act essay writing tips

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ACT Writing Test Tips

Writing test-taking tips:.

• Budget your time . Determine how much time you will spend on planning, writing, and reviewing. Be ready to write directly from your outline since it is unlikely that you will have time to draft, review, and recopy your essay.
• Understand the prompt . Before writing, carefully read and consider the prompt. Be sure you understand the issue, the different perspectives, and your task. 
• Use the planning questions . Planning questions are included with the prompt and can help you analyze the different perspectives. Use these questions to think critically about the prompt and generate an effective response. (Planning questions are optional and not scored.) 
• Structure your essay . Use the planning space in your test booklet to structure or outline your response before writing. 
• Establish focus . Establish the focus of your essay by making your argument clear with organized ideas.  
• Support your argument . Explain and illustrate your ideas with sound reasoning and meaningful examples. Discuss the significance of your ideas. Show why your argument is important to consider. 
• Choose your words wisely . Use words that accurately and clearly communicate your ideas.  
• Check for errors.  Take a few minutes before time is called to read over your essay and correct any mistakes. If you find words that are hard to read, rewrite them. 

Eliminating Wordiness

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• An overview of the ACT test and what to expect on test day
• A full-length practice ACT test (including writing prompt)
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Are you taking the ACT with Writing? No need to stress! The ACT essay follows a predictable format, which means you can practice and prepare beforehand. Take a look at a sample ACT writing prompt and learn five key steps to penning a high-scoring essay.

Keep in mind: The ACT writing essay is optional. Currently, only 27 colleges and universities require the ACT with Writing. You can see the complete list  here . If there is any chance that you might apply to one of those schools, you should register for the ACT with Writing. Not sure where you will apply? You should strongly consider signing up for the essay and keep your options open.

ACT with Writing: Sample Prompt

This example writing prompt comes straight from our book ACT Prep :

Education and the Workplace

Many colleges and universities have cut their humanities departments, and high schools have started to shift their attention much more definitively toward STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and away from ELA (English, Language Arts). Representatives from both school boards and government organizations suggest that the move toward STEM is necessary in helping students to participate in a meaningful way in the American workplace. Given the urgency of this debate for the future of education and society as a whole, it is worth examining the potential consequences of this shift in how students are educated in the United States.

Read and carefully consider these perspectives. Each suggests a particular way of thinking about the shift in American education.

Write a unified, coherent essay in which you evaluate multiple perspectives on the issue of how schools should balance STEM and ELA subjects. In your essay, be sure to:

• analyze and evaluate the perspectives given
• state and develop your own perspective on the issue
• explain the relationship between your perspective and those given

Your perspective may be in full agreement with any of the others, in partial agreement, or wholly different. Whatever the case, support your ideas with logical reasoning and detailed, persuasive examples.

How to Write the ACT Essay

Your job is to write an essay in which you take some sort of position on the prompt, all while assessing the three perspectives provided in the boxes. Find a way to anchor your essay with a unique perspective of your own that can be defended and debated, and you are already in the upper echelon of scorers.

Step 1: Work the Prompt

What in the prompt requires you to weigh in? Why is this issue still the subject of debate and not a done deal?

Step 2: Work the Perspectives

Typically, the three perspectives will be split: one for , one against , and one in the middle . Your goal in Step 2 is to figure out where each perspective stands and then identify at least one shortcoming of each perspective. For the example above, ask yourself: 

• What does each perspective consider?
• What does each perspective overlook?

Read More: What's a Good ACT Score?

Step 3: Generate Your Own Perspective

Now it's time to come up with your own perspective! If you merely restate one of the three given perspectives, you won’t be able to get into the highest scoring ranges. You’ll draw from each of the perspectives, and you may side with one of them, but your perspective should have something unique about it.

Step 4: Put It All Together

Now that you have your ideas in order, here's a blueprint for how to organize the ACT essay. This blueprint works no matter what your prompt is.

Step 5: (If There's Time): Proofread

Spend one or two minutes on proofreading your essay if you have time. You’re looking for big, glaring errors. If you find one, erase it completely or cross it out neatly. Though neatness doesn’t necessarily affect your grade, it does make for a happy grader.

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Fiveable's ACT Writing: Essay Tips and Tricks

5 min read • june 18, 2024

Sonia Sohail

What is the ACT Essay Section?

The ACT Essay section is an optional section, where you have to write an essay in 40 minutes. You are given three perspectives on a topic, and must form your own perspective and write about it. It's graded on a scale of 2-12 points, with the criteria:

💡 Ideas and Analysis: Establish relevant ideas in your essay and address multiple perspectives.

🗻 Development and Support: Explain your ideas, provide examples, and help the reader understand your perspective.

📂 Organization: Organize your ideas, transition between different points, and write with clarity.

💬 Language Use: Adjust your tone and style; use proper grammar, word usage, and mechanics.

Here's a link to the official ACT rubric. It may seem impossible to write a full essay in 40 minutes, but hopefully, these tips will save you some time! 🤗

❌ Don't Stress Over Grammar

Surprisingly, the ACT graders aren't super strict on grammar. The official ACT rubric states that minor grammatical errors are okay as long as it doesn't affect the clarity of your essay . Of course, this doesn't mean you should completely disregard grammar and focus all of your attention on the content of your essay. Try your best to spell everything right, use proper punctuation, and use words correctly in context. However, it's okay if you have a minor spelling error here and there.

✍ Practice, Practice, Practice!

The best way to maximize your score on the ACT essay portion is to practice writing as much as possible . You don't even have to use sample ACT essay prompts all the time! FRQs (free-response questions) from any AP Histories help a lot because they require you to form an argument and back up your claim. Using generic argumentative essay prompts helps too. The point is, when you or someone else reads your final essay, you can identify your weaknesses and focus on them next time you practice . For example, maybe your friend read your essay and couldn't understand what your perspective on the topic was. Next time you write, you can focus on establishing a better thesis that solidly states your view on the topic. Continuously practicing also helps with time management during the real test. 📚

⌚ Plan Ahead

Some people start writing as soon as the ⏰ starts ticking, and it's usually to save time. However, planning what you're going to write before you actually start is so, so important and tends to save more time than when you don't plan. Organization is a section on the ACT rubric, and if you plan as you go, your essay probably won't be as organized as it could be. Here are some organizational tips:

Write your thesis out 🖊. If you don't have a solid thesis, no matter how well you write, you can't score well. Your entire essay is centered around your thesis, and it establishes your perspective on a topic. Without this key piece, the reader will be lost. Here is a good thesis template:

Write out your reasoning and counterargument 🖊. The structure for a solid argumentative essay tends to be the following: introduction (thesis), body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2, counterargument, body paragraph 3 (the strongest point), and conclusion. Many people put the counterargument right before the conclusion, but putting it before your last body paragraph really helps emphasize your perspective and strengthens your essay. Also, before you start writing, come up with 3 supporting reasons and a counterargument. That way, you can organize your essay and make transitions easier. Here's an outline to help you out:

Introduction: hook ➡ thesis ➡ transition

Body 1: reason 1 ➡ evidence ➡ explanation ➡ transition

Body 2: reason 2 ➡ evidence ➡ explanation ➡ transition

Counterargument: address other side ➡ explain ➡ refute claim ➡ evidence ➡ explanation ➡ transition

Body 3: reason 3 ➡ evidence ➡ explanation ➡ transition

Conclusion: restate thesis ➡ call to action (what should the reader take away from this?)

✔ Understand and Use Literary Devices

Engaging the reader is very important when it comes to writing. To do so, there are two specific things to focus on: sentence variation and word choice . A great way to establish both of these in your writing is to use literary devices. This includes things like alliteration, allusion, similes, metaphors, rhetoric, and more. A really good example of this is a line from "Venus and Adonis" by Shakespeare: "Vexed as the sea, seducing sights their vow." This alliteration sounds both smooth and flowy, like the 🌊, because of the repeated s sound and the words being used. Of course, something like this probably won't be used in an argumentative essay, but this shows the impact of using literary devices in your writing. It adds variation, engages the reader, and can help set the tone for your essay. 💐

Advanced vocabulary is great to use in writing, and the best way to strengthen your vocabulary is by reading ! Reading any sort of published works, like poems, newspapers, and books can help with grammar, structure, literary devices, and most importantly, the words you read. It's important to keep in mind that you should only use more advanced vocabulary when it helps with conciseness or getting your point across; don't use them everywhere to try to sound more sophisticated because it may confuse the reader and make it harder to read.

Reading Recommendations:

Classics ( To Kill a Mockingbird, Macbeth, Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby ) 📔

Political news : This website has many controversial and daily issues that are covered by all political sides. It shows how to back your opinion up with evidence persuasively. 📰

Scientific articles : Shows how evidence is used to back up a claim. There's also a lot of new vocabulary. 🧪

You got this. Your score doesn't define your worth. All that matters is you tried your best and put as much effort as you could into preparing. Keep practicing and have fun! 😎

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Essay Writing Practice and Prompts for the ACT

The ACT writing test is an optional exam, and is not always given as part of the ACT. The writing test is used to evaluate your ability to complete a piece that is on par with skills taught in either high school or entry-level college courses.

Type of Essay

The ACT writing exam requires you to offer something of a compare/contrast . The prompt provides three different perspectives on any given subject, and in your response, you are required to either identify the similarities and differences between two of the perspectives listed, or your own perspective and one of the perspectives listed. Within the time limit set, you are required to complete at least one form of comparison between two perspectives. The essay is not required to be of any particular length , provided that you fulfill the requirements contained in the prompt.

