Tips for Succeeding on the ACT Essay

The ACT Essay, also known as the Writing Test, is an optional component of the ACT standardized test. While not all colleges require it, many competitive institutions either recommend or consider it as part of the admissions process. This 40-minute task offers students the opportunity to showcase their writing, analytical thinking, and persuasive communication skills under time constraints.

Unlike multiple-choice sections that assess knowledge in subjects like math or reading comprehension, the ACT essay gauges your ability to construct an argument, respond to differing perspectives, and present your thoughts in a clear, organized, and grammatically sound format. Although optional, the essay plays a unique role in the overall evaluation of a student’s college readiness, especially in terms of writing proficiency.

General Overview of the Task

The ACT essay presents a writing prompt that focuses on a contemporary issue. The topic typically relates to something relevant to high school students or modern society. Along with the prompt, three perspectives are provided, each offering a unique viewpoint on the issue. Your task is to:

• Develop a clear and well-reasoned perspective on the issue
• Compare your perspective to the three given ones.
• Analyze and evaluate at least one of the provided perspectives.
• Construct a coherent, logically organized essay that supports your stance.

The goal is not to simply express your opinion but to demonstrate your ability to think critically, argue effectively, and engage with differing viewpoints. This mirrors the type of analysis and composition expected in college-level writing.

The Prompt Structure

Each ACT essay prompt follows a standardized structure. It includes the following:

Introduction to the Issue – A brief explanation of a current topic, often with implications for education, technology, social change, or ethics.

Three Perspectives – Clear, concise viewpoints about the issue. Each perspective represents a different angle or value system.

Writing Task – Instructions that ask you to write an essay that states your position and analyzes the relationships between your view and the given perspectives.

This structure is consistent across test forms, giving students a predictable framework to prepare for.

Common Prompt Themes

Although specific prompts vary, they generally fall into a few thematic categories:

• Education and School Policy: Should students be required to complete community service? Is standardized testing an effective way to measure achievement?
• Technology and Society: Is automation in the workplace helpful or harmful? Do smartphones help or hinder communication?
• Public Values and Individual Rights: Should freedom of speech be limited on college campuses? Should students have a right to privacy from school officials?

The prompt will not require technical expertise. Rather, it calls for reasoning, argumentation, and engagement with multiple perspectives—skills that are transferable to real-world issues.

Purpose and Goals of the Essay

Understanding the essay’s purpose is crucial to writing a successful response. The ACT essay is not designed to test factual knowledge or personal belief, but rather:

1. Argument Construction

The essay evaluates how well you can take a stance and build a logical, well-structured argument to support it. This includes introducing a central thesis, defending it with reasoning and examples, and anticipating alternative viewpoints.

2. Critical Thinking

You must engage with the three perspectives provided. This means analyzing their reasoning, strengths, and flaws—and showing how your perspective fits into the larger conversation. It’s not enough to agree or disagree; you must demonstrate awareness of complexity and nuance.

3. Writing Mechanics and Style

The ACT Writing section also assesses your ability to write effectively in standard written English. This includes grammar, punctuation, sentence variety, transitions, and vocabulary. Your language should be formal, clear, and appropriate for academic writing.

Colleges view your ACT essay score as an indicator of your readiness to handle college writing assignments. A strong performance suggests you’re capable of analyzing texts, engaging in discussions, and writing with clarity and purpose—all essential skills for postsecondary success.

What the ACT Essay Is Not

Before going further, it’s important to clear up some common misconceptions. Understanding what the ACT essay does not require can help you avoid common mistakes.

1. It’s Not About Right or Wrong Answers

There’s no “correct” perspective to adopt. You can agree with any of the three viewpoints or present your own. What matters is how well you explain and support your argument. The scoring rubric rewards critical engagement, not conformity.

2. It’s Not a Personal Narrative

The essay should not focus on your personal life unless a brief anecdote helps illustrate a broader point. This is not the time for creative storytelling or an informal voice. The tone should be academic and analytical.

3. It’s Not a Research Paper

You are not expected to quote studies, statistics, or historical facts. While examples from history, literature, or current events are welcome, they are not mandatory. Reasoned, logical argumentation carries more weight than factual references.

Essential Expectations for a High-Scoring Essay

The ACT essay is scored across four domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions. Understanding what these domains require will help you meet the expectations of ACT essay graders.

