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About ACT Exam
Writing Tips
- Carefully read
the instructions on the cover of the test booklet.
- Do some
planning before writing the essay-You will be instructed to do your
prewriting in your Writing Test booklet. You can refer to these notes as
you write the essay on the lined pages in your answer folder. Do not skip
lines.
- Carefully
consider the prompt and make sure you understand it-reread it if you
aren't sure.
- Decide
how you want to answer the question in the prompt.
- Then
jot down your ideas on the topic: this might simply be a list of
ideas, reasons, and examples that you will use to explain your point of
view on the issue.
- Write
down what you think others might say in opposition to your point of
view and think about how you would refute their arguments.
- Think
of how best to organize the ideas in your essay.
- At the
beginning of your essay, make sure readers will see that you understand
the issue.
- Explain your
point of view in a clear and logical way.
- If possible,
discuss the issue in a broader context or evaluate the implications or
complications of the issue.
- Address what
others might say to refute your point of view and present a
counterargument.
- Use specific
examples.
- Vary the
structure of your sentences, and use varied and precise word choices.
- Make logical
relationships clear by using transitional words and phrases.
- Do not wander
off the topic.
- End with a
strong conclusion that summarizes or reinforces your position.
- If there is
time, do a final check of the essay when it is finished.
- Correct any
mistakes in grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling.
- If you find
any words that are hard to read, recopy them so your readers can read
them easily.
- Make any
corrections and revisions neatly, between the lines (but not in the
margins).
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