Type of Prompt

The ACT prompt is a single prompt, followed by three different perspectives about the information presented. These perspectives are given to provide a possible starting point for test-takers, if you are not sure what “side” you want to be on. You have the option of choosing one of the available perspectives to write your essay on, or coming up with your own unique take on the subject.

Before you begin planning and writing your essay, make sure you read through the entire paragraph and each of the opinions to find the opinion you feel most comfortable writing about. You will have** 40 minutes** to plan and write your essay, so be sure to get started as soon as you are finished reading through the prompts. You will be required to lay your pencil and booklet down the moment 40 minutes is up, so make sure you are making good use of your time and working to keep your responses at or under 40 minutes.

How It Is Scored

The exam has four separate scores of 2-12 , grading on Ideas and Analysis , Development and Support , Organization , and Language and Conventions , and a fifth composite score (the final score), that combines each of the aforementioned four scores for a total final score. Essays are read by two readers trained to evaluate essays, who score the essays according to the 2-12 scale. You can learn more about the essay by reading the ACT Preparation Guide .

Writing Your Essay

Plan and write an essay that is unified and coherent. As you write, be careful to:

State your opinion on the topic clearly and compare and contrast it to at least one of the three positions stated above.

Use examples and reasoning to support and develop your position.

Be sure to organize your writing in a clear and logical way.

Use the principles of standard written English to communicate effectively.

You may agree with, disagree with, or think completely differently from any of the given opinions.

Sample Prompts to Practice

Celebrations in School

Schools are known for having exciting activities and fun school days throughout the year in order to keep students engaged and inject a bit of fun into the task of learning day in and day out. Some of the more common days schools celebrate include crazy hair day, pajama day, and special holiday, week-long celebrations, in which parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to wear certain clothing items, bring certain objects into school, or engage in specific activities as a means of celebrating. Although these games, activities, and parties are typically seen as simple, fun, and safe, they do have the potential to place some children in an awkward situation, should their parents be unable to purchase items for parties, not have time to concoct elaborate hairstyles, or be unable to contribute to a class party. Is school an appropriate place for these types of activities and celebrations?

Ethics in Coffee

Baristas are known for delivering rich, delicious coffee and tea to their patrons, and many people have used a barista job as a part-time gig while in high school or college, or continue to love the atmosphere and culture of coffee shops well into adulthood. Despite the tendency of coffee to seem sophisticated or more adult, many of these coffee shops offer drinks that boast sugar and calorie content rivaling that of soda and other drinks that are known to be unhealthy. Should coffee shops be offering drinks that deliver as much as \(\frac{1}{4}\) to \(\frac{1}{3}\) of a person’s total calorie needs in one day, or is offering such high-calorie, highly-sweetened drinks unethical for unsuspecting customers?

Phones and Connection

There have been many articles and op-ed pieces about the lack of connection caused by everyone staring at their phones rather than engaging in face-to-face communication and being present with one another. Once considered an issue almost exclusively relegated to teenagers and college students, being glued to a screen is seen everywhere, from pre-teens to grandparents happily learning the ropes of social media. Are screens truly separating families and friends, or is much of the hype and concern regarding screen use excessive or ill-conceived?

Keep Reading

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Welcome back

Let's continue studying where you left off.

Everything You Need to Know About ACT Writing

The ACT Writing test, or essay section, tests your ability to read different perspectives on a topic and present your own opinion in writing. It’s the optional last section of the exam, meaning that you don’t have to take it if you don’t want to–although there are many colleges and universities that require or recommend it for admissions. Here’s what you need to know about ACT Writing in a nutshell!

What is the ACT Writing section?

Here are the need-to-know facts about the ACT Writing section :

• It’s a 40-minute test to complete with pencil and paper
• You’ll get one essay prompt about a debatable topic and three different perspectives on it
• evaluate the three different perspectives
• present your own perspective (which may agree in part or in full with any of the provided viewpoints)
• explain the relationship between your viewpoint and the provided ones.

Do I have to take ACT Writing?

Nope! It’s not a required part of the exam. You can think of it as an add-on that, yes, also costs a little bit more. But whether the test requires the essay and whether colleges do are two separate issues. While you can submit the ACT without writing to many colleges and universities, others (including most super-competitive colleges) will ask you for it. Because the list of which colleges require ACT writing is constantly changing, it’s best to check with the individual schools you’re thinking of applying to before you register.

With that said, some students do take the exam before they know where they’ll be applying to college. So in this case, is it better to do the ACT test with or without writing? If you’re really uncertain, take it with writing. This will ensure that you don’t have to go back to the test center because you’ve decided to apply to a college that does require it in a few months! Yes, it requires some extra prep–but it’s worth it to keep your options open.

How does ACT Writing scoring work?

If you’ve been prepping for the ACT overall, you’re probably very (overly?) familiar with the 1-36 scoring scale by now. But this isn’t how the ACT essay is scored! Because it’s not a multiple-choice section, the essay has its own unique scoring. Take a look!

How ACT Writing Is Scored

The writing portion of the ACT is scored by two graders, each of whom will assign you a writing score of 1 to 6 on four different writing “domains.” These domains include:

• Ideas and Analysis: does your thesis statement and writing examine the implications of the issue with clarity and nuance?
• Development and Support: do you use well-developed and specific examples to support your thesis?
• Organization: does your essay have a strong structure and a logical flow?
• Language Use and Conventions: do you use correct grammar, word usage, mechanics, punctuation, and sentence structures?

Your total points added up between these two graders are converted from these domain scores to a scaled score of 2 to 12, which is the final score you will see on your score report.

Getting Your ACT Writing Scores

So you’ve done it! You sat down, you wrote your essay…now what? When will ACT Writing scores be available? Well, you’ll get your multiple-choice scores in around two weeks, and you’ll get your ACT Writing scores (and full score report) about two weeks after that. So anticipate waiting around a month to get the total view of how you did on the ACT essay.

Can ACT Writing hurt your score?

No! Not, that is, if you’re talking about the composite ACT score on the 1-36 scale. This is an average of your 1-36 scores in each of the four multiple-choice sections (Reading, Math, English, and Science). It doesn’t take your essay score into account. In other words–does the ACT writing score affect composite scores? It doesn’t.

With that said, the essay score will affect your ELA subscore on the exam. (You can see what this looks like on a score report here .) But colleges and universities are far more interested in your sectional and composite scores.

What essay score is good?

Generally, an 8+ is an excellent ACT Writing score , but it depends on where you’re applying. Ivy-League-bound students should aim for 9 or above !

Can ACT Writing be superscored?

Nope! The ACT superscore is a way of combining your highest multiple-choice scores from different sections and different test dates to give you the highest possible combination. But it only affects your composite score . Because the essay isn’t part of your composite score, it’s not part of the superscore, either.

What happens if I mess up on the writing section?

If you’re wondering if you can cancel the section after they’ve taken it, unfortunately, the answer is no. Once you’ve written the essay, your score will appear on your score report. But if you change your mind about taking the writing section of the ACT, you can cancel it before you get into the testing room.

If you feel that you didn’t do your best, or you get a lower score than you’d like, can you retake ACT Writing? Definitely! But for the moment, ACT sectional retesting is on hold—and it may or may not include the ACT writing test being taken separately. To retake ACT Writing, in other words, you’ll need to retake the entire exam…for now.

How to Improve Your Writing Score

So how do you boost your ACT essay score? Take a look at these tips!

✅ Practice planning and writing essays on practice ACT essay prompts. Although writing full essays (preferably as part of ACT practice tests ) is the best practice, ten-minute outlining sessions in which you plan out your essay (like you will do on the test) can go a long way in helping you learn how to quickly generate and organize your ideas.

✅ If grammar is not your strong suit, check out our post on ACT grammar rules . Not only will this help you improve your grammar for the ACT essay, but it also will help you with the ACT English section !

✅ Share your writing with the strong writers you know and get feedback from them. Have them score your practice essays using the ACT rubric .

✅ Review the sample essays on actstudent.org so that you can get a sense of what kinds of essays get which scores. This can be incredibly helpful!

✅ Learn about current events and form your own opinions on them. Engage in lively debates with your friends and family so that you can practice supporting your opinions and anticipating opposing arguments!

Want even more? Read Your Magical Guide to Scoring a Perfect 12 on the ACT Essay , which will guide you through all the basics (if you’re a beginner) and how to improve your score (if you’ve already taken the test). There, you will find lots more writing tips and strategies that will help you show the ACT Writing test who’s boss. Happy Studying!

Rachel is a Magoosh Content Creator. She writes and updates content on our High School and GRE Blogs to ensure students are equipped with the best information during their test prep journey. As a test-prep instructor for more than five years in there different countries, Rachel has helped students around the world prepare for various standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT, and she is one of the authors of our Magoosh ACT Prep Book . Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Brown University, an MA in Cinematography from the Université de Paris VII, and a Ph.D. in Film Studies from University College London. For over a decade, Rachel has honed her craft as a fiction and memoir writer and public speaker. Her novel, THE BALLERINAS , is forthcoming in December 2021 from St. Martin’s Press , while her memoir, GRADUATES IN WONDERLAND , co-written with Jessica Pan, was published in 2014 by Penguin Random House. Her work has appeared in over a dozen online and print publications, including Vanity Fair Hollywood. When she isn’t strategically stringing words together at Magoosh, you can find Rachel riding horses or with her nose in a book. Join her on Twitter , Instagram , or Facebook !

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ACT Essay Template and Sample

Act essay template.

