The ACT Writing Test is an optional, final section of the ACT, which allocates 40 minutes for students to write an argumentation essay. Students are presented with a paragraph that briefly introduces an issue like, "toys are good for children" followed by three different perspectives. Students must then write on their own perspective / argument while clearly linking their essay to at least one of the provided perspectives. Two different readers give each essay a score between 1 and 6 in each of four “domains”: 1. Ideas & Analysis 2. Development & Support 3. Organization 4. Language Use & Conventions The two readers’ scores are added together, resulting in a total score between 2 and 12 in each dimension.

This is a test of your writing skills. You will have forty (40) minutes to read the prompt, plan your response, and write an essay in English. Before you begin working, read all material in this test booklet carefully to understand exactly what you are being asked to do. Your essay will be evaluated based on the evidence it provides of your ability to: • clearly state your own perspective on a complex issue and analyze the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective • develop and support your ideas with reasoning and examples • organize your ideas clearly and logically • communicate your ideas effectively in standard written English