ACT Writing cheat sheet

The prompt presents three perspectives on a single issue; the essay must analyze the relationships among all three, not just agree with one.

A strong thesis states a precise position that engages at least two perspectives and acknowledges the complexity of the issue.

Analysis requires examining the underlying assumptions, implications, and limitations of each perspective, not merely summarizing them.

The essay should identify points of agreement and disagreement among the perspectives and explain what is at stake in the debate.

A 4/6 essay analyzes all three perspectives with some depth; a 6/6 essay critically evaluates them and integrates them into a unified argument.

Avoid merely listing the perspectives; instead, use them as a springboard to develop and refine the writer's own argument.

The issue is typically abstract (e.g., the value of competition, the role of technology); the essay should explore the broader principles involved.

Acknowledging counterarguments and qualifying the thesis demonstrates sophisticated analysis and earns higher scores.

Each body paragraph should develop one idea with specific reasoning, examples, or evidence that directly supports the thesis.

Examples can be drawn from personal experience, literature, history, current events, or hypothetical scenarios; they must be relevant and explained.

A 6/6 essay uses well-chosen, concrete examples that are fully explained and clearly linked to the argument.

Avoid generalizations without support; every claim should be followed by explanation or illustration.

Development should be proportional: allocate more space to the strongest arguments and less to weaker ones.

Use cause-and-effect reasoning, comparison, or analogy to deepen the support for each point.

Anticipate and address potential objections to strengthen the development of the argument.

The conclusion should not introduce new evidence but should reinforce the thesis and suggest broader implications.

A clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion are essential; the introduction should present the issue and thesis, and the conclusion should reinforce the thesis.

Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that states the main idea and connects to the thesis.

Use transitional words and phrases (e.g., however, therefore, furthermore) to link ideas and create coherence.

Organize paragraphs logically: by perspective, by argument, or by theme, ensuring a clear progression of ideas.

A 6/6 essay demonstrates a deliberate and cohesive structure that enhances the argument.

Avoid tangential or repetitive information; each paragraph should serve a distinct purpose in advancing the thesis.

The conclusion should not merely restate the introduction; it should synthesize the argument and offer a final insight.

Use a formal, academic tone appropriate for persuasive writing; avoid slang, contractions, and first-person unless purposeful.

Vary sentence structure (simple, compound, complex) to create rhythm and clarity.

Ensure grammatical accuracy: subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, verb tense consistency, and proper punctuation.

Choose precise and vivid vocabulary; avoid vague words like 'thing' or 'stuff'.

Use punctuation correctly to enhance clarity, including commas, semicolons, colons, and dashes.

A 6/6 essay demonstrates strong command of language with few errors that do not interfere with meaning.

Avoid wordiness and redundancy; strive for concise and direct expression.

Maintain consistency in point of view and style throughout the essay.