FAQs about the New ACT Essay | Science for ACT PDF Download

Q.1. What is the difference between the old and new ACT essay questions?

The new ACT essay prompt requires students to do more than the old prompt. While the old prompt focused on persuasive writing about topics like school uniforms and fast food nutrition information, the new prompt combines persuasion and analysis. Students are presented with three perspectives on an issue and are asked to evaluate, analyze, and develop their own perspective while explaining its relationship to the given viewpoints. They can choose to agree with one of the provided perspectives or create their own. This can be challenging for high school students, especially within the time constraints. It is important to approach the essay strategically to address all the required aspects of the question in a well-organized and well-written essay. Read on for our top tips on how to accomplish this effectively.

Q.2. What steps can I take to prepare for the new ACT essay?

To prepare for the new ACT essay, start by practicing planning and writing essays using the provided sample prompts. Make sure to adhere to the time limit during these practice sessions. Additionally, take the time to review the sample essays available on EduRev.in, along with the explanations for the scores they received. It is also crucial to familiarize yourself with the rubric that the graders will use to evaluate your essay. Understanding the criteria they will be assessing will give you an advantage and allow you to tailor your writing to meet their expectations. Remember, you are writing for the graders, so aim to provide them with what they are looking for.

Q.3. What are some key tips for achieving success on the new ACT essay?

Here are my top tips to help you achieve your best score on the new ACT essay:

1. Begin your essay with an introductory paragraph that introduces the perspectives presented in the prompt. Ensure that your introduction concludes with a clear thesis statement that expresses your own perspective and the reasons behind your belief.
   For instance, let's consider the example ACT prompt on Intelligent Machines. Your introduction could potentially be structured as follows:
   "While the presence of intelligent machines may raise questions about human identity, it is an overstatement to claim that they either strip us of our humanity or propel us to become superhuman. Rather, humans and machines can collaborate harmoniously: machines can handle mundane, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks, allowing humans to focus on endeavors that necessitate human intellect and creativity."
   Observe that the opening sentence summarizes the first and third perspectives mentioned in the prompt, while the thesis statement aligns with the second perspective. This establishes a framework for your essay in which you evaluate the three perspectives and explain why you agree with one of them.
2. Align with one of the provided perspectives rather than presenting your own.
   Instead of introducing your own viewpoint, it is recommended to choose one of the given perspectives to agree with, at least to a large extent. Evaluating three perspectives within the time constraints is already challenging enough. Presenting your own perspective would require discussing four perspectives, which can make the task more difficult. By agreeing with one of the provided perspectives, it is still possible to achieve a perfect score. So, make it easier for yourself and align with one of the given perspectives.
3. Familiarize yourself with the essay structure in advance.
   It is advisable to have a clear essay structure in mind before you start writing. Here's an effective organization strategy to consider if you follow the advice of aligning with one of the perspectives:
   (i) Begin with a brief introductory paragraph (2-3 sentences).
   (ii) Evaluate the first perspective you didn't choose, providing specific examples.
   (iii) Evaluate the other perspective you didn't choose, also with specific examples.
   (iv) Evaluate the perspective you agree with and further develop your reasoning for agreeing, using specific examples (this paragraph can be longer or divided into two).
   (v) Conclude your essay briefly (approximately 2 sentences), making a final case for your argument.
   This structure ensures that you address all three aspects of the question: evaluating the perspectives, developing your own, and explaining the relationship between your perspective and the others.
4. Utilize highly specific examples.
   Providing specific examples has always been essential for the ACT essay. Ensure that you offer specific examples for each of the three perspectives. The more specific the examples, the better. However, a couple of well-chosen examples are usually sufficient. Examples drawn from historical and contemporary events and circumstances tend to be well-received. While personal examples can work, external examples appear to carry more weight with the graders.
5. Allocate time for proofreading at the end.
   With "Language Use" being a separate grading category, it is valuable to reserve time for proofreading and catching any inadvertent errors that may have occurred while writing under time pressure. Proofreading is now worth the effort, so use the remaining time wisely to ensure your essay is polished and error-free.

Q.4. Is the new ACT essay still optional?

Indeed, it is. Students still have the choice to decide whether or not they want to take the essay section, and for those who choose to include it, it will remain the final section of the test. It's important to note that many colleges have requirements or recommendations regarding the ACT with Writing. Therefore, it is advisable to be aware of the specific requirements of the colleges you are considering before registering for the test. If you're unsure, you have the option to register for the Writing section and can drop it before the test date if you change your mind (you can even make this decision on test day, although a refund won't be provided).

Q.5. How is the scoring done for the new ACT essay?

Previously, the essay was scored on a scale of 2-12, which was the combined score given by two graders rating the essay from 1-6. Now, students receive a scaled score out of 36, similar to the multiple-choice sections of the test. Additionally, they receive domain scores out of 12 in four categories: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions. These domain scores are meant to provide more detailed information about the writer's strengths but do not contribute to the overall score. Two graders independently assign scores from 1-6 for each domain, which are then totaled to obtain a raw score. This raw score is then converted to a scaled score out of 36. In addition, students will receive an ELA score, which combines their essay score with their score on the ACT English multiple-choice section.