The 40-minute writing portion of the ACT requires students to read a prompt and three related perspectives and then compose their own response to the central issue. Though optional, certain colleges require that students sit for the ACT writing test.
Understandably, some students have questions about how to approach this particular portion of the exam. Here are three common ACT writing errors that students should review and avoid.
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1. Brainstorming for too long: Brainstorming is a crucial phase in any writing process. Investing several minutes in the creation of a basic essay structure can ultimately save time and lead to better writing. However, students must also leave time to compose their essays. It can be all too easy to get bogged down in the details or linger in the brainstorming stage because no ideas immediately present themselves.
A great general rule is to spend five to 10 minutes brainstorming. You do not need the perfect outline, but you do need a basic plan, including a sense of your argument and the specific examples you will use to support it.
For example, take this prompt about intelligent machines. You might decide to argue that machines can make certain tasks safer, with support for the second perspective listed. Your example might be robotic surgery.
If you find yourself struggling with brainstorming, review the prompt. The information presented in the first paragraph can serve as a springboard for idea development.
Aim to do the following: Determine your point of view, write your preliminary thesis, decide how you will address other perspectives and formulate examples to support your argument.
[Manage time wisely on the ACT writing test.]
2. Assuming you must be completely original: The ACT writing section is not an essay that requires you to solely develop an original viewpoint. You are expected to respond to and engage with the three provided perspectives, which will prompt you to reference the ideas within these arguments.
However, do not go too far and completely agree with a perspective, as you will then have little to say other than, “I agree with this argument.” Instead, think of specific circumstances that might require adaptation of the main opinion. Consider possible counterarguments, flaws or places where you can further the viewpoint.
For example, consider the earlier prompt about intelligent machines. You might argue that the first perspective listed is flawed because factors other than machines can contribute to a lack of courtesy, respect and tolerance. Your goal is to use the perspectives to engage critically with a multiplicity of ideas.
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3. Failing to use every minute: When you finish writing your essay, you may be tempted to throw down your pencil and call it a day. After all, the ACT can be tiring. However, it is important to remember that after the exam, you can take a long break. During the test, it is important to focus and stay on task.
Many students finish as soon as they write their conclusion. Note, though, that one of the main criteria students are graded on is the quality of their writing. Scorers do not expect perfection, but they do expect a readable essay in clear, concise English.
Use any additional time to practice a revision technique, such as reading the essay in reverse, paragraph by paragraph. When revising, look for run-on sentences or sentence fragments that might confuse the reader. Cleaning up spelling and grammatical errors can also be important, but remember that a few small issues will not make or break your grade. Focus on the overall quality of your writing and ensure you have clearly expressed your ideas.
With these tips in mind, the essay should become more approachable. Students should also read multiple prompts and sample essays in advance of their test dates. First attempt to answer the prompt in a timed environment and then compare your results with the sample essays that follow.
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3 ACT Writing Errors Students Make originally appeared on usnews.com
