ACT Writing Tips for Top Scorers | Science for ACT PDF Download

Introduction

Are you aiming for an exceptional score on the ACT Writing test? If you're thinking, "I want a 32, 33, 34, 35, or even a perfect 36," then you've come to the right place. This guide is tailored for advanced students like you who aspire to achieve the highest possible score on the ACT essay. In order to impress the graders, it's essential to recognize that they are human beings who read numerous essays. Many of these essays start to blend together. While meeting the basic requirements—developing a clear thesis, addressing all three perspectives, providing strong examples, and maintaining a coherent structure—may secure a good score, standing out from the crowd is the key to attaining a truly outstanding score. In the following sections, we will explore how you can accomplish this feat.

Here's how you can achieve it:

1. Opt for Less Common Examples in your ACT Essay
During the September 2015 ACT, numerous students chose to write about the Civil Rights movement, an obvious example that many had studied and the first topic that came to mind for me as well. Technically, graders are not supposed to penalize you for using an unoriginal example as long as you handle it well. However, remember that graders are human too! If a grader reads 50 essays about the Civil Rights movement in a row and then encounters yours, which explores a completely different subject, they will take notice. This not only captures their attention, but it also makes it challenging to compare your essay to others. By avoiding the same topic as everyone else, you reduce the likelihood of being outperformed or falling short in comparison. Aim to be original. This doesn't mean you can't write about a common topic, but if you choose to do so, ensure that you provide specific and unique examples within that topic. If you can think of something less obvious, it's advisable to go in that direction.

2. Offer a Personal Perspective on the ACT essay, with a Slight Twist
This approach requires caution. While you can attain a perfect score by fully agreeing with one of the three presented perspectives (which is generally the safest option for most students), if you consider yourself an exceptional writer, you may impress the graders by adding your own unique angle to the prompt. In most cases, the simplest way to achieve this is by narrowing the focus of one of the perspectives. For example, in sample essay #5 on actstudent.org, the student received accolades from the graders for evaluating the perspectives through the "lens of a particular ideology": capitalism. Although the prompt addresses a broader issue—the impact of "intelligent machines" in society—this student narrowed the scope and presented a specific, compelling argument that didn't attempt to cover all aspects of life in a five-paragraph essay. For those aiming for scores in the 32 to 36 range on the ACT Writing section, these key tips are crucial. Practice with ACT Writing prompts, utilize sample prompts, and develop arguments on the spot to enhance your skills.