Hi guys
what did you do to get a 30+ in writing?
I looked for flaws in the arguments, addressed each perspective, used some eloquent words, wrote over 3 pages and backed my arguments with examples - yet I got a 26.
I’m just wondering what went wrong?
26 is pretty good for the Oct ACT.
Did your thesis have the word “because” in it?
You should be able to agree with 2 of the positions, and disagree with the other.
@HereToHelpYou I doubt that the Ivies see a 26 as a good writing score, therefore I’m really concerned.
I am not sure if it had the word “because” in it. Why do you mean?
What would a strong thesis look like?
I think the two weakest points of my essay were the introduction (I just can’t come up with a great intro in such a short time!) and the brief conclusion. However, I felt confident about my body (argumentation and detailed, unusual examples).
You did not mention Ivies in your original post, @leonardo2020.
Some Ivies will not even require the writing component next year.
Here is what I mean about the thesis:
Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang violence.
In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence.
Given the time constraints, It is not a very realistic test of a student’s writing ability.
A simple intro can include:
1.A Hook
2.A background sentence
3.Thesis
If you have time you can always go back and expand it.
I hope this helps you.
I got a 36 on writing use all the space, good examples from other media, and quotes
@DAVE437 congrats on the score!
Did you agree with one of the perspectives given?
And would you say you wrote a strong intro (+ thesis) and conclusion?
Check out my guide, it’s posted in the ACT forum.
@leonardo2020 Yes, I agree with one of the perspectives given other two body paragraphs talked about perspectives given and why I disagreed with them, basically addresing counterarguments, high vocabulary- really important -, strong thesis, no first person, diction and use all the space.
@golfcashoahu I just did. Thank you so much for writing it!
@DAVE437 Alright, thanks!
I see why you both got such great scores – well deserved 
I got a 32 and I only used a page and a half, so I think writing concisely and not using floral language just for the hell of it is actually helpful. Use big language only where appropriate. Aside from doing the basics of addressing the three viewpoints and whatnot, I think it is really important to incorporate other literary techniques: irony, juxtaposition, hyperbole, alliteration, etc. While they may not have a ton of time to read your essay, these little touches, especially in the in first paragraph as your hook, make the essay sooooo much better. Hope this helps!