¶1: Introductory Paragraph

• Introductory statement

¶2: First Body Paragraph

• Describe your thesis
• Provide 1st example/reasoning: include specific, relevant information

¶3: Second Body Paragraph

• Continue supporting your thesis
• Provide 2nd example/reasoning: include specific, relevant information

If you are running out of time, don’t write a 2nd body paragraph. Instead, take the time to write a thorough 3rd body paragraph and a clear conclusion  paragraph.

¶4: Third Body Paragraph

• Explain how your thesis compares and contrasts with Perspectives One, Two, and/or Three
• Strengths/Weaknesses of the perspective(s)
• Insights offered / Insights not considered
• Persuasive / Not persuasive
• Example or reasoning: provide specific, relevant information

¶5: Conclusion Paragraph

• Recap your thesis
• Recap how your thesis compares and contrasts with Perspectives One, Two, and/or Three

Sample Prompt

Bilingual Accreditation

While the most common language in the United States is English, it’s certainly not the only language in which Americans communicate. In fact, bilingual fluency is highly desirable in many professions, including business, education, and medicine. In an effort to ready students for success in their future careers, some high schools may consider instituting programs that would offer bilingual accreditation to students who successfully complete a significant portion of their schooling in a language other than English. Because bilingual certification is not a necessary component of traditional education, should schools be  expected to explore this option for interested students? As American high schools aim to remain competitive as measured by increasingly rigorous international education standards, innovative programs such as bilingual certification may prove to be essential.

Read and carefully consider these perspectives. Each discusses relevant aspects of offering bilingual accreditation.

  Perspective One: Schools should encourage bilingual fluency but should not be expected to offer special classes  or programs. School administrators need to work on strengthening the existing curriculum rather than overcomplicating instruction by attempting to incorporate additional programs that do not reinforce traditional education.

Perspective Two:  Offering bilingual accreditation weakens the core of high school curriculum. A large enough portion of the student population already struggles to maintain passing grades when taught in English, and adding other languages would likely add to that number.

Perspective Three:  Bilingual accreditation should be offered, but it needs to be thoughtfully implemented. Courses taught in languages other than English need to be carefully selected to ensure that this program does not affect the integrity of the high school diploma.

Sample Essay Using the Prompt

Essay outline.

• Thesis:  Schools should offer bilingual accreditation as long as courses offered in languages other than English are carefully selected.

¶2: First body paragraph

• Describe your thesis:   All classes need to be carefully selected so scheduling bilingual offerings is not an additional burden for school administrators.
• Provide first example/reasoning: include specific, relevant information— Even if core classes are given in two languages, all students still study the core curriculum and preserve the integrity of the diploma.

¶3: Second Body Paragraph

• Continue supporting your thesis:   Offering bilingual accreditation provides an opportunity for schools to offer non-traditional classes for all students .
• Provide second example/reasoning: include specific, relevant information— Every dollar spent to accommodate bilingual education should be matched with equal funding for other types of educational enrichment such as STEM training and career-oriented electives.

¶4: Third Body Paragraph

• Explain how your thesis compares and contrasts with Perspectives One, Two, and/or Three:   The first perspective argues that schools should encourage bilingual fluency but not add any bilingual classes, which is in direct contrast to Perspective Three.
• Strengths/Weaknesses of the perspective(s):   Perspective One doesn’t take into account that making the existing curriculum better often means adding additional classes, which bilingual accreditation would accomplish.
• Persuasive / Not persuasive:   The argument simply says that these classes would only be for interested students, so it doesn’t affect everyone.
• Example or Reasoning: provide specific, relevant information— Most of the world uses English as a second language, and many people speak at least two languages, so to stay competitive, U.S. students should also be fluent in two languages.
• Recap your thesis:   I fully support perspective three because it opens up possibilities for all students without denying anyone a full high school curriculum leading to a meaningful diploma.
• Recap how your thesis compares and contrasts with Perspectives One, Two, and/or Three:   Recognizing the benefits of being bilingual, and making bilingual courses available but optional, is the best of both worlds.

Final Essay

               In today’s world where international education standards are very high and the U.S.  needs to remain competitive, educators are looking for ways to enhance high school curriculum.  One way is offering classes in languages other than English. Some people think that  schools should provide enough education in a different language for students to be certified  as bilingual. Others think this will weaken the curriculum. Still others think the accreditation  should be offered but carefully administered so that graduation from that school would  indicate the completed high school curriculum, and this is the option I agree with. I would  further argue that schools should not only carefully implement bilingual programs to suit  students who want to become fluent in two languages, but also provide supplemental non- traditional courses for students pursuing their entire education in English.

              The third perspective posits that while students should be given the opportunity to  learn in other languages and be accredited as bilingual, the courses given need to be carefully  selected. In reality, all classes need to be carefully selected so this is not a problem  for bilingual classes. And if the classes selected were all optional, not required, it would not  affect students who still want to learn everything in English. Since core classes might be  given in two languages, and students select which one they want, all students still study the core curriculum and preserve the integrity of the diploma. Schools have always taught  languages in high school so a French or Spanish course taught as a bilingual class makes  perfect sense. Bilingual classes are also advantageous for students who do well and want  to challenge themselves. So a French literature class can be taught in French while students  read in French also.

             As schools work to accommodate students who wish to pursue a bilingual education,  administrators must keep in mind that students who do not want an additional bilingual  accreditation should still have every opportunity to excel as they work toward their high  school diplomas. Every dollar spent to accommodate bilingual education should be matched  with equal funding for other types of educational enrichment such as STEM training and  career-oriented electives. That way, every student can benefit from classes that go beyond  traditional education, whether the classes concentrate on language, science, technology,  engineering, mathematics, or future careers. Given the rigorous demands of the current job  climate, students will greatly benefit from any additional marketable skills that they can  acquire during their high school careers.

              The first perspective argues that schools should encourage bilingual fluency but not  add any bilingual classes, which is in direct contrast to my position. Instead, the school  administrators should make the existing curriculum better so that traditional education is  really good. Certainly a high school curriculum should be as good as it can be and we should  always be looking for ways to make it better. That often means adding new courses. For instance, computer courses didn’t exist a few years ago, but they are in schools now because  it’s important for people to be able to use computers. It’s the same thing with bilingual  courses. Most of the world uses English as a second language, and many people speak at  least two languages. So it’s only right that to stay competitive, U.S. students should also  be fluent in two languages; this is particularly important in careers that require international  work. Also, the argument simply says that these classes would only be for interested  students, so it doesn’t affect everyone. And finally, how can the schools encourage bilingual  fluency if they don’t provide a place for students to practice another language?

              Being bilingual in a world with international interaction can’t help but be useful. I fully  support perspective three because it opens up possibilities for all students without denying  anyone a full high school curriculum leading to a meaningful diploma. Recognizing the  benefits of being bilingual, and making bilingual courses available but optional, is the best  of both worlds. Expanding courses offered in a curriculum is always better than restricting  them, especially when they serve such an important need as the ability to communicate  with others in their own language.

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New Act Essay Writing Section

The new act essay, your full guide to act writing section.

Since September of 2015, the ACT essay / writing section has gone through a radical change. And that’s amazing news for you.

The ACT essay was always easy to master with a bit of practice and the right techniques. However, the new ACT essay is even easier to perfect than the old one ever could have been . This short guide will teach you exactly what’s changing, how to prepare for the new essay, and how to take full advantage of this new format.

Quick side note: If you’re looking for a proven ACT prep system to help you write a flawless essay check out my ACT prep program . It is built on my proven tactics and methodologies and has an average user score improvement of over +4.66 points.

Why did ACT test change?

The new “CORE-friendly” ACT essay / writing portion just makes this test more beatable than it already was. I’ll leave the rest to the ACT’s PR team. For now, let’s get into what you should do about it.

What is Different?

The old ACT writing / essay section gave you a simple prompt, then asked you to take a side on that prompt and argue your point. The basic format looked something like this:

“Watching TV can be bad for your brain. However, sometimes it’s educational, so some people think it’s good for your brain. So in your opinion, do you think that TV is good or bad?

In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.”

The old format couldn’t have been any simpler. “Here are two opinions on a topic. Pick one and then write about it for a few paragraphs.”

The new ACT writing / essay format is much more complicated. But here’s the funny thing: while the new ACT writing / essay FORMAT is much more complex, the process of WRITING these essays has become VASTLY SIMPLER .

Here’s what it looks like now: https://www.act.org/actnext/pdf/SampleWritingPrompt.pdf

Take the time to read through all of this and really get a feel for what the new ACT writing / essay section looks like. Once you do, we shall move on:

How Do You Write This Thing (and why is it so much easier)?

In the old ACT essay, you only had to do one thing – pick a side and argue it. Now, you have to do so much! You need to evaluate three different arguments, you need to come up with your own argument, and then you have to relate your argument to the three arguments given. Oh, the humanity!

But here’s the thing: in the old version of the ACT essay, you had to both come up with an argument and come up with the reasons why you support it. In the new ACT essay, all of the arguments and reasoning behind them is provided for you!

It’s the difference between being asked to “make lasagna or pizza for dinner tonight” and “grabbing something off the McDonald’s dollar menu.” Sure, there are more options on the McDonald’s menu – but they’re already cooked for you!

At first, it seems like there’s a ton more to do. In reality, the ACT is doing all of the hard work for you! All you need to do is read carefully, pick what you like, and then follow a simple process to “plug in your opinion.”

A reminder: If you’re eager to succeed with a proven ACT prep system to help you write a flawless essay check out my ACT prep program . It is built on my proven tactics and methodologies and has an average user score improvement of over +4.66 points .