Clear Perspective

You must clearly state your perspective in the introduction, preferably in the final sentence of the first paragraph. This thesis should guide the rest of your essay. Ambiguity, vagueness, or shifting perspectives throughout the essay will weaken your argument and reduce your score.

Thoughtful Engagement with the Prompt

Demonstrating that you’ve understood and considered the issue from multiple sides is vital. Merely stating your opinion without interacting with the provided perspectives will limit your score. The essay needs to show a depth of thinking, even if you ultimately dismiss other viewpoints.

Effective Structure and Organization

Your essay should follow a clear and logical structure. Most strong essays use a five-paragraph format: introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence, followed by analysis and examples, and end with a sentence that ties back to the thesis.

Use of Specific Examples

Generalizations weaken an essay. Instead, support your claims with specific examples. These could include:

• Hypothetical scenarios
• Historical or current events
• Real-world applications
• Brief anecdotes that support your argument

Even a hypothetical example, if well-explained and relevant, can help clarify your point and strengthen your reasoning.

Language Proficiency

A high-scoring essay uses varied sentence structures, correct grammar, appropriate punctuation, and precise vocabulary. Your tone should be formal and consistent, with a focus on clarity and readability.

Why Take the ACT Essay?

Some students hesitate to take the Writing section since it’s optional. However, there are several compelling reasons to consider it:

College Admissions

Many colleges, particularly more selective ones, consider the ACT Writing score as part of a holistic application review. Some require it. Others use it to assess writing potential, especially when AP English scores or other writing samples are not available.

Scholarship Eligibility

Certain scholarships and honors programs require or prefer applicants to submit ACT Writing scores. Performing well on the essay can strengthen your eligibility for merit-based financial aid.

Placement Testing

Some colleges use the ACT Writing score for placement in first-year composition courses. A strong score may exempt you from remedial writing classes or place you in honors sections.

Time Management Strategy

Managing your 40 minutes effectively is crucial. A suggested time breakdown is as follows:

• 5-7 minutes: Read the prompt and the three perspectives carefully. Jot down notes and choose your stance.
• 2-3 minutes: Plan your essay structure. Write a rough outline of your thesis and supporting points.
• 25-28 minutes: Write your essay. Focus on getting your ideas down clearly and completely.
• 3-5 minutes: Revise and edit. Correct grammar mistakes, awkward phrasing, or unclear points.

Having a plan in place not only improves organization but also reduces anxiety and prevents rushing through important parts of the essay.

The ACT Essay is more than just a timed writing task—it’s a chance to demonstrate the clarity of your thought process, your ability to engage with complex issues, and your control of written language. Understanding the task’s structure, purpose, and expectations sets the foundation for writing a strong, persuasive response.

This section covered the basics: what the ACT Essay asks you to do, how it’s structured, what skills it assesses, and how to mentally approach it. With this understanding, you’re better prepared to approach the essay with confidence, strategy, and clarity.

The ACT Essay Scoring System – Breaking Down the Four Domains

Introduction to ACT Essay Scoring

The ACT Writing section is scored uniquely. Unlike the other ACT sections, which use a multiple-choice format and contribute to a composite score, the essay is evaluated separately using a rubric focused on writing quality. The scoring system emphasizes not just content, but how well you argue, structure, and present your ideas in written form.

Two trained readers independently score your essay in four domains. Each reader assigns a score from 1 to 6 in each domain, for a possible maximum of 12 points per domain. The four domain scores are then averaged to produce your final Writing score on a scale of 2–12.

Understanding these scoring categories is essential if you want to perform well. Each domain targets a specific aspect of writing. Let’s break down what each domain measures and how you can meet the highest standards.

Overview of the Scoring Domains

The four ACT Writing domains are:

1. Ideas and Analysis
2. Development and Support
3. Organization
4. Language Use and Conventions

Each domain plays a crucial role in how your essay is evaluated. Graders assess these areas holistically but are trained to look for specific strengths and weaknesses in each.

Let’s explore each domain in detail.

Ideas and Analysis

What This Domain Measures

Ideas and Analysis evaluates how well you understand the issue and how insightfully you engage with it. A high score in this domain reflects your ability to think critically about the prompt, present a clear perspective, and meaningfully analyze the provided perspectives.

