How to get a 12 on the ACT essay?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I've looked through a few threads here, and they all say to make up examples and whatnot, but did these actually work for you guys? </p>

<p>What are some other tips you have? Could you give me a good intro for the prompt you had?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>I got a 12 on the June ACT. It wasn’t a great essay by any means, but it fit the ACT criteria for a 12. Here are some pointers…</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Write a LOT. I’m talking ~3 full pages.</p></li>
<li><p>The ACT prompts ask for opinions (should all schools require uniforms? should students design their own course curriculum?). Choose the side that is easiest to write about. The graders don’t care if that’s your genuine opinion, they just want to see if you can back up an argument.</p></li>
<li><p>With that said, you MUST address the counterargument somewhere in your essay (a paragraph or so). This is crucial to getting a 12.</p></li>
<li><p>Use at least 2-3 examples. They can be personal stories, literary examples, or historical examples, but you need “reasoning” behind your stance on the prompt.</p></li>
<li><p>Again, WRITE A LOT (!!!) </p></li>
<li><p>Remember that a 12 essay isn’t an “A” essay. You can get a 12 with a decent essay as long as it fits the ACT criteria. </p></li>
<li><p>Throw in a couple of fancy vocab. No overkill, though. A couple is fine.</p></li>
</ol>

3

<p>How do you get around the time constraint, though? I average about 1.5 pages before I run out of time.</p>

4

<p>I never really had much trouble with the time limit, but I would practice with sample ACT prompts.</p>

<p>Practice by giving yourself 5 minutes to draft a thesis and 3-4 body paragraphs, then start writing after your 5 minutes are up. Force yourself to learn to plan an essay in 5 minutes, and practice writing quickly and efficiently in 25.</p>

5

<p>So, I would have a six paragraph essay? (Intro, body 1, body 2, body 3, counterargument, conclusion)</p>

<p>If I have counterargument as a separate paragraph, can I use two examples instead of three?</p>

<p>Also, do you recommend writing big or small? Does it make a difference?</p>

6

<p>Mine was a 6 paragraph essay (Intro, body, body, counterargument, body, conclusion).</p>

<p>I don’t think there is a specific number of examples you NEED in order to get a 12. </p>

<p>Write legibly.</p>

7

<p>But would writing big take up more space, hence more pages?</p>