ACT Writing Prompts: A Guide With Professional Tips

Your ACT exam results might have the final say in whether you get accepted into your dream college. But don't you agree that the ACT writing test might sometimes feel like a mystery? It's the only part of the exam where you're expected to craft a full ACT essay in just 40 minutes! Following these simple steps can relieve your stress just a little bit:

1. Understand the Prompt
2. Form Your Own Perspective
3. Find Arguments and Evidence
4. Plan the Outline
5. Write a Gripping Intro
6. Build Body Paragraphs
7. Wrap It Up

Feeling the pressure already? That's why we're here! This guide will break down the entire process of handling ACT writing prompts step-by-step. And by the way, if you ever need a little extra help with your academic tasks, buy an essay paper from EssayPro and manage your time better.

Understanding the ACT Writing Test

The ACT writing section is an optional essay where you have to discuss a specific issue in only 40 minutes. The goal of this test is to show you can think critically, analyze multiple perspectives and arguments, and share your own take on the topic; all while racing against the clock!

If you’re wondering, “Should I take the ACT writing test?” Go for it. First of all, this exam is a must if your dream college requires it. But the answer doesn’t change much even if it doesn’t. This exam is your chance to demonstrate how well you can work under pressure; coming up with strong arguments and connecting ideas in the big picture in under 40 minutes is definitely not something everyone can handle (compared to memorizing formulas!). Not to mention how instantly a well-written essay will set you apart from other applicants in the admissions process. 

Scoring Criteria

So, how exactly do the admissions officers determine whether your essay gets you accepted or not? The ACT score is based on four key criteria:

• Ideas & Analysis – Did you understand the issue and different viewpoints? Have you decided on your own perspective?
• Development & Support – Are your arguments clear and backed up with solid reasoning?
• Organization – Does your essay flow logically from one idea to the next?
• Language Use – How strong is your grammar, vocabulary, and sentence variety?

Two graders will check your test and score each category from 1 to 6. Their combined decisions give you a final essay score between 2 and 12.

ACT Essay Prompts and How to Tackle Them

The ACT test can feel like a lot. You're given a big, usually tricky topic that you have to dissect on the spot. But confidence can come only from preparation and the right strategy, so let's jump into some real examples and talk about how the prompts must be handled before we get to the actual sample essays.

Sample Prompt: Intelligent Machines

Artificial intelligence is becoming more advanced every year. Some AI systems can hold conversations, create art, and even make decisions that seem almost human. As automated machines become more intelligent, some people argue that we should start thinking about whether they deserve rights, just like humans or animals do. Others believe that no matter how smart AI gets, it’s still just a tool, and giving it rights would be unnecessary and even dangerous.

Should intelligent machines ever be granted rights? Why or why not?

• Perspective 1: No matter how advanced AI becomes, it's still not a human and will never be truly conscious or capable of feeling emotions like humans do. Giving machines rights would be ridiculous and could create more problems than solutions.
• Perspective 2: It's wrong to treat a machine like a disposable object if it can make decisions and even feel something close to an emotion. It should have some level of protection and rights.

How to Approach This Prompt:

• Understand the prompt fully. Define what "rights" we're talking about; are these legal rights, moral consideration, or something else?
• Think about what makes something deserve rights. Is it the machines' knowledge, self-awareness, or emotions?
• Consider historical parallels. Animals didn't always have the same rights that they did years ago. Why can't AI be next?
• Weigh the risks. Could giving AI rights encourage the machines to start making decisions that go against human interests?
• Use examples. Talk about whether you've seen a self-learning robot or watched a movie where machines demand rights. Are we close to that reality?

Sample Prompt: Is It Ever Okay to Rewrite History?

Throughout history, people have edited, rewritten, and even erased parts of the past to fit new values and perspectives. Some argue that removing statues, renaming buildings, and changing how historical events are taught is necessary to correct past injustices. Others believe that history should be preserved as it is, good and bad, so that we can learn from it instead of erasing it.

Should we change how history is presented to reflect modern values? Why or why not?

• Perspective 1: Updating how we tell history is necessary. We shouldn’t celebrate people who did terrible things, and we should teach history in a way that reflects today’s understanding of justice and equality.
• Perspective 2: History should be preserved, even if it’s uncomfortable. Erasing or rewriting the past prevents us from fully understanding it, and people should learn history as it actually happened, not how we wish it had happened.

