ACT Writing Section Overview | Writing for ACT PDF Download

Introduction

The ACT Writing assessment comprises a single essay prompt that candidates have 40 minutes to respond to. This segment is not mandatory, meaning students can skip it without affecting their scores in the other four sections of the test. For instance, if a student opts out of the Math section, their scores for Reading, English, and Science will still be provided. The Writing test assesses writing skills typically covered in high school English classes.

Scoring System

Scoring for the Writing test ranges from 2 to 12 in four distinct domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Convention. The final Writing score, also on a scale of 2 to 12, is the average of these four domain scores. This scoring scheme was implemented in September 2016, replacing the previous 1-36 scale. Notably, the Writing test follows completion of the exam's four multiple-choice sections.

• ACT Writing Test Essay Prompt and Essay Task

  Essay prompts in the ACT Writing test offer three distinct viewpoints on a current issue for students to evaluate. Test-takers are required to assess the merits of each perspective presented, express their own stance on the contemporary topic, and relate their opinions to the given viewpoints. Responses can either support or challenge the ideas in the prompt. It is crucial for students to focus on addressing the essay task rather than fixating on meeting a specific word count. While essays should be substantial, their length is not a determining factor in evaluation.

• ACT Writing Test Skills and Assessment Areas

  The assessment of the ACT Writing test encompasses several key areas. The "Ideas and Analysis" segment evaluates how effectively students convey their viewpoints on the issue at hand, their depth of analysis regarding the provided perspectives, and their overall comprehension of the topic. In the "Development and Support" category, students are assessed based on their ability to explain their reasoning, the persuasiveness of their arguments, and the strength of their position. "Organization" evaluates the coherence of the essay, including idea grouping, sequencing, and transitions. "Language Use and Convention" scores are influenced by factors such as vocabulary selection, sentence structure, writing style, and overall writing mechanics (grammar, punctuation, syntax, etc.). Each of these four assessment areas holds equal weight in determining the final ACT Writing test score, which ranges from 2 to 12. Additionally, the Writing test contributes to the test-takers' English Language Arts (ELA) score, which falls between 1 and 36.

ACT Writing Test Scoring Process and Score Descriptions

• Essays in the ACT Writing test are assessed by two human graders using a scoring rubric developed by ACT.
• Each grader rates the essays in four domains on a scale ranging from 1 to 6.
• The combined scores from these two graders determine the final domain score, which falls between 2 and 12.
• If there is a substantial discrepancy between the graders' scores in a domain (more than one point apart), a third grader is brought in for evaluation.
• The scoring rubric for the Writing test defines a domain score of 6 as demonstrating "effective skill in writing an argumentative essay."
• Lower scores are described as:
  • 5: "well-developed skill"
  • 4: "adequate skill"
  • 3: "some developing skill"
  • 2: "weak or inconsistent skill"
  • 1: "little or no skill"

ACT Writing Test Scores at Highly Selective Universities

• Some top postsecondary institutions choose to disclose a range of ACT Writing test scores for their admitted students.
• Princeton University, for example, reports a middle-50% Writing score range of 8-10 (54% of first-year Princeton students submitted ACT scores).
• The University of Virginia also presents a middle-50% ACT Writing score range of 8-10.
• At the University of California-Berkeley, the latest incoming class displayed ACT Writing scores ranging from 10 (25th percentile) to 11 (75th percentile).
• For applicants aiming for top-tier universities, it is crucial not to overlook the ACT Writing test as it is far from being considered optional.

It's essential for students to recognize the significance of the ACT Writing test when applying to highly selective universities. Let's delve deeper into why these writing scores are crucial:

Importance of ACT Writing Scores:

• Writing scores provide an additional dimension to a student's application, showcasing their ability to communicate effectively.
• Universities like Princeton and UC Berkeley use this data to evaluate a student's writing skills alongside other academic achievements.

Example: Impact on Admissions

• A student with a strong ACT Writing score may stand out among applicants with similar academic profiles.

By understanding the significance of the ACT Writing test and aiming for a competitive score, students can enhance their chances of admission to prestigious universities.