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5 Tips to Score a 12 On Your ACT Essay

There is no question that the ACT is important for high school students who are thinking about applying to college. While the multiple choice sections are designed to assess students’ knowledge in math, English, science and reading, there is also a writing section that assesses students’ abilities to write an essay. Doing well on this section of the ACT can help distinguish you as an accomplished writer to colleges.

Though you can easily understand your score a multiple choice test, you might be left wondering what will earn you a good score on the ACT essay. If you’re aiming for a 12 on the ACT essay, read on for some tips and tricks!

What is the ACT Essay?

While the multiple choice sections of the ACT might be more unforgiving, the ACT essay is a great opportunity to show off your writing skills. According the ACT website, you should aim to write a “unified, coherent essay” in which you:

• clearly state your own perspective on the issue and analyze the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective
• develop and support your ideas with reasoning and examples
• organize your ideas clearly and logically
• communicate your ideas effectively in Standard written English.

To see these ideas in motion, you can take a look at a sample ACT prompt and essay here .

How is the ACT Essay scored?

The ACT essay is scored on a scale of 1 to 12. Your essay will be read and scored by two different grades on a scale of 1 to 6 in four different domains, for a total score out of 12 in each of these four domains. These four scores will then be averaged for a total score out of 12.

For more information about how this section of the test is scored, you can look at the official ACT Writing Test Scoring Rubric .

Tip 1: Know what a 12 looks like

In general, if you are aiming to do well in something, you should know what  exemplary work looks like and try to emulate it. This is certainly the case for the ACT Essay, so before you walk into the testing center to write your essay, make sure you know know what essays that scored a 12 in this section look like!

Be sure to read as many sample essays as you can find—these should be available online through a quick Google search. Keep in mind, though, that the structure of the writing section changed in Fall 2015, so make sure that the examples you are looking at are current and align with the structure of the current essay prompt.

As you’re looking at essays that scored a 12, be sure to also look at essays that scored in the middle and essays that received a poor score. Try to understand what went wrong in the poorly scored essays as well as what could be improved in the middle-scoring ones. Take note of what was successful in the high-scoring sample essays that you read—what makes these essays stand out from the middle-scoring ones?

If there are notes from graders that justify the scores of the essays, be sure to pay attention to these as well. Aiming for a high score on the ACT essay section means that you need to try to understand exactly what the graders are looking for. Study the rubric once more and remember what you’ll need to accomplish in each category.

Tip 2: Pick a perspective and stick to it

When it comes to the writing prompt, the ACT website says “ The test describes an issue and provides three different perspectives on the issue. You are asked to read and consider the issue and perspectives, state your own perspective on the issue, and analyze the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective on the issue. Your score will not be affected by the perspective you take on the issue.”

In order to write a strong essay, you can choose whatever perspective you like—just make sure it’s one that you can support and defend effectively throughout your essay. Scorers are looking for a strong, well-organized point of view, and like it says above, it doesn’t matter whether you agree, disagree, or are somewhere in the middle; what matters is the writing.

It is important to remember that even if you don’t agree with the perspective that you’re writing from on a personal level, your essay needs to show that you can effectively argue a point. In addition, make sure to remember to relate your perspective to one of the perspectives provided in the prompt. Be sure to address the counter arguments as well in one of your body paragraphs, using the perspective opposite to your personal perspective to demonstrate your understanding of opposing views.

Tip 3: Use concrete examples

Grounding your writing in concrete examples is one extremely important element of writing effective ACT essay. You could use this as an opportunity to show off your historical knowledge by relating your argument to a relevant fact or event in history or current events, or you could come up with a rhetorical scenario or example. Including examples might even mean including a personal anecdote (although if you do end up doing this, you should make sure that your story is short and relates directly to your argument).

Take a look at the ways in which the writers of sample essays that scored a 12 managed to seamlessly incorporate examples into their writing. While you don’t have to be an expert on the essay topic, nor are you expected to be able to list off obscure facts and trivia about it, you need to make sure that your essay draws from real concrete examples rather that just vague abstract arguments.

Tip 4: Don’t be afraid to show off your language skills

One of the markers of a successful ACT essay is its use of language. This is a great opportunity to show off some of your ACT/SAT vocabulary words that you might have been studying for the English section of the test. Opt for higher-level vocabulary words when given the chance—as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to use about 1-2 higher level vocab words per paragraph.

Scorers want to see that you can navigate the English language skillfully, and so you should also take the chance to vary your sentence structure when you get the chance. Consider, also, utilizing devices such as rhetorical questions and complex sentences.

If you are going to use more complicated vocabulary and grammar structures, however, make sure you fully understand how to use them. It will reflect poorly upon your writing skills if you include a complicated word that doesn’t make sense in the context of a sentence, or if a grammatical structure that you try to use isn’t quite right. If you’re going to use a semicolon to combine two sentences, for example, make sure you understand that a semicolon is not the same thing as a comma. When in doubt, stick to what you know! It is better to have a less complicated structure that is used correctly versus an attempt at a more advanced grammatical concept that is actually wrong.

Lastly, be sure to keep it real in your writing. While scorers want to see students who are skilled in their use of the english language, it is easy to tell when someone is simply trying to electrify their vocabulary in order to titillate the reader for the written examination. Your writing and tone should reflect who you are as a writer, so remember to keep it down to earth.

Tip 5: Pay attention to timing & your energy level

For the essay section, you will get 40 minutes. This includes time for planning, writing, and editing, so make sure you dole out the appropriate amount of time for each part of the process. You can practice this by timing yourself to write an essay from a sample prompt at home. Start by giving yourself an hour, and gradually work it down to 40 minutes so that you are prepared by the time the testing date rolls around. If you find that you need more time for planning than you do writing, or if you come to learn that you need a particularly large chunk of time to edit, keep these things in mind when it comes time to write your essay for the exam.

The essay will be the last section on the test, so keep this in mind while you complete the multiple choice sections of the ACT. While you should be devoting your full attention and energy to each multiple choice section of the test, keep in mind that once you are finished with all of the multiple choice sections, you will still have to write the essay.

When you get breaks between sections, be sure to eat a snack, drink some water, and use the restroom so that you are not uncomfortable or distracted by the end of the test. While you might be tempted to just breeze through the essay section so that you can finish the ACT, know that you will not be allowed to leave the testing center until everyone has finished the test—so be sure to use up all of the allotted time!

For more information about the ACT and essay writing, check out these blog posts:

What to Bring (And Not Bring) to the ACT

10 Tips to Improve Your ACT Score

Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Essay

A Guide to the Optional ACT Writing Section

Want to know how your SAT score/ACT score impacts your chances of acceptance to your dream schools? Our free Chancing Engine will not only help you predict your odds, but also let you know how you stack up against other applicants, and which aspects of your profile to improve. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to gain access to our Chancing Engine and get a jumpstart on your college strategy!

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ACT Writing Test Scoring, Tips, and Strategies

This prep guide will arm you with tips and strategies to ace the ACT Writing Test and explain the scoring methodology. The ACT Writing Test is an optional fifth and final section of the ACT college admissions exam. Students are allotted 40-minutes to write an argumentation-style essay based off of a controversial topic and 3 different points of views. The ACT Writing Test differs from the other portions of the ACT in three important ways:

• It is optional. Different postsecondary institutions have different needs. Some require an ACT writing test score to make acceptance and/or course placement decisions, while others do not. If you know that the postsecondary institutions to which you are applying do not require ACT writing scores, you can choose to opt out. Otherwise, it is highly recommended that you take the ACT Writing Test.
• It is a written test. Unlike the other four sections of the ACT, which are multiple-choice, the writing test requires you to produce a handwritten essay. Exceptions are available only for approved students with diagnosed disabilities.
• It is scored differently. Because the ACT Writing Test is optional, it is scored separately from the other sections and does not affect your ACT composite score (out of 36). Unlike multiple-choice questions, which have right (and wrong) answers, written essays are scored using a rubric . Each ACT writing test is graded by two different readers, who give the essay a score between 1 and 6 in four areas. The two readers’ scores are averaged, and the test receives a final score between 2 and 12.

This article provides an overview of the ACT Writing Test including tips and strategies plus sample essays for the 2020 Official ACT Practice Test. Click here to see all of our free ACT answer explanations including sample Writing Test essays.

Looking for more general ACT study advice? You might like our articles on How to Improve Your ACT Score and ACT Test Strategies . Need winning strategies for the other ACT sections? Check out all of the articles in our series of ACT strategy guides:

• ACT English Strategies
• ACT Math Strategies
• ACT Reading Strategies
• ACT Science Strategies
• ACT Writing Strategies (this article)

Format of the ACT Writing Test

You will have 40 minutes to complete the writing portion of the ACT. The test consists of one writing prompt that will describe a complex issue and present three different perspectives on that issue. You will then be asked to write an argumentative essay about that issue. Each test’s topic is different, but all students who take that test will write about the same topic.

The test always begins with a brief description of an issue of wide relevance to modern society, like this one from the free official 2020 practice test :

Then, the test presents a set of three possible perspectives on that issue.

Finally, the test presents students with their writing task. This task is always the same; the only portion of the prompt that the ACT changes for each test is the phrase that comes after “Write a unified, coherent essay about . . .”

Remember that you have only 40 minutes to familiarize yourself with the prompt, plan your essay, and write it out. It is recommended that you take no more than 10 minutes to plan your essay, so that you have the rest of the time to write and review it. The test booklet includes blank pages for you to use when planning your essay. These blank pages are not scored; only the lined pages on which you write your essay will be scored.

