Even with the right ACT® test prep, taking the test is exhausting. After 45 minutes of English, 1 hour of math, 35 minutes of reading and 35 minutes of science, must of us are pretty fried. After all that, the ACT® offers an optional writing section (known in combination with the full test as “ACT® plus Writing”).
So it’s “optional” AND after a 2 hour+ test? “No way!” is the logical response, right?
Not so fast. Although all colleges and universities do not require “ACT® Plus Writing”, most will accept it, according to ACT®. Even if you’re one of those students who scoffs at the thought of essays, taking this section may be a smart move for you with the right ACT® test prep.
The 30-minute section poses high school related controversial issue and asks students to take a stance through a persuasive piece. Still not sold? By following these 12 simple free ACT® prep steps, I promise you’ll be on you’re a way to a perfect 12 on the ACT® writing section in no time!
1. Do your Homework
The most important preparation for taking any standardized test is knowing the test. ACT® test prep is especially important for such a structured section like the writing portion. According to the ACT® website, the test asks students to take a side on a relevant high school issue. Going into the test, prepare yourself to write a persuasive piece. This could mean anything from brainstorming piece based on some ACT® sample questions or reading the New York Times opinion section.
2. Have a Game Plan
Another great part to look at on the ACT® website is the scoring guidelines section. This free ACT® prep section outlines key aspects of essays at each score. (To get a perfect score of a 12, you will need to receive two 6’s from your graders.) Although creativity is appreciated in writing prompts, it is important that you go into the writing section with a intending to write for the test. I am confident that I got a 12 each time on my writing sections because I knew the rubric inside and out before stepping foot into the testing room. Make sure you plan to a clear position an introduction, conclusion and supported examples within your essay. You should also be aware that changes are coming to the ACT®, including the writing section, so always check the ACT® website for the most current information.
3. Start Fresh
Now that you’ve done your ACT® test prep, it’s time to take the writing test. After such a long test, it can be hard to stay motivated. This is why it’s crucial that you “start fresh” when you approach the writing section. The other sections are now behind you; clear them from your mind. Take a second to take a deep breath before you read the prompt so that you will focus all your energy on the task at hand.
4. Pick a Side
The most important part to a persuasive piece is developing a clear position on the issue. Whether or not this position is your personal opinion, make sure it is one you can defend, and most importantly, that you can express. If your reader cannot understand what side you are trying to take, your score will likely reflect it.
5. Brainstorm
A good way to begin if you are stuck is brainstorming. Write down the two sides to the argument and bullet point of support and examples below each topic. Whichever one you have more support for is the side you should go with. Make sure your outline includes an introduction, body, refutation, and conclusion.
6. Re-read the Prompt
Again, make sure you write for the test. An essay worthy of a perfect score maintains a “clear focus on the specific issue,” according to the ACT® scoring guidelines Before you start writing, read the prompt one more time, and again if you need it throughout the writing process.
7. Elaborate with Examples
As you flesh out your essay, make sure to support your reasoning with examples. “Most ideas are fully elaborated,” in a perfect score essay according to the scoring guidelines. Think of examples from your own life, history, or literature that can support your ideas so you are not stating empty claims.
8. Acknowledge the Other Side
Another important part of a well-developed persuasive piece is acknowledging the other side of the argument. Known as the refutation paragraph, this part of your essay is important to add some complexity to your piece.
9. Bring it Back to Your Side
Although it is important to acknowledge the converse side to your argument, you should not jump ship. Make sure you state the opposing opinion, and quickly refute it or state why your argument still prevails.
10. End Strong
The last sentence is where you can really convince your audience or solidify your opinion. Think carefully before writing this sentence so that your reader can finish the piece absolutely sure of which side you took and why.
11. Proofread
If writing endless essays, blog posts, and articles in college has taught me that proofreading is EVERYTHING. No matter how much I plan out a piece, there are always corrections I can make. Training yourself to proofread is another great practice for ACT® test prep. Though you can’t read out loud to yourself in a testing room, try to say every word slowly in your head as you read through your essay (if you have the time). You don’t want to lose points for any careless errors! Most importantly, make sure you stayed on track of the prompt and format of the ACT® writing section.
12. Proofread Again!
Even as a writer myself, I know that many of us don’t actually “proofread” when we say we do. Tired eyes may find themselves glancing over the words during the proofreading process instead of really reviewing your work. Push yourself to proofread your paper one more time, this is the final stretch!
To see if a school you are interested in accepts or requires the ACT® Plus Writing test you can use ACT®’s interactive search tool or website for more free ACT® prep.
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