The ACT Writing Section

While the ACT Writing section is optional, some schools do require it—be sure to check your prospective schools’ application instructions. The team at Test Innovators wants to ensure that you are fully prepared for all parts of the test, including the Writing section.

The Writing section on the ACT includes one writing prompt. The prompt describes a complex issue along with three different viewpoints on that issue. You are required to evaluate and analyze the three listed viewpoints, explain your own viewpoint on the issue, and describe the relationship between your viewpoint and those provided.

For the Writing section, you will receive a score in these four areas:
1. Ideas and Analysis
2. Development and Support
3. Organization
4. Language Use and Conventions

You will also receive one subject-level score that is the average of the four area scores. Scores for each area and the subject-level score range from 2 to 12.

It’s important to spend a few minutes outlining before jumping into your writing process. Take the first 3 to 5 minutes to read (and reread) the prompt, while jotting down some initial ideas. A good essay is an organized essay, so it is important to take some time at the beginning to get your thoughts together. The next step is to write! Use the majority of your time to craft your essay. It’s important to move with a sense of purpose, but you don’t want to rush so much that you aren’t putting adequate thought into your work. Finally, make sure you leave a couple minutes at the end to review your essay and make any necessary revisions.

You have 40 minutes on the ACT Writing section. Here’s a general timing guideline:
3-5 minutes: Read the prompt and craft a plan.
30-34 minutes: Write, write, write.
3-5 minutes: Re-read your essay and make revisions. 

To learn more about the Writing section and the test itself, check out the ACT’s official website.