<p>What's the main difference between these two? I know for the SAT essay you have to use examples to back up your thinking, but how's the ACT one? Is it just using logical thinking to prove your point with hypothetical examples?</p>
<p>I was looking through a couple of sample essays and they seemed much much longer than SAT essays (some over 2 pages long!)</p>
<p>you’re right- length is more important on the ACT. Also, having a concession seems to be a must.</p>
<p>^Yeah from my study guide it seemed as though if you don’t use a counter-example paragraph (recognizing the argument(s) of your opponent), you can’t get better than a 8-9. So it’s the same typical format: a 5-paragraph essay with 2 examples, 1 counter-example, introduction, and conclusion. Also, when going over example essays it seemed like the ACT might value “creativity” and special words, similes, etc. a bit more than the SAT graders. I thought that the “10” essay was perfect—but the ACT guide criticized it for being too “formulaic.” And yeah, as you said I think hypothetical reasons are fine on the ACT but bad on the SAT essay, where you need literal names and examplestt to prove your point. Other than that… pretty much the same.</p>
<p>I’ve only written about 3-3 1/2 paragraphs and gotten 10’s. Would adding length bring me up?</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s length that will bring you up. Substance is what matters. </p>
<p>BTW, guys. I scored a perfect on my essay both times, and I didn’t write a counter-argument paragraph. I did provide rebuttals to alternative arguments, but I worked these in with my main arguments. It was outlined like this. . .</p>
<p>Introduction
Argument One
Argument Two
Argument Three (if needed)
Conclusion</p>
<p>^ Thanks for the head’s up—that’s definitely comforting b/c a lot of the times the counter-argument paragraph sounds awkward and forced in my practice essays.</p>
<p>np, Jamiroquai. I totally agree! IMO, they felt really awkward.</p>
<p>is a counter example a qualifier? are you allowed to say, “although I agree with blah, >insert some negative aspect<” (kinda like AP Lang essays)</p>
<p>So could I use like F451 as an example for going against censorship if the promp had to do with schools blocking internet access to certain sites?</p>
<p>or should I just discuss the topic and not have any literary or historical examples?</p>
<p>you can use personal examples.
and you don’t have to have an entire paragraph on the counter example, as long as you acknowledge the opposing viewpoint. i think you can use it to prove your point further.</p>
<p>That’s what I did on my essays, syc652.</p>
<p>So this is more of a logic essay rather than a grandiloquent, cite examples essay?</p>
<p>Yeah, I think so. But anything to help support your claim (including examples) will help greatly.</p>
<p>Another quick question: How much does it matter whether you use 2 body paragraphs (4 total) or 3 body paragraphs (5 total)? For the SAT I was always told to use 3 specific examples… but on the ACT can you get a perfect score with 2 thoughtful, well-phrased examples or reasons (along with an acknowledgment to the counter-argument thrown in somewhere)? Thanks again!</p>
<p>^ Yes, as long as your two supporting or “body” paragraphs are sufficiently developed and well-thought out. </p>
<p>The ACT essay graders pay a lot of attention to structure-- they like to see acknowledgment of the prompt (including both sides of the issue), contextual development (which means pick a “lens” through which to address the prompt, and stay make sure that it stays consistent), logical flow of ideas, good reasoning, acceptable transitions, and few grammatical errors. Stay focused on the prompt and your take on the issue, and be clear and logical. It’s really not about flowery language. And differently from the SAT essay, they are not necessarily looking for examples taken from literature, real life, etc.-- it’s a whole different animal. Be strong, focused, and relatively simple in the layout of your argument.</p>
<p>I wrote a 5 paragrapher today. I wrote why I supported my views from a psychological standpoint, from a personal standpoint, and than gave a counter argument.</p>
<p>Btw, are we allowed to talk about the specifics of the essay or no?</p>
<p>the essay was pretty gay…no opportunity to be creative. i like the sat essay more i decided</p>
<p>I’ve never taken the ACT, but I think the SAT essay is pretty easy. Just follow this pattern:</p>
<p>First sentence/thesis: Use an impressive vocab word so the grader automatically thinks you’re smart.</p>
<p>First paragraph: topic sentence, example from history, transitory sentence</p>
<p>Second paragraph: topic sentence, example from literature, concluding sentence</p>
<p>Last sentence/conclusion: restatement of thesis</p>
<p>Almost fool-proof, haha. And the information doesn’t even have to be correct because they’re only judging how well you argue. I wrote my first paragraph last year on the American Revolution and made up a lot of the details I couldn’t remember. And I got 12/12, so yay!</p>
<p>how the hell are we supposed to come up with an example from literature or history about why students are or are not distracted by multitasking when doing homework???</p>
<p>I did. :D</p>
<p>I talked about the discoveries of salt-water taffy and penicillin.</p>
<p>(Both made during multi-tasking… kinda…)</p>