ACT Writing case studies
ACT Writing · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ACT Writing Test is the optional essay section of the ACT, taken after the four multiple-choice sections. It is a 40-minute essay test that measures writing skills taught in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses. The ACT Writing case studies are 5 cases and about 1,759 words.
1The Cafeteria Data Paragraph
A student drafts a paragraph arguing that the school should extend lunch by ten minutes. I surveyed 30 students in my advisory, and 24 said they felt rushed.
380 words, about 2 min2The Volunteer Hours Introduction
A student is writing the ACT essay on whether requiring community service for graduation is a good idea. The prompt asks the writer to evaluate multiple perspectives.
361 words, about 2 min3The Paragraph That Never Lands
Studies show that students focus better without fashion competition. Also, uniforms are cheaper for families over time.
345 words, about 2 min4The Wordy Conclusion
A student's concluding paragraph reads: "In conclusion, it is important to note that the fact of the matter is that students should really try to get more sleep because sleep is very important and it is a well-known fact that it is necessary for good health and also for good grades and it is something that everyone should think about in today's society." The sentence is 62 words long, uses several empty filler phrases, stacks clauses with "and," and ends on a vague appeal to "today's society." The student's ideas are sound; the problem is entirely in the language. Identify the specific Language Use and Conventions problems and rank them by how much they hurt clarity.
329 words, about 2 min5The Counterargument That Isn't
A student argues that schools should start later for teenagers. But sports are not as important as academics, and students can just do their homework earlier.
344 words, about 2 min