Paperplaneenthusiast, congratulations on your English and writing ACT scores. The new ACT essay has proven to be a challenge for many kids, even those kids who have solid ACT English scores (30 and above). Please share with us mere mortals your approach to writing a well-written composition. For example, did you follow a specific plan or approach? What advice do you have for others to write a 30+ essay?
Thanks in advance for sharing your formula for success on the writing test.
Well thank you, I'm flattered! As much as I hate to say it, my performance on the ACT really surprised me altogether. On my first shot I received a 35 composite, with a 31 in math, 35 in science, 36 in reading, 36 in english, and 35 in writing. Since then I've taken it once more, and I raised my math subtest score to a 33. However, there is a catch to all this.
The only studying I ever did for the ACT consisted of flipping through a study guide for perhaps an hour a night for the week prior to the test, and even with that, I never got around to really strategizing for the writing section. All I knew going into the writing test was that a) I would be writing an essay, b) it was in a weird format with the multiple perspectives twist, and c) it would be at the end of the test, when I would be drained from the four previous subtests.
So unfortunately, I'm not sure if I have a really good answer to your question. What I CAN say is that the topic of the essay will always (always!) boil down to some modern ethical/moral issue, and the most (most!) important thing is to incorporate every single perspective given (there are 3), while at the same time establishing your own perspective (which can be the same as one of the three you are given). A concession, written into the essay in some way/shape/form, is key as well. That's about it concerning my not-so-extensive knowledge on how to write a killer ACT essay.
But what I will add is this: just stick to your typical English class writing techniques. I've taken two years of honors English and am currently crawling my way through AP English 3, so I am already fairly well written (I in no way mean to toot my own horn) as I've acquired some pretty useful writing tips over the years. Just always remember to create a strong, personal voice while writing (this can be done by stressing active voice. I believe this is where most students my age fall short in their writing, as we tend to lean heavily on the passive voice and the "be" verb. Eliminate this from your writing as much as possible, and the product will be a more solid essay). Lastly, take a solid, unwavering stance on the subject! The audience (in this case, ACT graders) wants to know that you can formulate your own opinions rather than simply regurgitating the opinions of others.
I rambled a bit on everything having to do with English, but I hope this helps. If you have questions about anything I've mentioned or would like further clarification, feel free to ask!