How the ACT Writing Test is Scored

Because the writing test does not have “right” or “wrong” answers, it is graded differently than the other parts of the ACT. Your essay will be scored by two trained readers (humans), who will compare your writing to the standards of the ACT Writing rubric. The readers will then score your essay on a scale of 1-6 in four different areas, called “domains.”

The four domains are:

• Ideas and Analysis,
• Development and Support,
• Organization, and
• Language Use and Conventions.

You will receive a total of five scores for the ACT Writing Test :

• a score from 2-12 in each of the four domains (the sum of the readers’ scores)
• a single overall score, also from 2-12, found by averaging the four domain scores

In the example below, you can see how the readers’ original scores translate to the final scores the student received.

Although it is not common, sometimes the readers’ scores differ by more than a point. In those cases, a third reader will evaluate the essay to resolve the discrepancy.

How to Get the Highest Domain Scores

Now, let’s take a closer look at the four domains to see what makes each one distinct, and what you should be focused on to excel in each.

• Your essay should have a clear and focused thesis.
• Use your thesis to consider at least two of the provided perspectives
• Don’t just state simple agreement or disagreement with perspectives, fully explore the strengths and weaknesses of each.
• Use specific examples to illustrate larger ideas. Clearly explain why the examples are relevant.
• Each new idea you introduce should build on previous ideas, and deepen the support for your thesis.
• On a large scale, you should have an introduction (with thesis), several body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• On a smaller scale, your body paragraphs should include topic sentences and move from more general arguments to the use of specific examples.
• All information about the same idea(s) should be grouped together.
• Use proper spelling and grammar; if you feel comfortable doing so, include sentences with a variety of punctuation.
• Try not to be repetitive with your word choices—but remember that spicing things up with too many “big words” can also sound artificial.
• When possible, vary your sentence length and structure.
• Your writing should be professional: don’t use slang or casual abbreviations.

The ACT Writing Test rubric offers a detailed description of what you need to do in each domain to earn each possible score (1-6). You should familiarize yourself with the rubric, and refer to it often when preparing to make sure that you are on track to receive your desired score.

Tips and Strategies for the ACT Writing Test

You’ve been practicing and preparing, and now it’s Test Day! Try to follow these easy steps to ensure maximum success:

1. Remember, the test is predictable

• Before you’ve even seen the test, you know what the format will look like and what you will be asked to do.
• Even the perspectives are (broadly) predictable: one will argue in favor of the topic, and one will argue against; the third is usually a mixed perspective or a different argument for or against.

2. Make a pro/con list for each perspective

• Once you have read the prompt, make a pro/con list for each perspective.
• What are the strengths of each argument? What are possible counterarguments?
• List some concrete examples you could use to support (or refute) each perspective?

3. Use your list to pick your perspective .

• You should pick the one for which you most easily came up with supporting evidence and examples.
• Remember, there is no “right” answer to pick and you will be graded only on the effectiveness of your argument.
• While you can come up with your own original perspective, unless you have a very clear idea, it is advisable to just choose one of the three provided.

4. Write your thesis and outline your essay.

• Now that you’ve chosen your perspective, write your thesis out as a complete sentence. Refer to it when you’re planning your essay.
• Start outlining: the first and last paragraphs will be your introduction and conclusion—easy!
• One possible outline: write one paragraph about each perspective. If you choose this outline, start with the paragraph in support of your chosen perspective, then move on to the other two, explaining why each is wrong.
• Another possible outline: write a few paragraphs, with different examples, showing multiple ways why your perspective is correct, and one paragraph explaining why the others are wrong. This is a good strategy if your thesis is supported by two of the perspectives.

5. W rite your essay !

• Use the outline and your pro/con brainstorm to write your essay.
• Make sure your introduction leads to the thesis statement you already wrote.
• Use topic sentences in your body paragraphs and transitions when introducing examples and starting/ending paragraphs.

6. R e-read what you wrote .

• Correct any spelling and grammar mistakes.
• Double-check that you aren’t unintentionally repeating words, especially modifiers like really and very .

Congratulations—you’ve finished your essay! When you get your scores back, you can see what areas you did well in, and where, if any, you should focus for the next time.

Preparing for the ACT Writing Test

The ACT offers many suggestions to prepare for the writing test , but here are a few key strategies:

• Read and write often and in a diverse variety of styles. The more familiar you are with the process of reading something and writing a response to it, the easier it will be to do so in a test setting. Because of the unique format of the ACT Writing Test, it is recommended that you pay attention to current events and social issues (the Op-Ed pages of newspapers are a great resource).
• Replicate the testing experience . In addition to improving your writing skills, you should also make sure that you are familiar and comfortable with the format and structure of the ACT Writing Test. Take timed practice tests like those found on Piqosity to prepare for test day.
• Get feedback on your writing . Because your ACT essay will be scored by two outside readers, it is a good idea to have other people read and comment on your writing. You could ask your teachers or parents, or work with a tutor to improve the effectiveness of your writing. The score you receive on the ACT Writing Test is based on a rubric , which you should refer to often. Finally, it can be helpful to study sample essay answers, like those found below, to understand what successful (and less successful) essays look like.

View answer explanations and sample essay prompts to official ACT practice tests , and use Piqosity to practice the ACT Writing Test.

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ACT Writing Tips

The ACT Writing test is a 40-minute essay that you will have to write with pen-and-paper. Although not all schools require the ACT Writing Test, you have to take all four previous tests in order to take the Writing Test. It cannot be done separately from the other sections.

The prompt will describe an issue in a short paragraph, then give you three different perspectives on that issue. Each perspective will be in its own separate box, and they will be labeled “Perspective One,” “Perspective Two,” and “Perspective Three.” Below the perspectives boxes will be the Essay Task, which will look like this:

Notice you must accomplish all three of the bulleted tasks. No matter what perspective you take, your score will NOT be affected if the reader does not share the same opinion. You are only scored on your ability. Here’s how to structure your 40-minutes:

• Step 1 – 5 minutes to Plan
• Step 2 – 30 minutes to Produce
• Step 3 – 5 minutes to Proofread

Thirty minutes may not sound like a lot of writing time, but if we break it down that’s 5 minutes for each paragraph! Aim for 5 paragraphs total, and you’ll be able to finish in the allotted time with a bit of practice, especially if you take enough time to plan out your essay.

How do I Plan? Start by reading the prompt paragraph, and the three perspectives. Part of what you will have to do is choose your OWN position on the topic, and rather than come up with a completely new perspective, choose ONE of the three perspectives that is closest to your own opinion. That perspective will be your thesis, which will be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph. Next, plan out your essay using this template!

ACT Essay Template

This is a sample outline for the ACT essay. Aim for 5 paragraphs. If you have trouble completing 5 paragraphs, see if you can streamline your body paragraphs. They can often be bloated with unnecessary wordiness. Keep the introduction and the conclusion short and sweet.

Paragraph 1 – Introduction (3 sentences)

Begin your essay with two sentences summarizing the other two perspectives (the ones you do not agree with).  Your last sentence will be your thesis, and it will be a powerful and confident statement that encapsulates the ideas of the third perspective (the one you do agree with). For example, it could be structured like this:

Regarding the issue of _________, some people mistakenly believe that _________. Others think _____________. However ____________; in fact, ____________.

Let’s say the essay was about saving the environment. You introduction could be structured thusly:

Regarding the issue of protecting the environment, some people mistakenly believe that recycling and more awareness would be enough to solve the world’s pollution and waste management problems. Others think our world economy’s dependence on oil and fossil fuels is the main source of the problem. However, both these perspectives are too limited; in fact, to truly guarantee our environment’s long-term stability, it is vital that we invest our money and resources in developing alternate technologies.

From this introduction, we have clarified our position: alternative technology is the way to go! We also have clarified the two positions we will attack: recycling/awareness and oil/fossil fuel criticism.

Be sure to reuse key words from each perspective so it is extremely clear which perspectives you are criticizing, and which of the three you are strongly supporting. Do not mention the individual perspectives by number. It is more subtle if you can write your essay as if it is not based on a prompt at all!

Paragraph 2 – Criticism of One Perspective (4-6 sentences)

In this paragraph, you should explain how recycling and awareness doesn’t work. You have three tasks in your body paragraphs:

• Introduce the perspective you will attack.
• Demonstrate you understand it.
• Explain why it is incorrect or ineffective. You should be spending the majority of your body paragraph doing the third step: explaining why it is incorrect or ineffective . You must convince the reader through very concrete detail how your position on the issue is correct. If you can incorrect a SPECIFIC real-world example, that will make your essay even stronger! Check out our “example list” below for an idea on how you can brainstorm possible examples, even before Test Day!

Paragraph 3 – Criticism of Second Perspective (4-6 sentences)

In this paragraph, you should explain how dependence on oil and fossil fuels doesn’t work. Just like you did in the first body paragraph, you will:

• Explain why it is incorrect or ineffective.

Paragraph 4 – Prove Why Your Perspective is Best (4-6 sentences)

Use a transition phrase, and reiterate your thesis in the first sentence. In the rest of the paragraph, elaborate why it is correct. Again, if you can use a specific example, that would be ideal.

Paragraph 5 – Conclusion (2 sentences)

In your conclusion, warn about the future consequences if your perspective were not considered. Then reinforce the correctness of your own thesis. This takes care of having to come up with a conclusion- you’ll already know what to do! Here’s how it might look:

Although some people insist _________ or __________, these perspectives are shortsighted. In order to ________________, the only viable solution is __________.

How to Get Specific Examples

You may not know the prompt topic, but you CAN make a list of extremely specific people, places, current events, etc. from which you could draw on Test Day!

You’ll see a list of examples below – come up with your own list BEFORE Test Day that you can “pull from.”

