The ACT writing test is a relatively short 40-minute section that requires test takers to analyze an argument and write a persuasive essay in response to a given prompt. While a brief writing assignment, the ACT essay is carefully scored based on critical thinking, organization, development of ideas, and clarity of written expression. To achieve the highest scores, it’s important for students to practice writing effective ACT essay responses under timed conditions. Analyzing sample ACT essays can provide valuable insight into what makes a strong essay response and how to approach different essay prompts. This article will examine several ACT essay writing samples and discuss key elements that earn high scores.
The ACT writing test always presents a single prompt asking students to analyze a given argument. Prompts vary in their subject matter but follow a similar structure of presenting a claim and supporting evidence that students must consider and evaluate the reasoning behind. A successful ACT essay response directly addresses the central issue of the prompt, synthesizes evidence from the argument into the response, and takes a clear stance on the argument’s persuasiveness. Essays are scored based on their demonstration of ideas, content, organization, and language usage/conventions on a scale of 2 (lowest) to 12 (highest) points across each dimension. Let’s examine how higher scoring sample ACT essays approach these elements.
One such 12th grade sample essay received a top score of 8/8/8/8. The prompt stated that students should spend their free time by taking part in extracurricular activities instead of having part-time jobs. This student’s response directly addressed this claim in their introductory paragraph: “While extracurricular activities provide benefits, requiring all students to avoid part-time employment goes too far. Both options can build important skills if managed properly.” Over the essay, this student supported their stance through synthesizing evidence like the argument that “activities foster teamwork and leadership” while also acknowledging part-time jobs teach “responsibility, time management, and basic work skills.” Their paragraphs effectively organized evidence under headings like “Benefits of Activities” and “Benefits of Employment” before concluding the options are “not mutually exclusive and should be a personal choice.” Throughout, the language usage demonstrated advanced syntax, word choice, and conventions.
Another high-scoring sample took a 12th grade prompt arguing all high school students should be required to complete a senior project. This essay stood out for its depth of content and insightful analysis. The introduction paragraph set up the response, stating “While Senior Projects have value, making them mandatory risks diminishing their potential benefits.” Each body paragraph examined a different element of the argument, like potential benefits but also limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach. Unique details were integrated, such as research showing intrinsic motivation leads to better learning outcomes than external requirements. Transitions smoothly connected paragraphs, and the language had sophistication conveying nuanced reasoning. By directly backing up their stance with well-developed evidence and addressing implicit assumptions in the argument, this student demonstrated the critical thinking expected at top achievement levels.
Exemplary responses also show command of standard writing conventions. An 11th grade sample that earned a perfect 8/8/8/8 score structured their essay with a clear introduction, three body paragraphs each analyzing a piece of evidence, and a conclusion that neatly wrapped up their evaluation. What made this essay especially strong was the cohesive flow between and within paragraphs achieved through varied syntactic structures and precise word choices. Transitions flowed logically between sentences using words like “Furthermore, “However,” and “While.” The developing ideas demonstrated a nuanced understanding of the prompt’s argument for limiting cell phone use in schools, remaining respectfully skeptical without dismissing the other side. Mechanically, the essay had not a single error to detract from conveying insightful critical analysis under time pressure. Mastery of language conventions allowed their ideas to shine through unimpeded.
When practicing writing ACT essay responses, analyzing high-scoring samples reveals strategic approaches to effectively earn high marks across all scoring dimensions. Key lessons include directly addressing the central issue in a clear thesis, thoughtfully incorporating evidence from the given argument, organizing content coherently in well-structured paragraphs, using sophisticated syntax and vocabulary, and demonstrating command over standard writing mechanics. Students should aim to thoughtfully convey their critical analysis rather than take an absolute stance, leaving room to acknowledge limitations or nuances rather than oversimplifying the issue. With focused practice emulating exemplar responses, test takers can develop the skills to convincingly express their perspective on any prompt within the time constraints. Analyzing high-quality ACT essay samples provides a framework to aim for on test day.
The ACT writing test evaluates a student’s ability to thoughtfully analyze an argument and synthesize supporting evidence into an organized, clearly written response. Reviewing exemplary ACT essay samples reveals strategic approaches that address all dimensions of the rubric to achieve top scores. From directly engaging with the central issue to incorporating details from the argument in well-developed paragraphs to using sophisticated language, mastery of these elements can set students apart. While the ACT essay is a short exercise, taking the time to deeply understand what graders evaluate and practicing applying those skills to many sample prompts enables students to demonstrate their highest potential. Analyzing model responses provides invaluable lessons that can make the difference on test day.
Andrew Stroud