Try using your prior experience with timed essay tests to gauge how much time you should allocate to each part of your process.

📝 Tip #2: Outline and plan, plan, plan!

Before you even start to write, you need to set up a game plan for your essay. Here are a few steps you can take:

• • Understand: Understand your task, the issue, and its perspectives.
• • Consider Using Planning Questions: You can use the planning questions provided to prompt your critical thinking and develop your perspective.
• • Outline: Structure your response before you begin to write the final copy! This will ensure that you are effectively organizing your ideas.

🤩 Tip #3: Write with conviction!

To write with conviction, you need to make sure that your essay is focused, your argument is clear, and your reasoning is adequately supported with examples. Also make it clear why your ideas are significant and have important implications.

Throughout your essay-writing process, it's important that your logical reasoning and word choice remains strong and sound.

🤔 Tip #4: Review your essay! 

After writing your essay, make sure it is as top-notch as possible with your remaining time. Fix mistakes, recopy words that are difficult to read, and revise neatly. Make sure you are not writing in the margins.

💯 Tip #5: Practice makes perfect! 

Before exam day, you want to prepare sufficiently beforehand to make sure you feel confident when the actual test rolls around! Here are some things you can do to practice:

• • Stay informed: Read/watch the news, listen to debates, tune into the radio, etc. 📰 While you absorb other perspectives, consider your own and how they relate.
• • Write with varying purposes: Writing with different purposes (such as personal journals, essays, stories, editorials, etc.) will prepare you to tackle any prompt that you encounter. ✍🏽
• • Time your writing: Take the practice ACT writing test to see if you need to brush up on any timed-writing skills! ⏰

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🤩Conclusion

Ultimately, as long as you prepare for the ACT writing section and know what writing domains to focus on, you will be able to feel your best on test day. Feel free to use this guide as a reference while you build your writing skills! You'll accumulate knowledge that you'll be able to use on the ACT writing section and beyond. 🥳