Example List (sample)

• Oprah Winfrey
• Martha Stewart
• 9/11 (e.g. NYPD/NYFD, post-9/11, etc.)
• Global Warming
• Vietnam / Gulf / Iraq War
• A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (book)
• Citizen Kane (movie)
• A Tale of Two Cities (book)
• The Scarlet Letter (book)
• Othello (play)
• Britney Spears
• Lena Dunham and “Girls”
• The Olympics
• 12 Years a Slave (book or movie)
• Marie Curie
• Sigmund Freud
• Adolf Hitler
• World War I
• Ancient Egypt

Notice that your examples can be from literature, politics, current events, history! Think about 4-5 topics you covered in each of your classes in the past year. You already know about these, so there might be a way to incorporate them into your essay!

For example, in our sample above, if we were discussing why recycling and awareness doesn’t work, you could say that people don’t just change their behaviors because they are more aware of negative things, and use “12 Years a Slave” as an example. Even though the book was written in 1853, many people did not change their minds about the evils of slavery until years later. Don’t feel like you need to shoehorn examples if they really don’t fit, but you might surprise yourself with how creative you can be!  One specific example per body paragraph is enough. Try to make them different. For instance, if you’re going to use “12 Years a Slave” for one paragraph, don’t use books for the other two paragraphs. Perhaps choose a current event, or an item from history to prove your other points.

ACT Essay Scoring

Like the other sections of the ACT, your Writing score will be out of 36. You will also receive sub-scores (between 1-12) in four individual categories:

• Ideas and Analysis
• Development and Support
• Organization
• Language Use and Conventions

These scores do not add up to the final score, but they break down your writing abilities to give colleges more clarity on your strengths. Your score is given by two independent readers, who will assign a score between 1-6 in each of these four areas. These sub-scores are added together to get a raw score, and that raw score is then converted into the final scaled score. Make sure you familiarize yourself with what a reader is looking for in a “perfect” essay:

As long as you follow the template here, choose a clear perspective on the prompt, and thoroughly criticize the other perspectives, and support your ideas with clear, specific examples, it isn’t too challenging to get a perfect score!  Ready to practice? Try out some of our sample ACT Writing prompts .

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Hey guys, does anyone have any killer tips for writing a top-notch ACT essay? I'm kinda stressed about this part, and I want to make sure I'm well-prepared.

Hey there! No need to stress, I've got you covered with some helpful tips for writing a great ACT essay. Just remember to practice and keep these tips in mind while you prepare:

1. Understand the prompt: Make sure you thoroughly read and comprehend the prompt. It will present a complex issue with three different perspectives. Your task is to analyze and develop your position on the issue while considering other perspectives as well.

2. Plan your essay: Take a couple of minutes to plan your essay before diving into writing. This will help you to organize your thoughts and create a smooth, logical flow. Outline your main points, introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

3. Write a clear thesis statement: Develop a concise thesis statement that presents your position on the issue. It should be included in the introduction and guide the rest of your essay.

4. Address the three perspectives: While writing your essay, make sure to discuss each of the three perspectives provided. Analyze the pros and cons, and explain how they relate to your thesis. By doing this, you'll demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills.

5. Use specific examples: To support your arguments, provide specific examples and evidence. These can be drawn from your own experiences, readings, or current events. Make sure to connect these examples to your thesis in a clear and concise manner.

6. Stay organized: Structure your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a different point or argument. A well-organized essay will be easier for the reader to follow, leading to a higher score.

7. Remain focused and concise: Stay on topic throughout your essay, and don't use unnecessary words. Make sure each sentence contributes to your overall argument.

8. Proofread your essay: After writing your essay, take a few minutes to proofread it. Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, as well as any awkward phrasing or logical inconsistencies.

9. Practice, practice, practice: To get comfortable with the ACT essay format, practice with sample prompts, and get feedback from others. The more you practice, the more confident and prepared you'll feel on test day.

Lastly, stay positive, and don't forget to breathe! Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be on your way to writing a strong ACT essay. Good luck!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Essay Papers Writing Online

Mastering the art of crafting an impressive act essay.

When it comes to taking the ACT, the essay section can be a daunting task for many students. Crafting a stellar ACT essay requires a combination of critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of what the examiners are looking for. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips and strategies to help you ace the ACT essay section.

Understanding the Prompt: The first step in writing a top-notch ACT essay is to carefully read and understand the prompt. Take the time to analyze the prompt, identify the key points, and determine the perspective you want to take. Make sure to address all parts of the prompt in your essay to demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

Crafting a Strong Thesis: A well-crafted thesis statement is essential for a successful ACT essay. Your thesis should clearly state your perspective on the topic and provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay. Make sure your thesis is specific, concise, and supported by evidence from the reading passages provided.

Mastering the ACT Essay Format

When crafting your ACT essay, it is crucial to pay attention to the format in order to present your ideas clearly and effectively. Here are some tips to help you master the ACT essay format:

• Introduction: Start your essay with a clear introduction that introduces the topic and presents your thesis statement. The introduction should also provide some context for the issue being discussed.
• Body Paragraphs: The body of your essay should consist of three paragraphs, each presenting a separate argument or point of view. Make sure to support each argument with specific examples and evidence.
• Transition: Use transitional phrases to smoothly move from one paragraph to the next. This will help to maintain the flow of your essay and make it easier to follow.
• Conclusion: End your essay with a strong conclusion that restates your thesis and summarizes the main points of your argument. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your ACT essay is well-organized and effectively communicates your ideas to the reader. Practice writing essays in this format to improve your writing skills and boost your ACT essay score.

Understanding the Prompt

Before you start crafting your ACT essay, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the prompt. Take the time to carefully read and analyze the prompt provided. Understand the main topic or issue being discussed, the specific question or directive you need to address, and any relevant context or background information provided.

Highlight key words or phrases in the prompt that can guide your essay writing. Pay close attention to any specific requirements or instructions included in the prompt, such as the need to take a specific stance, provide examples, or address multiple perspectives.

By thoroughly understanding the prompt, you’ll be better equipped to craft a focused and coherent response that directly addresses the question at hand. This will help ensure that your essay is well-structured, relevant, and meets the expectations of the ACT examiners.

Developing a Strong Thesis

One of the most important elements of a stellar ACT essay is a strong thesis statement. Your thesis is the central claim that you will be arguing for throughout your essay. It should be clear, specific, and concise, outlining the main point you will be making in your essay.

When developing your thesis, make sure to consider the prompt and the specific issue or topic at hand. Your thesis should directly address the question or problem presented in the prompt, and provide a clear stance on the issue. Avoid vague or generalized statements, and instead strive for a thesis that is focused and impactful.

Remember that your thesis sets the tone for the rest of your essay, so take the time to craft a strong and compelling statement that will guide your writing and help you stay on track as you develop your argument.

Structuring Your Essay

When crafting your ACT essay, it’s essential to have a clear and organized structure. A well-structured essay will not only help you express your ideas effectively but also make it easier for the reader to follow your arguments.

Start with a strong introduction that clearly states your thesis and provides a brief overview of the points you will discuss. This sets the tone for the rest of the essay and gives the reader a roadmap of what to expect.

Next, develop your body paragraphs, each focusing on a specific supporting point that relates back to your thesis. Make sure to provide evidence and examples to back up your claims and demonstrate critical thinking skills.

Conclude your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis. This is your last chance to leave a lasting impression on the reader, so make it count!

Remember, a well-structured essay is not only about what you say but also how you say it. Pay attention to transitions between paragraphs, logical organization of ideas, and a cohesive flow throughout the essay. This will ensure that your ACT essay is not only well-written but also well-received by the readers.

Using Examples to Support Your Ideas

When crafting your ACT essay, it’s crucial to support your ideas with relevant examples. Providing examples not only strengthens your argument but also helps to illustrate your points clearly to the reader.

Choose Examples Wisely: Select examples that are specific, detailed, and directly relate to the topic at hand. Generic examples may weaken your argument, so be sure to choose examples that are compelling and relevant.

For instance, if you’re discussing the impact of technology on communication, providing a specific example of how social media has changed how people interact can strengthen your argument.

Provide Evidence: Back up your examples with solid evidence to lend credibility to your essay. Statistics, studies, and expert opinions can all serve as valuable evidence to support your claims.

Quoting a study that shows a correlation between excessive screen time and decreased face-to-face communication can add weight to your argument about the negative effects of technology.

Explain the Significance: After presenting your examples, be sure to explain their relevance to your thesis statement. Clearly connect the examples back to your main argument to show how they support your overall point.

By tying your examples back to your thesis, you ensure that your essay stays focused and cohesive, making a stronger case for your position.

Editing and Proofreading Your Essay

Once you’ve finished writing your ACT essay, it’s crucial to spend some time editing and proofreading it. This step is essential to ensure that your essay is clear, coherent, and error-free.

Start by reviewing your essay for overall structure and organization. Make sure your introduction and conclusion are strong and that your body paragraphs flow logically. Check for any gaps in your argument and make sure each paragraph contributes to your overall thesis.

Next, focus on sentence-level editing. Look for awkward phrasing, unclear sentences, and grammatical errors. Consider reading your essay out loud to catch any awkward or confusing passages.

Finally, proofread your essay for spelling and punctuation errors. Pay attention to commonly misused words, such as “there,” “their,” and “they’re.” Make sure your punctuation is consistent and appropriate.

Editing and proofreading may seem tedious, but they are essential steps in crafting a stellar ACT essay. Taking the time to polish your writing can make a significant difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your essay.