How to Approach This Prompt:

• Define what it means to “rewrite history.” Are we talking about removing historical buildings and statues, or changing what facts we teach at schools?
• Consider different perspectives. Analyze how much of 'correcting history' means erasing it or making it more accurate.
• Think about historical examples. Can you think of specific times when it was necessary to revise history? Were there times when it went too far?
• Weigh the consequences. Will rewriting history help future generations or do we just risk them forgetting important lessons?
• Use real-world cases. Think back to the time you witnessed history being changed. Did it affect people's understanding of the past? How?

Sample Prompt 3: Letter Grades

For years, schools have relied on letter grades (A-F) to measure student performance. But some people think grades encourage memorization instead of real learning and don’t actually reflect intelligence or effort. Others believe grades are necessary to measure progress and compare students fairly.

Should schools move away from letter grades? Why or why not?

• Perspective 1: Grades just turn the school into a competition. They cause unnecessary stress and urge students to focus on test scores instead of actually learning the material. Besides, standardized tests reflect students' memorization skills instead of critical thinking.
• Perspective 2: Grades are the only universal way to measure the students' achievements. Without a clear system, college admissions or employers can't know who's doing well and who isn't.

How to Approach This Prompt:

• Think about what grades really measure. Do they test your memory, how well you can take a test, or how much you've learned?
• Consider alternatives. Should we remove letter grades and not come up with a different way to evaluate students? Could a narrative feedback or portfolio-based assessment work better?
• Weigh the impact. How would eliminating grades affect college admissions, scholarships, and job applications?
• Acknowledge different learning styles. Learning isn't universal; each student thrives under different circumstances. Some might study better under the current grading system while others struggle. Can we come up with a grading system that's fairer for everyone?
• Use examples. Have you ever gotten a poor grade when you were actually prepared for the test? Maybe you've felt that a grade didn't reflect your effort or skills. Would a different system have changed things?

How To Write An ACT Essay Step-By-Step

So, you're in the room. No multiple choices, no safety nets, just you and a prompt you have to turn into an essay in less than an hour. If that sounds stressful to you, let us take some weight off of your shoulders: writing a great essay only requires a well-thought-out strategy that you follow religiously. So, let's break the entire thing down into manageable steps. We promise you, it won't seem as scary afterward.

Understand the Prompt

You would never jump into an argument without actually knowing what you're arguing about. The same rule applies here, too. Each ACT prompt gives you a controversial issue, different perspectives, and a question that basically asks, 'Where do you stand?'

Before you start developing your arguments and writing the text, you should:

• Read the prompt carefully. Don’t just skim through it! Misunderstanding the prompt will mess up your whole essay.
• Figure out the big debate. Find the core issue at hand and decide what your thoughts are.
• Understand the perspectives. You don't necessarily have to agree with them, but you can't write the essay task without understanding what they're saying.

Decide Where You Stand

The ACT isn't there just to test how good your writing abilities are or if you can handle sentence structure. This section lets the admissions officers know whether you can form a logical argument based on your own perspective.

• Pick a side (or find a middle ground). You can fully agree with one perspective, mix a couple together, or come up with your own take.
• Make sure it’s defendable. Here's a pro tip: you don't have to choose what you personally believe. If you can’t back up your arguments with real examples, you should rethink your position. Just go with the point you can defend the best.
• Be clear and confident. Don't jump around different opinions, it will make you sound like you don't know where you stand. Pick a stance and own it.

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Find Arguments and Evidence

Now that you know which side you're defending in your ACT essay, you need to start building your case. Sit down and brainstorm how you'll back up your arguments and where you'll find credible sources.

• Real-world examples. Dig into historical parallels, current events, and science. You can even visit pop culture to find relevant examples.
• Personal experience. You can absolutely use a relevant personal story, if you have one. Just make sure it stays on topic.
• Common sense. If you know how to craft a well-explained argument, some logical reasoning can be just as strong as a historical fact.

Plan Before You Write

Think outlining is just extra work? Think again! It might feel like you're just wasting time, but a proper outline is like a GPS; a roadmap ensures you don't get lost halfway through. Following these simple steps will save you a ton of time when you actually start writing:

• Decide on your thesis. Your thesis is your main argument. The entire essay should support it, so choose wisely.
• Plan your body paragraphs. Each separate paragraph should focus on only one argument with supporting evidence.
• Plan where to address counterarguments. Decide where you can acknowledge the other side the best.

