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ACT Writing
Test CONCEPTS
You will be using the ACT Writing web site to learn about
these concepts and to practice these writing skills:
Discovering the ACT
Prompt
- The parts of the Prompt
- Summarizing the ACT Prompt
- Writing our own ACT Prompt
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What is the PROBLEM [issue] presented by the Prompt?
- Write the problem as a question.
- Can you VISUALIZE the problem?
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What are the two possible SOLUTIONS [conclusions]
to the problem?
- Which solution makes more sense to you? Which solution can you argue
best?
- IMPORTANT -- Stick with THAT ONE
SOLUTION!!! DO NOT suggest other solutions.
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WHO is affected by this solution? Who are the people
most deeply involved?
- The prompt will tell you which group or groups of people
are most affected by the problem and solution.
- How will the solution you've chosen change their lives
for the better?
- How will the other solution hurt these people?
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How is the solution supposed to affect these people?
- The Prompt will many times tell you what the outcome
should be.
- How does the solution you've picked help gain that
outcome?
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What are two general REASONS to argue for your
solution?
- Explain why you believe this solution is better.
- Brainstorm for reasons and support.
- IMPORTANT -- Finding a variety
of reasons AND supporting those reasons will earn you a passing grade.
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Writing the introduction and concluding paragraphs.
- Restating the prompt
- Emphasizing the solution you will support.
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Developing the BODY PARAGRAPHS.
- The most important part of the letter are the two or
three BODY PARAGRAPHS
- Each body paragraph MUST state a single reasons.
- You must have at least two reasons.
- Each reasons needs a VARIETY OF SUPPORT - EXPLANATIONS
- EXAMPLES - FACTS.
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How can you write vividly [descriptively]?
- "Paint" your argument in words.
- Help the reader to "see" how your solution works.
- Use examples throughout your essay.
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How can you write simply and effectively?
- Keep your sentences brief.
- Stick to one reason for both body paragraph.
- Use a topic sentence with a simple transition for both
body paragraphs.
- Use at least four sentences in both body paragraph.
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How do you check your work for mistakes?
- Importance of Reading your work Aloud
- Give yourself time to check your work.
- Learn simple grammar and sentence form.
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What is a passing ACT essay?
- Contains at least two reasons
- Develops each reason with A VARIETY of examples, analogies,
descriptions and explanations
- Sticks to the same POV, throughout the essay
- Uses transtions between major ideas
- Generally grammatically correct
- Uses appropriate paragraph form
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Grading the ACT essay
- Two trained readers
- Holistic reading
- 4pts. is passing; 3pts. is failing; 7pts. total is passing
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