ACT Writing Overview

Video Lesson

ACT ESSAY OVERVIEW VIDEO LESSON

Goals for Lesson:

1. Understand the basics of what you’re expected to do in the ACT writing section
2. Review an example prompt so you know what to expect
3. Give you a sense of the overall process and approach
▪ Step 1: Brainstorm
▪ Step 2: Write
▪ Step 3: Re-read
4. Go through an example essay so you understand the structure and content of the essay

Topic 1: The Basics

▪ You’ll have 40 minutes to complete the ACT writing portion. You’ll be presented with a
short paragraph that introduces an idea followed by three perspectives on that idea. Your
task: write an essay in which you evaluate at least one of the perspectives on [topic].
▪ You will be evaluated on a scale of 1-6 on the following:
o Did you write a unified, coherent essay?
o Did you clearly state your perspective on the issue and analyze the relationship
between your perspective and at least one other perspective given?
o Did you develop and support your ideas with reasoning and examples?
o Are your ideas organized clearly and logically?
o Did you communicate your ideas in standard written English?
▪ Note: Your perspective can be in full agreement or in partial agreement with any of the
perspectives given or can be completely different.
▪ Write clearly (avoid cursive) and do not cross out text or have arrows pointing all over the
place
▪ Indent new paragraphs
▪ Brainstorm before you write. It’s obvious to the reader when your ideas are clearly
organized. You’ll be more clear to the reader when you have a clear plan for yourself.
▪ The issues you’re asked to talk about are controversial. No side is right or wrong. But you
must not simply restate the prompt. You have to show that you understand why people care
about these issues and that you recognize the complexity of what you’re discussing.

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Topic 2: An Example Prompt

Year-Round Schooling

Since the invention of high school in the early 1900s, people have disagreed about what and how to
best teach America’s youth. Some high schools work year-round, even incorporating Saturday
classes. Others have extended, three-month summer vacations. When considering the structure of
year-round schooling versus incorporation of a summer vacation, it is essential to reflect on the
potential benefits and consequences of each approach to education.

Read and carefully consider these perspectives. Each suggests a particular way of thinking about the issue of year-round
schooling.

Perspective One Perspective Two Perspective Three

When students attend year- American work culture Family values in America
round school, they do not pushes a fast pace, and our are crumbling. The summer
forget information over the students are suffering from break is necessary for
summer, which yields higher the pressure. A summer families to spend more time
academic performance and break is needed for students together, which is
better learning. to recharge. desperately needed in our
society.

Essay Task

Write a unified, coherent essay about the issue of year-round schooling. In your essay, be
sure to:
▪ 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

Your perspective may be in full agreement with any of those given, in partial agreement, or
completely different.

Planning Your Essay

Strengths and weaknesses of different perspectives on the issue

▪ What insights do they offer, and what do they fail to consider?
▪ Why might they be persuasive to others, or why might they fail to persuade?
Your own knowledge, experience, and values
▪ What is your perspective on this issue, and what are its strengths and weaknesses?
▪ How will you support your perspective in your essay?

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Topic 3: Your Writing Process

Step 1: Brainstorm (Do a pro-con list and relate back to the perspectives given)

PRO CON
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Step 2: Write (with structure and organization)

Introduction
▪ Intro Sentence – try to be creative to introduce the issue
▪ Summarize both sides of the argument
▪ Thesis – be sure to acknowledge the counter argument in your thesis

Reason 1
▪ Topic Sentence – introduce what you’ll argue in the whole paragraph
▪ Give specific examples and commentary on how each example supports your claim
▪ Relate your examples back to the perspectives given

Reason 2
▪ Topic Sentence – introduce what you’ll argue in the whole paragraph
▪ Give specific examples and commentary on how each example supports your claim
▪ Relate your examples back to the perspectives given

Counterexample**
▪ Topic Sentence – introduce what you’ll argue in the whole paragraph (explore counter-view)
▪ Give specific examples and commentary on how there is merit to other views
▪ Relate your examples back to the perspectives given (if applicable)

Conclusion
▪ You MUST have a conclusion, even if it’s only one or two sentences
▪ Try to summarize your argument without simply repeating text you’ve already written

Step 3: Reread
▪ Give yourself 2 – 3 minutes at the end to reread the essay and double check for spelling and
grammar mistakes

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Topic 4: Example Essay

Introduction
Sentence 1: Students, parents, and administrators have debated the advantages and disadvantages of
[insert prompt].
Sentence 2: Both the supporters and opponents of this important issue have valid viewpoints.
Sentence 3 (Thesis): Even though [say what’s counter to your view], ultimately [state your view]
because [reason 1] and [reason 2].

“Students, parents, and administrators have debated the advantages and disadvantages of the
3-month summer vacation. Both the supporters and opponents of this important issue have valid
viewpoints. Even though a summer vacation may cause students to become lazy or forget important
course material, ultimately the break is necessary because it provides relaxation and new
opportunities for students and staff.”

