ACT Writing Section

Copyright © 1999 ‐2010 Scholarships.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Page 1 The Writing Section‐ACT The writing section of the ACT is the only optional portion of the test. Although schools might look at what you wrote, you will not be formally graded on your performance. This is good news for students who are not particularly confident in their writing abilities. That being said, it is still in your best interest give this section a shot. Some admissions committees say they will examine a student’s essay in the event of a tiebreaker. If this sort of situation does come up, an essay will show that you put forth some effort. When you get to the writing section, you will be presented with one high school‐related issue and two arguments. You will then have 30 minutes to choose the argument that makes most sense and to write an essay that supports it. If you do not agree with either of the arguments, you may choose to present your own case. It is the way you write and support your essay and not the argument you choose that colleges will examine. Below are some sample issues that resemble those you may see on the test. Read the prompts below, and write an essay supporting one of the arguments. You may also choose to present and support your own solution. 1. Many high schools are considering an increasingly strict security plan. The plan would require each school to install dozens of cameras inside hallways and classrooms. Additionally, visitors would have to wait in bulletproof areas while school employees scanned their licenses for criminal information. Proponents of the plan said that the procedures would virtually eliminate school abductions and shootings. According to them, the security of students and teachers should be a top priority. Opponents of the plan believe it to be excessively expensive and unpractical. They think that the money would be better spent on improving school curricula and attracting highly‐qualified instructors. 2. The practice of tracking, separating students based on standardized test scores and classroom performance, is coming under increased scrutiny. Proponents of tracking believe that placing students in classes based on performance will encourage all students to reach their potential. Students will not have to be held back or left behind by others. Because one can be successful at each level, they believe that tracking is practical and beneficial for all. Opponents of tracking believe that such separation will put students in lower‐level classes at a disadvantage. They think that classes should be open to all students, not just those thought to be capable. Separating students will not prepare them for the diverse outside world, and it may cause selfesttee damage. 3. In the near future, Congress will vote on a bill permitting random high school drug searches. Proponents of the bill believe that searches should be allowed because drugs pose a threat to both students and teachers. They think that schools should have the right to ensure a drug‐free and secure environment. Testing will make it clear that schools will not tolerate drug‐use. Opponents of the plan believe that random searches are a direct violation of the fourth amendment which outlaws unreasonable searches and seizures. They think that searching all students based on the belief that one may possess drugs creates an environment filled with tension and suspicion. Copyright © 1999 ‐2010 Scholarships.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Page 2 Before you begin your essay, take a moment to outline your thoughts. Doing so will help you write a clear and logical essay. Style is wonderful, but it is just garnish. Once you have made your argument apparent, you can smooth your essay out. Asking friends to pinpoint your argument after practicing will also help. If they can recognize your thesis, you are doing well. If not, just try again. It will get easier.