<p>What are the differences in ACT Essays than SAT?</p>
<p>I know that the topics are completely different (SAT with a quote, ACT with a school-related prompt), but are the strategies pretty much the same?</p>
<p>Here's what I know from SAT strategies my AP English teacher said:
-Write a lot. Nonstop.
-Make up facts and make them SUPPORT your claims if needed.
-Thesis has to be precise and straightforward (not like AP English)
-Use as many SAT words that fit in the essay.</p>
<p>Can this be applicable to the ACT essay as well? What else is needed?</p>
<p>You're on the right track. SAT gives 25 minutes for the essay while ACT gives 30. Practice will definitely improve your score and you should be able to predict it within +/- 1 point on a scale of 1 to 6.</p>
<p>For ACT they want you to look at both sides of a problem. So, for one para, open with "although.... some fact against your opinion....this fact for your opinion is better" kind of idea. I did this and got an 11 on the ACT. Other than that, it's pretty similar. Although with the ACT, you have 5 extra mins, so be sure to clean up any careless mistakes. Also, look at the scoring rubics for both tests (from the free practice tests pamplets - either online or sometimes at your school)... that will show you what they look for.</p>
<p>I have found that the ACT people don't care about vocabulary as much as the SAT people. I don't know if this is generally true, but my experience suggests it is.</p>
<p>The ACT people like seeing a "context for discussion", where you offer a larger context initially and then hone in on your thesis, connecting it fluidly with the larger context. They also like refutations of counter-examples. I think a good strategy for the ACT essay is to have a few paragraphs, perhaps two, discussing specific examples, and then have another paragraph dedicated to discussing and refuting a counterargument. Make sure you succeed in refuting it, otherwise you might end up arguing against your thesis, which wouldn't be good. ;)</p>