How to improve on the Writing section?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

<p>Okay, so I got a 8 on the Writing section with the following feedback:
[quote]
**COMMENTS ON YOUR ESSAY: **YOUR ESSAY ADEQUATELY SUPPORTED GENERAL STATEMENTS WITH SPECIFIC REASONS, EXAMPLES, AND DETAILS. YOUR ESSAY MAINTAINED FOCUS ON THE SPECIFIC ISSUE IN THE PROMPT.

[/quote]
Not really helpful lol, so I'd like to hear some advice from you guys.</p>

<p>I've seen the word "counterexamples" a lot around here, so I'd like to hear more about that as well.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>A counterexample is when you argue the other side. For instance, if the prompt was like should marijuana be legal, and you argue in favor of it, the counter argument would look like “Some people might say that marijuana should be illegal because of blah blah.” You see what the other side would say and then try to disclaim their argument.</p>

3

<p>I argue the other side? I was always told never to tell both sides, to avoid sounding wishy washy, rather than firm on one side or the other. :dead:</p>

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<p>Ah, xD. Sorry, lolol, that’s not right. Not to argue the other side, but to recognize the other side. Don’t know why I said that…</p>

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<p>So basically what your saying is that, for the last Writing prompt for example, I should say something to the effect of “Some believe that taxing fatty foods and sugary drinks will lessen the consumption of such items and reduce the obesity rate, but in reality, such a tax will have the opposite effect”? Is that what a counterexample is?</p>

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<p>Well, I got a 10 and my writing is pretty mediocre. I’m pretty sure you’ll get a 10 if you use some vocabulary words and use applicibile quotes (for instance, I used Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Malcom Gladwell.</p>

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<p>Yes, that would be a counterexample.</p>

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<p>@thes1tuation, real quotes? Or are made up quotes (and statistics for that matter) okay?</p>

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<p>If anyone would like to share what their most effective study method was, please post it here: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/act-preparation/1264692-ok-so-you-didnt-do-too-hot-act-its-back-work-time-whats-your-coa.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/act-preparation/1264692-ok-so-you-didnt-do-too-hot-act-its-back-work-time-whats-your-coa.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>What kinda thread promotion? :deadbanana:</p>

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<p>Okay, here’s how: write as many pages as possible. </p>

<p>I read a post a few months ago about the above advice and I didn’t believe it. So I tried it.</p>

<p>1st try: 2.5 pages, score of 9
2nd try: 3 pages, score of 10
3rd try: 3.5 pages, score of 11</p>

<p>Try to write as fast as possible.</p>

12

<p>Yes, I was surprised with my low writing score as well as I’ve always considered myself a good writer and received an 8 as well. But in retrospect, I only wrote about two pages… and I’ve always heard writing a lot helps. It’s really quite stupid… but I guess that’s what they look for.</p>

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<p>Writing a lot really does help. I did not identify a counterargument, nor did I use any statistics or quotes, and I still recieved a 10. I wrote not quite 3 pages of nonsense, using lots of transitions and vocabulary, as well as a very clear, detailed personal example.</p>

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<p>Yeah that probably would’ve helped my essay. I got a 9 on it but it was just under 2 pages. Used tons of statistics (actual) and about 3-4 counterexamples/rebuttals (i know, overkill).</p>

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<p>Nice points. Mine was just a full two pages.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>