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How to Structure an Essay

Essay writing is a fundamental skill, a basic task, that is expected of those who choose to pursue their undergraduate and master’s degrees. It constitutes a key requirement for students to complete a given course credit. However, many students and early career researchers find themselves struggling with the challenge of organizing their thoughts into a coherent, engaging structure. This article is especially for those who see essay writing as a daunting task and face problems in presenting their work in an impactful way.  

Table of Contents

• Writing an essay: basic elements and some key principles  
• Essay structure template 
• Chronological structure 
• Problem-methods-solutions structure 
• Compare and contrast structures 
• Frequently asked questions on essay structure 

Read on as we delve into the basic elements of essay writing, outline key principles for organizing information, and cover some foundational features of writing essays.  

Writing an essay: basic elements and some key principles

Essays are written in a flowing and continuous pattern but with a structure of its own. An introduction, body and conclusion are integral to it. The key is to balance the amount and kind of information to be presented in each part. Various disciplines may have their own conventions or guidelines on the information to be provided in the introduction.  

A clear articulation of the context and background of the study is important, as is the definition of key terms and an outline of specific models or theories used. Readers also need to know the significance of the study and its implications for further research. Most importantly, the thesis or the main proposition should be clearly presented.  

The body of the essay is therefore organized into paragraphs that hold the main ideas and arguments and is presented and analyzed in a logical manner. Ideally, each paragraph of the body focuses on one main point or a distinct topic and must be supported by evidence and analysis. The concluding paragraph should bring back to the reader the key arguments, its significance and food for thought. It is best not to re-state all the points of the essay or introduce a new concept here. 

In other words, certain general guidelines help structure the information in the essay. The information must flow logically with the context or the background information presented in the introductory part of the essay. The arguments are built organically where each paragraph in the body of the essay deals with a different point, yet closely linked to the para preceding and following it. Importantly, when writing essays, early career researchers must be careful in ensuring that each piece of information relates to the main thesis and is a building block to the arguments. 

Essay structure template

• Introduction 
• Provide the context and share significance of the study 
• Clearly articulate the thesis statement 
• Body  
• Paragraph 1 consisting of the first main point, followed by supporting evidence and an analysis of the findings. Transitional words and phrases can be used to move to the next main point. 
• There can be as many paragraphs with the above-mentioned elements as there are points and arguments to support your thesis. 
• Conclusion  
• Bring in key ideas and discuss their significance and relevance 
• Call for action 
• References 

Essay structures

The structure of an essay can be determined by the kind of essay that is required.  

Chronological structure

Also known as the cause-and-effect approach, this is a straightforward way to structure an essay. In such essays, events are discussed sequentially, as they occurred from the earliest to the latest. A chronological structure is useful for discussing a series of events or processes such as historical analyses or narratives of events. The introduction should have the topic sentence. The body of the essay should follow a chorological progression with each para discussing a major aspect of that event with supporting evidence. It ends with a summarizing of the results of the events.  

Problem-methods-solutions structure

Where the essay focuses on a specific problem, the problem-methods-solutions structure can be used to organize the essay. This structure is ideal for essays that address complex issues. It starts with presenting the problem, the context, and thesis statement as introduction to the essay. The major part of the discussion which forms the body of the essay focuses on stating the problem and its significance, the author’s approach or methods adopted to address the problem along with its relevance, and accordingly proposing solution(s) to the identified problem. The concluding part offers a recap of the research problem, methods, and proposed solutions, emphasizing their significance and potential impact. 

Compare and contrast structures

This structure of essay writing is ideally used when two or more key subjects require a comparison of ideas, theories, or phenomena. The three crucial elements, introduction, body, and conclusion, remain the same. The introduction presents the context and the thesis statement. The body of the essay seeks to focus on and highlight differences between the subjects, supported by evidence and analysis. The conclusion is used to summarize the key points of comparison and contrast, offering insights into the significance of the analysis.  

Depending on how the subjects will be discussed, the body of the essay can be organized according to the block method or the alternating method. In the block method, one para discusses one subject and the next para the other subject. In the alternative method, both subjects are discussed in one para based on a particular topic or issue followed by the next para on another issue and so on.  

Frequently asked questions on essay structure

An essay structure serves as a framework for presenting ideas coherently and logically. It comprises three crucial elements: an introduction that communicates the context, topic, and thesis statement; the body focusing on the main points and arguments supported with appropriate evidence followed by its analysis; and a conclusion that ties together the main points and its importance .  

An essay structure well-defined essay structure enhances clarity, coherence, and readability, and is crucial for organizing ideas and arguments to effectively communicate key aspects of a chosen topic. It allows readers to better understand arguments presented and demonstrates the author’s ability to organize and present information systematically. 

Yes, while expert recommend following an essay structure, early career researchers may choose how best to adapt standard essay structures to communicate and share their research in an impactful and engaging way. However, do keep in mind that deviating too far from established structures can hinder comprehension and weaken the overall effectiveness of the essay,  By understanding the basic elements of essay writing and employing appropriate structures such as chronological, problem-methods-solutions, or compare and contrast, researchers can effectively organize their ideas and communicate their findings with clarity and precision. 

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 21 act tips you should be using today.

The ACT has a straightforward test format, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy test. You’re going to need to know how it’s structured and what kinds of questions to expect on each section in order to do well. In this article, I’ve listed 20 essential ACT tips, broken down by section, that will help you conquer the most difficult aspects of the test.

ACT English Tips 

Tip #1: know your grammar rules.

The safest way to make sure you feel confident on the ACT English section is to memorize the grammar rules that will be on the test.  On the ACT, it’s not enough to rely on whether something "sounds correct" to you. Since the test is standardized, you need to be prepared for the specific types of rules it will test and what it considers to be correct grammar. These won’t necessarily be rules you consistently use or are aware of in your everyday speech and writing.

The  passage-based format of ACT English can also present unique challenges. You need to make sure you’re reading the WHOLE sentence that you're being asked to edit.  Sometimes the phrasing of an earlier part of a sentence will determine the correct answer for a change to the grammar of a later part.

Tip #2: Watch Out for No Change Answers

Many questions on ACT English that ask you about improving the grammar of sentences will also include a “no change” answer option. This option is risky because if you don’t know the grammar rule being broken, it’s easy to pick “no change” by accident.  That’s why it’s important to be aware of how often you’re choosing “no change”.

If it seems like you're choosing it more often than once every 4 or so questions, there might be something you’re missing. On any question where you’re tempted to pick “no change”, look at the sentence extra carefully and make sure there isn't another possibility.  Read the sentence through again using all of the other options presented. If all of them still seem wrong, then “no change” is probably correct.

ACT Writing Tips 

Tip #3: plan essay examples beforehand.

A great way to reduce stress on the ACT essay is to plan out the examples that you’ll use before the test.  The essay prompts on the ACT are all relatively similar, so it’s not too difficult to come up with universal examples that could work for any of them. If you already have examples prepared, the hard work will be done for you. The only thing you’ll have to do during the test is relate them to the specific details of the prompt and to your opinions.

You should also know that you don’t have to be factually accurate in your essay;  if you have to twist the facts in your examples a bit to fit the needs of the prompt, that’s OK! The graders won't take points off because the essay is about your ability to structure your thoughts and answer the prompt logically, not about your level of outside knowledge.

Tip #4: Cater to the Essay Graders

Just like all other parts of the ACT, the essay has to be as standardized as possible. This means there are a couple of things you can do to raise your score reliably:

Make it at least two pages

The grade of an essay isn’t technically supposed to be related to its length, but there is a positive correlation between essay length and essay score on the ACT.  This does make some degree of sense: longer essays are going to provide more examples and support for the points they’re making. A good rule of thumb is to try and make your essay at least two pages long.

Be sure to write an introduction and conclusion

The quality of the introduction and conclusion of your essay will disproportionately affect your score, so you should ALWAYS include both of them.  The essay graders are looking for a clear thesis that answers the question posed by the prompt and lists relevant examples.  If you make it easy for the graders to figure out the point you’re trying to make, your score will come out better.

Use varied word choice and writing style

High scoring essays are the ones that flow well and are not repetitive.  Try not to use the same phrases over and over or structure every topic sentence and transition the same way.  Switch around your wording as much as possible while preserving the integrity of your original points.

ACT Math Tips 

Tip #5: know the formulas.

It’s very important to know math formulas for the ACT because you aren’t provided with any of them on the test (except sometimes for individual questions that require the use of a weird formula). You’re going to waste a lot of unnecessary time on easy questions if you don’t memorize formulas, so you should get this out of the way first if you’re just starting to study for the ACT.  Read our article on the formulas you need to know so you’ll be prepared!

Tip #6: Fill in Content Gaps

Sometimes knowing formulas isn’t enough if you haven’t encountered a certain type of question or content area in your classes before. When you do practice tests, make note of the questions you miss and see if there are any patterns in terms of question type.  This could indicate weakness in a specific content area.

Before you go any further with your math studying, you should focus on filling in the content gaps you find ; this will improve your scores dramatically. Find study resources that deal directly with the problems you’re having, whether it’s geometry, algebra, trigonometry, or something else.   

Tip #7: Solve It on Your Own

In order to fully understand your mistakes on ACT Math, it’s a good idea to force yourself to solve for the correct answer before reading answer explanations.  When you get a question wrong, make note of the answer you should have gotten and see if you can arrive there without reading the explanation. You will have a much more solid grasp of the solution process if you go through it yourself rather than just reading about it. This exercise will give you a better chance of answering correctly if you come across a similar question in the future.

ACT Reading Tips 

Tip #8: read to your strengths.