In this domain, graders look for:

• A well-developed thesis that directly addresses the issue
• Awareness of the complexities of the issue
• Insight into the significance of the issue in a broader context
• Thoughtful interaction with at least one (preferably all three) of the provided perspectives
• A logical connection between your perspective and the issue at large

How to Excel in This Domain

To score at the top (a 5 or 6 from each grader), you must demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic. Avoid oversimplification or one-sided arguments. Use the provided perspectives as a springboard to develop your analysis, not just as a checklist to briefly mention.

Don’t just state your opinion—analyze the implications of your viewpoint. Ask yourself:

• Why does my perspective matter?
• How does it differ from the other perspectives?
• What assumptions underlie each viewpoint?

The most successful essays will show that the writer can think critically about multiple sides of an issue and offer original, thoughtful insights.

Common Pitfalls

• Failing to clearly state a perspective
• Oversimplifying the issue
• Ignoring the perspectives or merely summarizing them without analysis
• Repeating ideas rather than exploring them in depth

Development and SupportWhat This Domain Measures

Development and Support assesses how well you defend your perspective with logical reasoning, illustrative examples, and elaboration. The focus here is on depth, specificity, and relevance of support for your claims.

Readers ask:

• Are your arguments well-developed?
• Are your examples relevant and specific?
• Does your reasoning support your thesis consistently throughout the essay?

The difference between a mediocre and a high-scoring essay in this domain often comes down to the quality of the evidence and how it’s explained.

How to Excel in This Domain

Start by stating your main idea clearly. Then, expand it with:

• Logical reasoning: Show cause and effect, use comparisons, and address counterarguments.
• Specific examples: Use historical events, personal experiences, or hypothetical scenarios to illustrate your point.
• Explanation: Don’t just state a reason—unpack it. Explain why it matters and how it supports your thesis.

Every claim you make should be backed up with evidence or elaboration. The highest-scoring essays provide clear, coherent, and engaging arguments that leave little room for doubt or confusion.

Sample Strategies

• Use one paragraph to deeply explore one specific example rather than listing multiple vague points.
• Tie each piece of support back to your thesis. Ask: How does this prove my point?
• Consider opposing viewpoints and show why they are less convincing than your own.

Common Pitfalls

• Making unsupported claims or vague generalizations
• Relying on overly personal or anecdotal reasoning without broader relevance
• Listing ideas without elaborating on them
• Repeating the same point without adding depth

Organization

What This Domain Measures

The organization evaluates the overall structure and clarity of your essay. It’s about how logically and effectively your ideas are presented, how you transition from one point to the next, and whether your essay follows a coherent progression from introduction to conclusion.

Key elements include:

• A clear introduction, body, and conclusion
• Logical sequencing of ideas
• Effective transitions between sentences and paragraphs
• Unity and focus within each paragraph

How to Excel in This Domain

A well-organized essay guides the reader effortlessly through your argument. To achieve this, you should:

• Start with a strong introduction that introduces the issue and clearly states your thesis.
• Develop each paragraph around a single main idea, introduced with a topic sentence.
• Use transitions to connect your ideas. Phrases like “In contrast,” “Similarly,” or “As a result” help the reader follow your reasoning.
• End with a conclusion that reinforces your argument and leaves a strong final impression.

The best essays demonstrate both a macro-level structure (intro, body, conclusion) and micro-level coherence (smooth transitions and logical paragraph flow).

Structural Tips

• Use a traditional five-paragraph essay format unless you have a clear reason not to.
• Outline before you write, even if just briefly.
• Avoid overloading one paragraph with too many ideas. Spread out your points.

Common Pitfalls

• Disorganized or rambling ideas
• Sudden shifts between unrelated ideas
• Missing transitions or weak paragraph structure
• Repetitive or circular logic

Language Use and Conventions

What This Domain Measures

Language Use and Conventions focuses on the technical aspects of writing: grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, word choice, and tone. This domain also considers how well your writing style fits the academic task.

Scorers look at:

• Variety and correctness of sentence structures
• Accuracy of grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Appropriateness and precision of vocabulary
• Formal tone suitable for a persuasive essay

How to Excel in This Domain

Writing with clarity and control is the key. Here are the core strategies:

• Use a mix of simple and complex sentences to show variety.
• Choose precise vocabulary—avoid vague or overly casual language.
• Proofread for common errors like subject-verb agreement, run-on sentences, or comma splices.
• Maintain a consistent tone that is formal and persuasive.

