About a few days ago, I was told about the new version of the ACT Writing.
Can be found here: http://www.actstudent.org/writing/enhancements/
How should I prepare for this section? (September 2015 will be my first time taking the ACT…)
Also, I have a little bit of trouble with Reading and Science… Any tips on those two as well?
Thank you 
My understanding is that the English section (grammar, revision, etc) remains the same but instead of “taking a side” on the essay, you talk about all viewpoints and synthesize which one you share.
I posted this under the Sept 2015 discussion thread. It should help answer some of your questions regarding the New Essay.
The New ACT Essay is totally different from the Old version seen in June and prior. You have to evaluate/analyze three opinions called “Perspectives” and provide strengths/weaknesses of each. You have to indicate if you agree with any, all, or none of the opinions. The Old essay didn’t involve much thinking. The New essay requires thinking.
The Old essay was scored on a 1-6 scale, by 2 readers, for a maximum total score of 12.
The New essay will now be scored on a 1-6 scale in each of four different categories:
Two readers will grade it, for a maximum total raw score of 48 (24 pts each reader). That raw score is then converted to a scaled score of 1-36, similar to the other 4 sections. But the Essay Scaled Score will NOT be part of the Composite.
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you’re in serious trouble. Go to the ACT website and look at the sample provided as well as the new grading system. Also, “Preparing for the ACT” (which is available on the ACT website) has another example along with the 1-36 scaled grading system.
The New essay you will have to write is nothing like the Old essay. The Red Book and previous released tests are useless providing any info on the New essay.
Go on the ACT website ASAP.
I also heard that the 1-36 conversion for this particular section encompasses English, Reading, and Writing for ELA score… how would that impact my college admission?
@dadak99
Your ACT/SAT scores will impact your college admission. Aim to to the best you can for each section. If the colleges you are applying to do not require a writing score, ELA will not impact you.
@mmk2015
Where did you obtain the information about the writing test being scaled? The scoring rubric does not indicate this, at least not clearly. Thanks
The scoring scale is in the Preparing for the ACT booklet. You guys better look into it fast. You’re running out of time.
I am not taking the test, so am not running out of time.
What page is this writing scale on?
Never mind , I found the scale on page 59.