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Tips for Taking the ACT
· Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet. · Read the directions for each test carefully. · Read each question carefully. · Pace yourself—don't spend too much time on a single passage or question. · Pay attention to the announcement of five minutes remaining on each test. · Use a soft lead No. 2 pencil with a good eraser. Do not use a mechanical pencil or ink pen; if you do, your answer document cannot be scored accurately. · Answer the easy questions first, then go back and answer the more difficult ones if you have time remaining on that test. · On difficult questions, eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated guess among those remaining. · Answer every question. Your scores on the multiple-choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing. · If you complete a test before time is called, recheck your work on that test. · Mark your answers properly. Erase any mark completely and cleanly without smudging. · Do not mark or alter any ovals on a test or continue writing the essay after time has been called. If you do, you will be dismissed and your answer document will not be scored. Tips for the ACT Writing Test · Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet. · Do some planning before writing the essay; you will be instructed to do your prewriting in your Writing Test booklet. You can refer to these notes as you write the essay on the lined pages in your answer folder. · Do not skip lines and do not write in the margins. Write your essay legibly, in English, with a No. 2 pencil. Do not use ink, a mechanical pencil, or correction fluid. o Carefully consider the prompt and make sure you understand the issue—reread it if you aren't sure. o Decide what perspective you want to take on the issue. o Then jot down your ideas: this might simply be a list of reasons and examples that you will use to explain your point of view on the issue. o Write down what you think others might say in opposition to your point of view and think about how you would refute their arguments. o Think of how best to organize your essay. · At the beginning of your essay, make sure readers will see that you understand the issue. Explain your point of view in a clear and logical way. · Stay focused on the topic. · Discuss the issue in a broader context or evaluate the implications or complications of the issue. · Address what others might say to refute your point of view and present a counterargument. · Use specific examples. · Vary the structure of your sentences, and use varied and precise word choices. · Make logical relationships clear by using transitional words and phrases. · End with a strong conclusion that summarizes or reinforces your position. · If possible, before time is called, recheck your work: o Correct any mistakes in grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling. o If you find any words that are hard to read, recopy them so your readers can read them easily. o Make any corrections and revisions neatly, between the lines (but not in the margins). Practice your writing skills · There are many ways to prepare for the ACT Writing Test. You may be surprised that these include reading newspapers and magazines, listening to news analyses on television or radio, and participating in discussions and debates about issues and problems. These activities help you become more familiar with current issues, with different perspectives on those issues, and with strategies that skilled writers and speakers use to present their points of view. · Of course, one of the best ways to prepare for the ACT Writing Test is to practice writing. Practice writing different kinds of texts, for different purposes, with different audiences in mind. The writing you do in your English classes will help you. So will practice in writing essays, stories, poems, plays, editorials, reports, letters to the editor, a personal journal, or other kinds of writing that you do on your own. Because the ACT Writing Test asks you to explain your perspective on an issue in a convincing way, writing opportunities like editorials or letters to the editor of a newspaper are especially helpful. Practicing a variety of different kinds of writing will help make you a versatile writer able to adjust to different writing assignments. · It's also a good idea to get some practice writing within a time limit. This will help build skills that are important in college-level learning and in the world of work. Build your Writing Skills Here are some ways you can strengthen your writing skills: · Read and write frequently. Read as much as you can from a variety of sources, including plays, essays, fiction, poetry, news stories, business writing and magazine features. · Become familiar with current issues in society and develop your own opinions on the issues. Think of arguments you would use to convince someone of your opinion. Taking speech and debate classes can help you think through issues and communicate them to others. · Practice writing in different formats and in as many real situations as possible. Write letters to the editor, or letters to a company requesting information. · Try some writing in extracurricular activities. School newspapers, yearbooks, and creative writing clubs offer opportunities to express ideas in writing. · Share your writing with others and get feedback. Feedback helps you anticipate how readers might interpret your writing and what types of questions they might have. This can help you anticipate what a reader might want to know. · Learn to see writing as a process—brainstorming, planning, writing and then editing. This applies to all writing activities. · Listen to the advice your English teacher gives you about your writing. |