Style matters, but don’t overdo it. Using unnecessarily complex words or convoluted sentence structures can backfire if they interfere with clarity. Clarity and control are more important than sounding impressive.

Practical Strategies

• Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing or grammar errors.
• Keep your vocabulary appropriate to your comfort level—don’t use words you don’t fully understand.
• Break up long, complex sentences into two simpler ones if clarity is at risk.

Common Pitfalls

• Frequent grammar or spelling mistakes
• Repetitive sentence patterns
• Incorrect word usage or awkward phrasing
• Inconsistent tone or inappropriate language

Final Writing Score

After each reader scores the essay across all four domains, the two scores for each domain are added together. This gives you four domain scores ranging from 2 to 12. These scores are then averaged (rounded to the nearest whole number) to produce your final ACT Writing score, also from 2 to 12.

This score is reported separately from the ACT composite score but can be crucial for college applications that require or recommend the Writing section.

For example:

• Reader A gives 5/6/5/6
• Reader B gives 6/5/6/5
• The total domain scores are 11/11/11/11
• The average is 11
• Final ACT Writing score: 11

The ACT Essay isn’t just about expressing an opinion—it’s about constructing a sophisticated argument using clear thinking, solid reasoning, and polished writing. Understanding how the essay is scored across the four domains gives you the tools to tailor your response for maximum impact.

• Ideas and Analysis: Focus on critical thinking and insight
• Development and Support: Provide strong, specific evidence
• Organization: Use logical structure and smooth transitions
• Language Use and Conventions: Demonstrate clarity, grammar control, and appropriate tone

Scoring high requires balancing all four domains. By understanding what graders are looking for in each category, you can write a persuasive, well-organized essay that communicates your ideas effectively and earns a competitive score.

Let me know when you’re ready to continue with Part 3, where we will explore strategies and planning methods to write a high-scoring ACT essay, including prewriting, outlining, and drafting techniques.

Strategies and Planning Methods to Write a High-Scoring ACT Essay

Why Planning is Essential

Writing a strong ACT essay in 40 minutes is completely possible—but it requires strategy. Students who write without planning often run out of time, produce disorganized responses, or fail to address the perspectives as required. Effective planning ensures that your essay is:

• Focused and coherent
• Fully responsive to the prompt
• Structured in a way that supports clarity and persuasion
• Rich in examples and analysis
• Completed within the allotted time

Spending the first few minutes planning may seem like a luxury, but it can save time by keeping your writing on track.

Understanding and Analyzing the Prompt

Read the Prompt Carefully

Before writing anything, carefully read the issue and the three provided perspectives. The first step is comprehension—make sure you truly understand what the topic is asking. Take note of:

• The central issue or question posed
• Keywords and phrases that define the scope
• What the prompt explicitly or implicitly expects you to do

Underline or jot down important words. ACT essay prompts are often written in formal language, so taking a moment to paraphrase the topic in your own words helps make it clearer.

Identify the Core Conflict

Each ACT prompt presents a debatable issue—often one with social, technological, or educational implications. As you read the perspectives, look for the tension between them. This is where your argument will live.

Ask yourself:

• What is the main conflict or disagreement between these perspectives?
• What assumptions does each perspective make?
• Which ideas do they ignore?

Understanding the nuances of each perspective helps you form your position and engage more critically.

Choosing Your Perspective

Take a Clear, Defensible Stance

You need to present a clear thesis statement that represents your viewpoint on the issue. This is usually the final sentence of your introductory paragraph. Your perspective can:

• Align with one of the given perspectives
• Combine elements of two or more perspectives.
• Present a completely original viewpoint.

All approaches are valid, as long as:

• Your stance is clearly stated
• You defend it with logical reasoning and specific examples.s
• You explain how it relates to the given perspectives.

Avoid vague or moderate claims like “All perspectives are valid in different situations.” While this may sound balanced, it doesn’t provide a strong central argument. ACT graders reward a focused, assertive thesis that can be explored in depth.