Write a Gripping Intro

Your introductory paragraph is the first impression, so you have to make it count. A robotic intro is an instant red flag for the grader. Fluff and filler will make them want to just stop reading. Shortly put, you have one chance to pull the reader in, and you have to do everything to get it done:

• Start with something engaging. A shocking fact or a statistic, a bold statement, or a thought-provoking question will keep the reader on their toes from the very first sentence.
• Give insightful context. Give a brief overview of the issue in the writing prompt and summarize the perspectives.
• Clearly state your thesis. The grader should know exactly where you stand and what to expect by the end of your intro.

Build Strong Body Paragraphs

The first body paragraph is where you start actually proving your point. Each paragraph should focus on only one argument and back it up with solid evidence. If your grader has to guess what you're saying, that's not a good sign, so keep the text logical and to the point. Here's how to structure your body paragraphs:

• Start with a clear topic sentence. The grader should know what the paragraph will cover from the first sentence.
• Back it up with evidence. Don't forget to support each one of your arguments with facts, examples, or skillful reasoning.
• Explain why it matters. You shouldn't just list the points and sources. Connect the dots; how do these examples prove your thesis?
• Address counterarguments when needed. You can use another perspective to further strengthen your point. If the given arguments make sense, you should acknowledge them, but then explain why your argument is stronger.

Wrap It Up

You've made your case; now it's time to wrap your argumentative essay up and make a final point. You can write the most coherent essay, but if the conclusion is weak, it will make the entire thing feel unfinished. So, don't just rewrite the intro in different words and call it a day. And whatever you do, don't introduce any new arguments in the concluding paragraph. Instead:

• Restate your thesis. Reinforce your ideas once more in a fresh way and show that the arguments have been fully developed.
• Summarize your strongest points. No need to rewrite everything. Just a quick recap will suffice.
• End with something memorable. Any essay should leave the reader with something to think about. Think about a powerful final sentence, maybe an open-ended question, a bold statement, or even a call to action.
• A powerful final sentence leaves a lasting impression. Maybe a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a bold statement.

Pro Tips for Writing a Strong ACT Essay

The ACT writing task tests your abilities to analyze multiple perspectives and share your own perspective on controversial issues under time pressure. Reading sample essays and analyzing different prompts can help you make better sense of the exam, but we still decided to give you some additional tips to help you work smarter.

• Practice with a Purpose. Random essays won't improve your skills. It's always better to read real sample essays, use ACT prompts, and time yourself so you get used to the pressure. Once you're done, review your work. Ask yourself: were your arguments strong? Did you stay on topic?
• Plan Before You Write. You'll risk losing your train of thought halfway through the essay task if you dive in without having a proper plan. Take your time to figure out your thesis and outline your body paragraphs. Brainstorm and jot down any examples (and evidence!) you want to use.
• Don’t Obsess Over Grammar. This isn't a grammar test. While proper punctuation and sentence structure are important, ACT is, after all, a persuasion test. Focus on making your ideas clear and easy to follow; flawless grammar won't save you from a weak argument.
• Keep Up with Common Topics. You'll never know what exactly to expect from your writing prompts, but they usually cover the big questions. Having a general sense of current debates in technology, education, etc. will help you think faster.

ACT Essay Examples

Check out the two sample essays below; reading the actual test examples will do way more for you than reading through tens of pages of advice. Just don't forget to analyze them; pinpoint the strengths that the response exhibits and think about what could be improved.

Learn how to write a diversity essay while you're at it! Talking about your unique background and how it helped shape who you are as a person today will go hand-in-hand with your high ACT score so you can impress even the pickiest admissions officers.

You're Ready To Write!

If you think about it, writing an essay in 40 minutes isn’t exactly a relaxing way to spend your morning. But it's not really all that terrifying as it seems before the test day. The ACT writing test won't be a nightmare if you have the right game plan.

• Time is tight, but manageable. You’ve got less than an hour to plan, write, and edit. Make every one of those 40 minutes count.
• It’s optional, but not really. Some colleges require it, but even if they don’t, a strong essay score can set you apart from other applicants.
• Mind the four domain scores: Ideas & Analysis, Development & Support, Organization, and Language Use.
• Preparation is your secret weapon. Read sample essays, time yourself while you write, and analyze different perspectives. Get comfortable with the ACT strategies.
• Structure matters. A coherent essay needs proper structure to keep you on track. Pay attention that your essay has a strong introduction, clear body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Still feeling like you’d rather wrestle with calculus than face an essay under pressure? No worries, help is just a couple taps away! EssayPro has your back for any academic assignment, whether you need ACT prep help or an entire psychology essay writing service.

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