Writing Practice

Directions

This is a test of your writing skills. You will have thirty (30) minutes to write an
essay. Before you begin planning and writing your essay, read the writing prompt
carefully to understand exactly what you are being asked to do. Your essay will be
evaluated on the evidence it provides of your ability to express judgments by
taking a position on the issue in the writing prompt; to maintain a focus on the
topic throughout your essay; to develop a position by using logical reasoning and
by supporting your ideas; to organize ideas in a logical way; and to use language
clearly and effectively according to the conventions of standard written English.

You may use the unlined pages in this test booklet to plan your essay. These pages
will not be scored. You must write your essay on the lined pages in the answer
folder. Your writing on those lined pages will be scored. You may not need all the
lined pages, but to ensure you have enough room to finish, do NOT skip lines. You
may write corrections or additions neatly between the lines of your essay, but do
NOT write in the margins of the lined pages. Illegible essays cannot be scored, so
you must write (or print) clearly.

If you finish before time is called, you may review your work. Lay your pencil
down immediately when time is called.

DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO.

ACT Assessment Writing Test Prompt

Some colleges and universities, as part of the application process, have reviewed
applicants’ pages on social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook.
Many support this idea, arguing that schools can distinguish between true and false
claims of extracurriculars listed on applications. Others disagree, arguing such use
of social networking sites is unfair. In your opinion, should admissions’ offices use
the content of applicants’ MySpace and Facebook pages in weighing their
applications?
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.

Directions

This is a test of your writing skills. You will have thirty (30) minutes to write an
essay. Before you begin planning and writing your essay, read the writing prompt
carefully to understand exactly what you are being asked to do. Your essay will be
evaluated on the evidence it provides of your ability to express judgments by
taking a position on the issue in the writing prompt; to maintain a focus on the
topic throughout your essay; to develop a position by using logical reasoning and
by supporting your ideas; to organize ideas in a logical way; and to use language
clearly and effectively according to the conventions of standard written English.

You may use the unlined pages in this test booklet to plan your essay. These pages
will not be scored. You must write your essay on the lined pages in the answer
folder. Your writing on those lined pages will be scored. You may not need all the
lined pages, but to ensure you have enough room to finish, do NOT skip lines. You
may write corrections or additions neatly between the lines of your essay, but do
NOT write in the margins of the lined pages. Illegible essays cannot be scored, so
you must write (or print) clearly.

If you finish before time is called, you may review your work. Lay your pencil
down immediately when time is called.

DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO.

ACT Assessment Writing Test Prompt

In some high schools, administrators have limited students to participating in a

maximum of two school-sponsored extracurricular activities each semester.
Advocates believe that over-extended students lack sufficient time after school to
devote to homework. Other educators disagree, arguing that extracurricular
activities offer students vital experience and opportunities to explore additional
interests. In your opinion, should schools limit the number of school-sponsored
extracurricular activities?
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.

Directions

This is a test of your writing skills. You will have thirty (30) minutes to write an
essay. Before you begin planning and writing your essay, read the writing prompt
carefully to understand exactly what you are being asked to do. Your essay will be
evaluated on the evidence it provides of your ability to express judgments by
taking a position on the issue in the writing prompt; to maintain a focus on the
topic throughout your essay; to develop a position by using logical reasoning and
by supporting your ideas; to organize ideas in a logical way; and to use language
clearly and effectively according to the conventions of standard written English.

You may use the unlined pages in this test booklet to plan your essay. These pages
will not be scored. You must write your essay on the lined pages in the answer
folder. Your writing on those lined pages will be scored. You may not need all the
lined pages, but to ensure you have enough room to finish, do NOT skip lines. You
may write corrections or additions neatly between the lines of your essay, but do
NOT write in the margins of the lined pages. Illegible essays cannot be scored, so
you must write (or print) clearly.

If you finish before time is called, you may review your work. Lay your pencil
down immediately when time is called.

DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO.

ACT Assessment Writing Test Prompt

In some cities, restaurants must provide detailed nutritional information, including

calorie, saturated and trans fat, carbohydrate, and sodium levels, on fast-food menu
boards and printed menus. Supporters believe that consumers will make better food
choices if educated about the nutritional content. Restaurant owners complain that
a public display is unnecessary because the information is readily available if
diners ask. In your opinion, should restaurants post nutritional information
publicly?
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.

WRITING TEST

Essay Checklist

1. The Introduction

Did you

○ start with a topic sentence that paraphrases or restates the prompt?

○ clearly state your position on the issue?

2. Body Paragraph 1

Did you

○ start with a transition/topic sentence that discusses the opposing side of the
argument?

○ give an example of a reason that one might agree with the opposing side of the
argument?

○ clearly state that the opposing side of the argument is wrong or flawed?

○ show what is wrong with the opposing side’s example or position?

3. Body Paragraphs 2 and 3

Did you

○ start with a transition/topic sentence that discusses your position on the prompt?

○ give one example or reason to support your position?

○ show the grader how your example supports your position?

○ end the paragraph by restating your thesis?

4. Conclusion
Did you

○ restate your position on the issue?

○ end with a flourish?

5. Overall

Did you

○ write neatly?

○ avoid multiple spelling and grammar mistakes?

○ try to vary your sentence structure?

○ use a few impressive-sounding words?