Outlining Your Essay

Use a Simple Outline to Stay on Track

Even if you’re a fast thinker or writer, a brief outline helps structure your essay logically. A basic five-paragraph format works well for most ACT essays:

1. Introduction
2. Body Paragraph 1 – Your perspective and main support
3. Body Paragraph 2 – Analysis of one opposing perspective
4. Body Paragraph 3 – Comparison to another perspective or further support
5. Conclusion

Here’s how you might quickly outline your essay on scratch paper:

• Intro: Define the issue; state your thesis
• Body 1: Argue your perspective with example 1
• Body 2: Address Perspective 2; agree/disagree; show strengths or flaws.
• Body 3: Contrast with Perspective 3; reinforce your stance with example 2
• Conclusion: Summarize points and reaffirm your thesis

A well-planned outline can be created in 3 to 5 minutes and ensures that your essay covers all the required elements.

Writing the Introduction

Start Strong

The introduction is your first impression. It should do three things:

• Introduce the issue
• Engage the reader
• Clearly state your thesis.s

You don’t need a creative hook, but avoid starting too dryly. A rhetorical question, a brief contextual statement, or a reference to the real world can make the essay more interesting.

Example opening:
In an age where automation continues to reshape the workforce, society must consider whether machines are replacing too many human roles. While automation offers economic efficiency, it also threatens employment and long-term skill development. This essay will argue that while technology has benefits, its unchecked expansion creates more harm than good.

End your introduction with a direct thesis:
Therefore, I believe that automation should be limited in certain sectors to preserve human labor, ensure economic stability, and protect the dignity of work.

Structuring Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Build Your Argument

This paragraph should expand on your perspective. Introduce one of your strongest arguments and develop it with:

• Explanation of the point
• A specific example or illustration
• Clear connection back to your thesis

Example topic sentence:
Automation may increase productivity, but it disproportionately harms low-skilled workers who have limited alternatives.

Then, elaborate with reasoning and an example—perhaps citing a real industry or trend. Make sure this paragraph is focused and fully developed before moving to the next.

Paragraph 2 – Engage with Another Perspective

Choose one of the provided perspectives that contrasts with your own. Acknowledge its strengths, but explain why it is incomplete or flawed compared to your view.

Example transition:
Perspective Two suggests that automation leads to innovation and frees humans from repetitive tasks. While this is partially true, it fails to account for the economic dislocation faced by those displaced by machines.

This shows critical thinking and satisfies the ACT’s requirement to evaluate at least one of the perspectives.

Paragraph 3 – Synthesize or Reaffirm

In this paragraph, you can:

• Analyze a second perspective
• Provide a second supporting example for your view.
• Anticipate a counterargument and refute it.

This section strengthens your argument by showing depth. Choose whatever strategy best supports your thesis, but keep it focused and relevant.

Writing the Conclusion

Wrap Up with Purpose

Your conclusion should not simply restate your thesis—it should reaffirm your argument with impact. Think of it as your final statement to the reader.

Effective conclusions:

• Reiterate the thesis in different words
• Briefly summarize your key points.
• End with a broader insight or implication.n

Example conclusion:
As automation continues to influence how society functions, it is essential to balance progress with responsibility. While innovation drives growth, we must ensure that no group is left behind in the process. Only by thoughtfully managing automation can we secure a future that benefits all citizens.

Avoid introducing new arguments or evidence here. Keep it clean, confident, and conclusive.

Tips for Staying Clear and Concise

Use Precise Language

Word choice matters. Use specific, academic vocabulary when possible, but prioritize clarity. Don’t use long or unfamiliar words just to sound impressive—your ideas matter more than your vocabulary.

• Instead of “utilize,” say “u.se”
• Instead of “ameliorate,” say “improve.”
• Instead of “endeavor,” say “try” or “attempt.t”

If you use advanced vocabulary, make sure it’s appropriate and accurate.

Vary Sentence Structure

Mix short and long sentences. Avoid repetition. Instead of writing five sentences that start with “This shows that…,” vary your transitions and syntax.

For example:

• This demonstrates the danger of automation in unregulated industries.
• As a result, workers may find themselves without options.
• Therefore, society must take a proactive role in managing technological change.

Use Effective Transitions

Transition words guide the reader through your logic. Use phrases like:

• To introduce points: Firstly, in addition, moreover
• To contrast: However, on the other hand, while this may be true.
• To conclude: Therefore,  in conclusion, thus.

Transitions don’t just connect ideas—they signal your argument’s flow.

