Idk if this is against CC rules, but since I only got one response in the ACT Preparation forum for the same discussion, I’m copying it here:
When I took the ACT w/ Writing in September, I got a 32 on the essay. Considering that I had done only minimal practice for the new essay, I was surprised to get such a good score.
As I’m taking the ACT again in February (this Saturday!), I was hoping to get some advice about how to write the essay (and get 33+ on it). I don’t understand how to address the different perspectives while maintaining my own (or siding with one of the perspectives but making my argument for the strongest). And how do I provide evidence for each of my arguments for the perspectives? Do I use current events? Personal anecdotes? Historical events? Made-up examples? Also, does the ACT look for a five-paragraph essay, complete with a hook and thesis statement in the beginning and an effective call-to-action in the conclusion?
I honestly don’t remember what I wrote in September, so I can’t use my past essay as an example of how to write my next one. Much appreciated!
I got a 34 but let me tell you the difference between a 32 and a 34 is really minute in my opinion. You could get a 34 just depending on the prompt or even by chance. That being said I can try to give you my tips, although tbh I really didn’t think my essay was that good.
When mentioning each one of the perspectives try to write why some may believe that this perspective is correct and then give reasons why this belief is suboptimal/incorrect. You could structure your first two paragraphs in this format, then use the last body to say why the final perspective is the best in your opinion. Try to mention the other perspecctives when arguing for your choice, but don’t overdo it. Something like perspective A looks sound superficially but delving deeper reveals serious problems that perspective B does not have etc. You could also say that each perspective has its merits, which is what I did, but this is definitely much harder to pull off well.
As for examples, you could use all the ones you listed. I swear that AP euro improved my essay skills because there are so many examples from that that could be used as evidence. I think I used the agricultural revolution and the rise of German nationalism in mine. If you’ve taken an extensive history course, use your knowledge! But personal anecdotes and experience works just as well. Also, if you use historical evidence avoid choosing cliches examples unless they are supported by lesser known subjects. Using Hitler, Stalin, the Civils Rights Movement etc exclusively just looks kind of weak. As for format, since the tests are so formulaic I would suggest just staying with the 5 paragraph essay because it’ll never count against you. If you’re an amazing writer you could try something more stylistic but that’s risky.
Hope this helps!
@chicago107 Thanks so much! Haha, I remember on my 32 essay, I wrote about the Civil Rights Movement. xD Would you recommend staying away from the personal I when using personal anecdotes?
I would only include the personal if it will add something to a logical argument that you are making and if it’s not TMI. Literary and/or historic references are good, but try to keep them from either being too cliché or too obscure. Make sure you illustrate your all of your points with good examples, and make sure you discuss all of the perspectives, contrasting them both with each other and with your own. (BTW, a 32 is just fine. I certainly wouldn’t bother taking it again if it’s just to improve your writing score).
@photogeek8 In my essay I also wrote about the civil rights movement haha but I looked a bit deeper and had other examples to back up my argument. You can always mentions stuff like that passingly but don’t have a whole paragraph dedicated to it. I actually really wanna read my essay to see what I wrote haha. With personal anecdotes I really wouldn’t know because I usually don’t have many in my essays, although I can’t really think of a way to avoid I. But I’d say make sure to use the word I for emphasis and to really highlight that it is your story vs. just using it in every sentence.
@LoveTheBard Thanks! I’m actually retaking because I got a 27 on the science section. I just don’t want my writing section score to go down and affect my composite score, which is why I created this thread.
You might want to think about just taking it without writing. As long as you’ve taken it at least once with writing, I think you are okay taking a second time without writing.
A writing score or 32 is pretty darn good. Since the scoring is so subjective, you never know how it might turn out (if you check the ACT threads, there were a bunch of disgruntled test-takers who scored very highly on English and reading and got really low writing scores.)