The ACT is a very predictable test, and this is especially true on the reading section.  There will always be four topic areas on ACT Reading in the following order:

1. Prose Fiction/Literary Narrative 2. Social Science 3. Humanities 4. Natural Science

Since you know what’s coming, you can make an informed decision about the order in which you’ll read the passages.  If, for example, you’re more of a science person , you might decide to read the Natural Science passage or pair of passages first because it’s going to be the most interesting to you and the easiest to get through. 

This will give you an advantage because you’ll have enough time to answer questions that are easy for you and will earn you the most points. If you were to go through the reading section in order, you might end up rushing on the Natural Sciences passage(s) and not reaching your full score potential!

Tip #9: Find a Good Passage Reading Method

It’s extremely important to make sure you’re reading ACT passages in the most efficient way for your learning style. You don’t get much time per question on the reading section, so you have to use every minute wisely. Here are three potential reading strategies you might use:

1. Skim the passage first

In my view, this is the best way to read ACT passages. By skimming first, you get a good sense of the main ideas of the passage and also might catch a lot of the details that the questions ask about. The best way to skim is to r ead the introduction and conclusion paragraphs, then the first and last sentences of every body paragraph.  After skimming, you should try and answer any big picture questions  about the passage first while the main ideas are fresh in your mind.

2. Do the questions first

This is another viable option, even though it might seem risky. If you skip straight to the questions, you can start with detail questions and work your way up to big picture questions. In the process of finding the details, you will accumulate knowledge about the main ideas of the passage and eventually be able to answer the questions that are wider in scope. If you don't get all the information you need for big picture questions this way, you can always go back and skim, paying close attention to the introduction and conclusion paragraphs.

3. Read thoroughly

This is the method that most people use instinctively because it’s what they’ve been told to do in school. Reading thoroughly can be fine if you’re a fast reader and have strong reading comprehension skills even under pressure.  BUT if you experiment with the other methods and find that you can save yourself some time and not sacrifice any points, you’re probably better off using one of them instead.

Whichever strategy you use, make sure you read the introductory blurb that’s included with each passage before you do anything else! This will give you helpful context for what to expect in the passage in terms of setting, content, and writing style.

Tip #10: Predict the Answer

Before you look at the answer choices for a reading question, you should try and think for yourself about what the answer might be.  Doing this exercise can help to eliminate some of the confusion that might occur if you just looked at the answer choices right away. If you already have an answer in mind, you will be less compelled to pick answers that are plausible but not objectively correct.

Sometimes it’s also helpful to rephrase the question in your own words if you find it to be confusing. This will likewise allow you to maintain your focus and avoid choosing answers that are not quite the right fit for the question based on the passage.

Tip #11: Rely on Direct Evidence

Remember that every question in the reading section has an answer that is supported by direct evidence in the passage!  You shouldn’t have to make unsupported assumptions in order to answer any of the questions. There will always be SOMETHING that you can cite to give credence to your choice.

If you can’t find evidence for an answer, you have to eliminate it even if it sounds plausible.  There’s a big difference between plausible and correct on the ACT. Even with inference questions, which ask you to look beyond literal facts in the passages, you should still be able to find evidence for your answers. This is when you might have to look for context clues or connotation in words around the section of the passage you’re referencing in order to point you in the right direction.

Tip #12: Get Intellectually Curious

It might seem silly, but try and be interested in the material you’re reading.  This will not only help you to absorb information better, but will also allow you to get something productive out of the test besides your score. You’ll have a much better time if you treat ACT reading as a pleasant learning experience and not a chore!

ACT Science Tips 

Tip #13: do the conflicting viewpoints section last.

The conflicting viewpoints passage on ACT Science is usually the most time-consuming part of the section and often the most difficult. It’s different from the rest of ACT Science because it doesn’t present any actual data. It just gives you a couple of passages that express different scientific opinions and asks you to answer questions about them.

This requires a strong combination of reading comprehension and scientific reasoning skills. It’s a good idea to save conflicting viewpoints for last because you will eliminate the risk of getting stick on it and not having time to answer easier questions later on in the science section.

Tip #14: Focus on the Visuals

It’s best to ignore the introductions laden with technical terms that are provided to you on the science section and skip right to the graphs.  When it comes down to it, almost all the questions you’ll see on ACT science can be answered just by looking at the data presented in the visuals.  All of the other information is just there to distract and confuse you - don’t let it!

Tip #15: Don’t Be Intimidated

The main obstacle to succeeding on ACT science is just the fact that it LOOKS scary. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s really not that hard - you don’t even have to know much science beyond what you learned back in elementary school.

You may run into terms that you don’t know, but you most likely won’t have to understand them in order to answer questions correctly. They’re only in there to make this section seem more difficult than it actually is. This fools a lot of people, but if you stay calm and remember that you’ll never have to know any high-level science to do well , you should be fine. Focus solely on what the questions are asking and read the graphs logically, and you’ll do well!

Overall ACT Test Taking Tips

Tip #16: use process of elimination.

As I’ve written in another article, the fundamental rule of ACT Reading is that there is only one absolutely correct answer for each question, and you need to learn to eliminate the other three choices.  This elimination rule applies to the other sections of the ACT as well. It’s far easier to work on eliminating incorrect answers than to try and pick out the correct answer right away.

For each choice, ask yourself - where is the evidence? Does this answer the question? If anything in the choice doesn’t match up with what you read in the passage or the data you’re referencing, eliminate it.  If an answer is only halfway right, it’s wrong!

Tip #17: Skip Difficult Questions

For students who struggle with running out of time on the ACT, lingering too much on hard questions is a major pitfall. If you find yourself floundering on a question, it’s a good idea to skip it on your first pass through the section.  Just circle it so that it will be easier to spot when you go back through the questions.

If you’re spending more than:

30 seconds on an English question 60 seconds on a Math question 45 seconds on a Reading or Science question

Take timed practice tests to experiment with how it feels to spend this much time on a question so that during the real ACT you’ll have a good sense of when you need to move on.

Tip #18: Double Check Your Answers

At the end of each section, if you have a few minutes left, you should go back through and check your answers to be sure you didn’t make any careless mistakes. As you’re answering questions, you can put a little star next to the ones you’re unsure about so you will know to focus on them if you have time at the end.

Things to look for when double checking:

1. “LEAST” or “EXCEPT” questions - these are breeding grounds for careless mistakes.

2. Questions where you went back and forth between two answers - if you were unsure about a question, it's a good idea to go back and check it again.

3. Whichever types of questions you know you tend to have trouble with - for example, you might be extra careful with double checking the conflicting viewpoints passage questions for science.

Tip #19: Do Your Bubbling Last

You can actually save yourself a few minutes of time if you don’t bubble in your answers until the end of the section.  As you go along, circle your choices in the test booklet so it will be easy for you to go through and fill in all the correct bubbles on your answer sheet later. This tip helps you to avoid the annoying process of switching between the test booklet and the answer sheet that will cost you a few seconds on every question.

Before you decide to use this tip, make sure you’re capable of finishing the section with at least 3-5 minutes to spare.  You don’t want to get stuck in a situation where you answered all the questions but didn’t have time to fill in all the bubbles.

Another important thing to remember on the ACT is that you should always bubble in an answer for every question.  There is no guessing penalty , so it’s to your advantage to fill in a bubble for every question even if you don’t have a clue what the answer is. You could get lucky, and if you don’t it won’t impact your score!

Tip #20: Get All Your Stuff Together the Night Before

The day of the test, your palms will be sweaty, knees weak, arms heavy . The last thing you want to do is forget your ACT test ticket or pencils.

So the day before the test, make sure you have all your stuff in one place, ideally in a backpack. The most important things:

• ACT admission ticket
• Acceptable photo ID
• #2 pencils and erasers
• ACT-Approved Calculator

There are other optional things like snacks and water bottle we highly recommend . Don't even question it - just pack it in the day before so on the morning of the test, you'll be ready.

Tip #21: Remain Calm

When all is said and done, the best tip that anyone can give you is to stop psyching yourself out. Since your score for any given section on the ACT is riding on the single block of time that you have to answer the questions, freaking out about one hard question could really hurt you.

If you run into a question you don’t know, just skip it!  It might seem easier when you come back to it later with less time pressure.

Keep in mind that it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get your highest scores on this test.  You’ll have opportunities to take it again, and you can always improve!

We've gone through 20 of the most important tips you should be using to do well on the ACT. Here's a complete list:

1. Know your grammar rules 2. Watch out for "no change" answers

3. Plan essay examples beforehand 4. Cater to the essay graders

5. Know the formulas 6. Fill in content gaps 7. Solve questions on your own first

8. Read your strongest topic area first 9. Find the right passage reading strategy 10. Predict the answer before looking at the choices 11. Rely only on direct evidence 12. Get intellectually curious

13. Do the conflicting viewpoints section last 14. Rely on the visuals 15. Don't be intimidated

Overall Test Taking Tips

16. Use process of elimination 17. Skip tough questions 18. Double check your answers 19. Bubble at the end, and fill in all the bubbles 20. Pack all your stuff the day before the test. 21. Stay calm

If you follow this advice in your studying and during the test, you'll end up dramatically improving your scores! Remember to use more in-depth strategies to study for each section and improve your content knowledge before implementing tips. Check out our articles on how to get perfect scores on every section of the ACT for more strategies.

What's Next?

Take a look at our complete plan  and this six step guide to figure out when you should start studying for the ACT!

Need more resources to supplement your studying? Read this article on the ten best books for ACT prep.

Are you trying to figure out when you should take the ACT? Here's our guide to figuring out your ideal test dates!

Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

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