Practice Techniques

Write Under Timed Conditions

Practice writing essays in 40 minutes. Mimic testing conditions: sit at a desk, eliminate distractions, and avoid using spell-check or grammar tools. This helps train your pacing and mental focus.

Analyze Sample Prompts

Review past ACT prompts and sample high-scoring essays. Ask:

• What structure did the writer use?
• How were the perspectives addressed?
• How strong and specific was the support?

This analysis teaches you the qualities of strong writing through concrete examples.

Get Feedback

Ask teachers, peers, or tutors to read your practice essays. They can point out unclear reasoning, weak organization, or grammar issues you may not notice. Use their input to refine your approach.

Writing a top-tier ACT essay is not about being the most creative or the most opinionated—it’s about being clear, thoughtful, organized, and persuasive within a limited timeframe. The key strategies covered in this section include:

• Reading and analyzing the prompt thoroughly
• Taking a clear, defensible stance
• Outlining your essay before writing
• Building structured paragraphs with support and analysis
• Concluding with clarity and purpose
• Using concise language, varied sentence structures, and strong transitions

With consistent practice and strategic planning, you can develop the skills to write an ACT essay that meets all four scoring domain requirements and leaves a strong impression on graders.

How to Effectively Revise Your ACT Essay in the Final Minutes

The last few minutes of your ACT essay are crucial for fine-tuning your work and maximizing your score. This final stage isn’t about rewriting entire paragraphs, but rather making small adjustments that can significantly improve the quality of your writing.

Why Revision Matters

Even the strongest ideas can lose impact when buried in grammatical mistakes or awkward phrasing. A polished essay with good grammar and clear expression demonstrates confidence, intelligence, and control—traits that ACT scorers reward. By revising carefully, you can refine your ideas, improve clarity, and demonstrate strong language skills.

Managing Your Time for Revision

Suggested Time Breakdown

To ensure you have time for revision, manage your 40-minute writing period wisely:

• 5 minutes: Read and analyze the prompt, brainstorm, and outline.
• 30–32 minutes: Write the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• 3–5 minutes: Review and edit.
  Though this may seem like a small amount of time, a focused review can catch common mistakes and improve your score in the Language Use and Conventions domain.

Practice Managing Time

During practice sessions, force yourself to stop writing with 5 minutes left. Use these final minutes to evaluate your writing for clarity, grammar, and organization. By making this habit automatic, you’ll become more efficient at revising under pressure.

What to Look for When Reviewing Your Essay

Your editing process during the ACT should focus on precision and clarity. Graders won’t expect perfection, but they will notice if your writing is polished and free of major errors. The goal is to leave the essay looking clean, confident, and complete. Here are specific things to check for in your final minutes.

Fixing Grammatical and Mechanical Errors

Subject-Verb Agreement

Make sure your subjects and verbs agree in number.
Incorrect: The benefits of automation are significant.
Correct: The benefits of automation are significant.
This type of error is easy to make under pressure and just as easy to correct with a quick reread.

Verb Tense Consistency

Maintain consistent tense unless a shift is necessary.
Incorrect: The student writes their essay and submits it on time.
Correct: The student writes their essay and submits it on time.
Inconsistent tenses break the flow of your writing and can confuse the reader.

Sentence Fragments and Run-Ons

Check to make sure each sentence has a subject and a verb, and that ideas are separated.
Fragment: Because it’s necessary.
Fix: Because it’s necessary, we must adapt our education system.
Run-on: Automation is expanding it changes the way people work.
Fix: Automation is expanding, and it changes the way people work.
These are common under time pressure but noticeable to graders.

Punctuation

Punctuation helps guide the reader through your logic. Check:

• Comma placement in compound and complex sentences
• Proper end punctuation
• Quotation marks if you use brief quotes or phrases from the prompt
  You don’t need semicolons or dashes unless you’re comfortable using them correctly. Simpler is often better when clarity is the goal.

Improving Sentence Clarity and Style

Remove Unnecessary Words

Editing for conciseness strengthens your writing. Eliminate fillers or vague qualifiers.
Wordy: It is generally believed by many people that technology is a helpful tool.
Concise: Many people believe technology is helpful.
Wordy: In my personal opinion, I believe that…
Concise: I believe that…
Each word in your essay should serve a purpose. Trim the fat wherever possible.