Reason 1 Paragraph
Sentence 1 (Topic Sentence): The first sentence should summarize the entire paragraph.
Next Sentences: Stay on topic, state specific examples to support reason 1

“The summer break allows for students and teachers to take a much needed break, one that
is well-deserved given the fast-paced, high pressure environment teens currently face. The school
year is rigorous with challenging classes, extracurricular activities, and sports. I always feel excited to
return to school in the fall after having time to relax and recharge. The teachers can also take
advantage of the time to travel, develop new courses, or spend time with their families. At my
school, the administrators organize construction projects over the summer to interfere minimally
with the academic calendar. Whether allowing for constructing new buildings or for relaxing with
friends and family, the summer break is essential.”

Reason 2 Paragraph
Sentence 1 (Topic Sentence and Transition): In addition to [state reason 1], [state your view] also
[state reason 2].
Next Sentences: Stay on topic, state specific examples to support reason 2

“In addition to providing relaxation, the summer vacation also allows for students to pursue
new learning opportunities that would otherwise not be available with year round schooling. During
this time, students can maintain full time jobs and learn responsibility and other important life skills.
They can also travel with family or on community service trips, activities sometimes sacrificed
during the school year when time is so limited. Also, many sports teams use the summer months for
increased training and practice. Last summer, I was privileged to participate in a 6-week acting
conservatory at the University of California, San Diego. This experience expanded my knowledge of
theater arts and improved my acting skills. But if I attended a school without a summer vacation,
then I would not have had this opportunity.”

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Counterexample Paragraph
Sentence 1: It is certainly true that [state counter arguments].
Sentence 2: However, [state why your side is correct].
Next Sentences: Continue with your reasoning and discussing new ideas or other approaches or
compromises

“I appreciate that the summer vacation has potential disadvantages. It’s certainly true that
some students do not take advantage of the time and are lazy and unproductive all summer. Also,
the time between classes can cause students to forget recently learned material. But the advantages
to the students and teachers who use the time far outweigh the potential negatives. That some
students will be lazy is a given, but the benefit to students, their families, and the community is more
important. One solution could be to shorten the break to two months instead of three months. Two
months is less time to be lazy or forget course material, but is enough time for students to still
connect with their families or learn important skills for their futures by getting jobs, doing
community service, and training for athletics.”

Conclusion
Just have one! You should restate your main point and end with a very clear statement of your view.

“The summer vacation must be maintained. There is no question that the time is beneficial
for teachers, administrators, students, and the community. In our highly competitive work culture,
we all deserve a break and the opportunity to pursue new adventures or opportunities not otherwise
available with year-round schooling.”

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The Essay All Together

Students, parents, and administrators have debated over the advantages and disadvantages of
the 3-month summer vacation. Both the supporters and opponents of this important issue have
valid viewpoints. Even though a summer vacation may cause students to become lazy or forget
important course material, ultimately the break is necessary because it provides relaxation and new
opportunities for students and staff.
The summer break allows for students and teachers to take a much needed break, one that is
well-deserved given the fast-paced, high pressure environment teens currently face. The school year
is rigorous with challenging classes, extracurricular activities, and sports. I always feel excited to
return to school in the fall after having time to relax and recharge. The teachers can also take
advantage of the time to travel, develop new courses, or spend time with their families. At my
school, the administrators organize construction projects over the summer to interfere minimally
with the academic calendar. Whether allowing for constructing new buildings or for relaxing with
friends and family, the summer break is essential.
In addition to providing relaxation, the summer vacation also allows for students to pursue
new learning opportunities that would otherwise not be available with year round schooling. During
this time, students can maintain full time jobs and learn responsibility and other important life skills.
They can also travel with family or on community service trips, activities sometimes sacrificed
during the school year when time is so limited. Also, many sports teams use the summer months for
increased training and practice. Last summer, I was privileged to participate in a 6-week acting
conservatory at the University of California, San Diego. This experience expanded my knowledge of
theater arts and improved my acting skills. But if I attended a school without a summer vacation,
then I would not have had this opportunity.
I appreciate that the summer vacation has potential disadvantages. It’s certainly true that
some students do not take advantage of the time and are lazy and unproductive all summer. Also,
the time between classes can cause students to forget recently learned material. But the advantages
to the students and teachers who use the time far outweigh the potential negatives. That some
students will be lazy is a given, but the benefit to students, their families, and the community is more
important. One solution could be to shorten the break to two months instead of three months. Two
months is less time to be lazy or forget course material, but is enough time for students to still
connect with their families or learn important skills for their futures by getting jobs, doing
community service, and training for athletics.
The summer vacation must be maintained. There is no question that the time is beneficial
for teachers, administrators, students, and the community. In our highly competitive work culture,
we all deserve a break and the opportunity to pursue new adventures or opportunities not otherwise
available with year-round schooling.