The ACT Writing Test

Length Question Types
30 Minutes You write in response to a question about your position on an issue

The optional ACT Writing Test is 30 minutes long, includes one essay, and is always the last section of the test. You'll be given a topic or an issue and expected to take a position on it, supporting your point of view with examples and evidence.n terms of scoring, if you get a multiple-choice question right, you earn 1 point. If you get it wrong, you lose ¼ of a point. If you omit the question, you neither gain nor lose any points.

You don't have to be a great creative writer to succeed on the ACT Writing Test. You just have to show that you can focus on an issue and argue your point of view in a coherent, direct way with concrete examples. Furthermore, essay graders are not primarily concerned with your grammar and punctuation skills. In terms of ACT Writing, clarity is what they're looking for.

The biggest challenge of the ACT Writing Test is the time frame. With only 30 minutes to read the issue, plan your response, draft the essay, and proofread it, you have to work quickly and efficiently. Coming up with a plan and sticking with it is key to success.

ACT Writing Test Format

The ACT Writing Test consists of one prompt that lays out the issue and gives directions for your response. There are no choices of topic; you have to respond to the topic that's given. But don't worry; test makers craft topics that are relevant to high school students and about which you can be expected to have a point of view.



Kaplan Strategy Session: ACT Writing


Kaplan Strategy Session: ACT Writing

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