Vary Sentence Structure

Look for patterns in your sentence construction. Repetition of sentence openings or structures makes writing feel flat. Aim for a mix of short, impactful statements and longer, more descriptive ones.
Examples:

• Technology improves productivity. It also reduces costs. This can be beneficial.
  Can be rewritten as:
• By improving productivity and reducing costs, technology can offer significant economic benefits.
  Variety adds rhythm and helps engage the reader.

Check Transitions

Transitions should be natural and guide the reader between ideas. If a paragraph feels abrupt, add or revise a transition sentence.
Weak transition: Another thing is…
Stronger: In addition to its economic impact, automation also affects the quality of human labor.
If time is limited, prioritize transitions between paragraphs over transitions within them.

Ensuring Strong Content and Argument Flow

Revisit Your Thesis

Double-check that your thesis is clearly stated in the introduction and is supported throughout the essay. It should:

• Directly answer the prompt
• Take a clear stance
• Preview your argument
  Example thesis: While automation increases productivity, it must be regulated to prevent economic displacement and preserve meaningful employment.
  A vague or implied thesis weakens your entire essay. Ensure that your main point is easy to identify and reinforces your perspective.

Reaffirm Topic Sentences

Each body paragraph should begin with a sentence that clearly states the main point of that paragraph. If a topic sentence is missing or unclear, add one.
Topic sentence checklist:

• Does it relate to your thesis?
• Does it introduce the main idea of the paragraph?
• Does it help the reader anticipate the paragraph’s content?
  Clarity in your topic sentences helps maintain a strong organizational score.

Eliminate Redundancy

Repetition of the same point in different words can weaken your impact. During revision, check that each sentence contributes something new.
Redundant: Automation increases productivity. It also helps people get more done in less time.
Revision: Automation increases productivity by allowing tasks to be completed more efficiently.
Be intentional with your examples and support. Don’t repeat ideas just to fill space.

Enhancing the Conclusion

Make Sure It Does More Than Restate

Your conclusion should do more than restate your thesis. It should reaffirm your argument while leaving a lasting impression.
Ask:

• Does the conclusion connect back to your introduction?
• Does it summarize the key points?
• Does it suggest a broader implication or insight?
  Avoid ending too abruptly. One or two strong sentences that wrap up your essay are enough.
  Example:
  Ultimately, technology must serve human interests, not replace them. By balancing innovation with responsibility, society can ensure that progress benefits everyone.

Polishing Through Practice

Build a Revision Habit

Get into the habit of revising your essays, even during practice. Start with:

• Reading your essay out loud (or subvocally)
• Looking for one type of error at a time (e.g., grammar, then clarity)
• Comparing your essay to high-scoring examples
  By revising a consistent part of your writing process, you’ll become faster and more effective at identifying areas for improvement.

Create a Personal Editing Checklist

Make a quick list of the most common issues you tend to have in writing. It might include:

• Subject-verb agreement
• Comma usage
• Wordiness
• Repetitive phrasing
  Use this checklist during practice and the actual test to target your weaknesses in the last few minutes of writing.

Final 5-Minute Checklist for ACT Essay Revision

1. Thesis Check: Is your stance clear and consistent?
2. Paragraph Flow: Do your topic sentences and transitions guide the reader?
3. Support and Reasoning: Are your examples specific and relevant?
4. Grammar and Mechanics: Any glaring subject-verb issues, fragments, or run-ons?
5. Language Clarity: Are your sentences clear, concise, and free of awkward phrasing?
6. Conclusion Impact: Does it leave a strong final impression?
7. Legibility: If handwritten, is your essay easy to read?
   Even if you only have time for a few of these, addressing them systematically can meaningfully improve your score.

Summary

Revision may be the last step in the ACT essay process, but it’s one of the most important. The best arguments can be undermined by mechanical errors or confusing structure, while modest essays can be elevated by clarity and polish. In this final section, we covered:

• Time management for revision
• What to prioritize in the final minutes
• Grammar and sentence-level fixes
• How to enhance clarity, organization, and style
• Practice habits that build stronger editing skills
  By learning to revise quickly and effectively, you’ll not only improve your ACT essay score but also develop valuable writing habits that benefit you well beyond the test.
  If you’d like, I can provide practice prompts, sample outlines, or feedback strategies to help reinforce these techniques. Let me know how you’d like to continue.