ACT Write: The First Words on Essay Writing

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The writing portion of the ACT is optional, meaning you have the choice of spending an extra 30 minutes at the testing center (How lucky for you!) Although it's optional, three-quarters of the colleges and universities require this section of the ACT, so it's in your best interest to take this section.  Taking this part of the test and assuming your college is going to require it is better than not having a score to submit.  In other words, take the darn test.  You have nothing to lose if your university doesn't want it, and everything to lose if it does.

Rattle Your Writing With Some Loose Screws

Relax.  You've been writing since first grade, you have something to say, and this test is a way to prove that.  All you need is a quick refreshner.  Although you may be scared to death of putting your ideas on paper with your name clearly indicated at the top (ooooohh, how we hate to be judged), relax, your name is only on the first page and the ACT scoring folks don't know what you look like.  Before you start, though, here are some things to consider and remember to keep you from making the most common mistakes in essay writing.  Keep These things in mind, and you'll write the best darn essay ever.

We know yo can do it.  Here we go....

Though Diarrhea: Writing Before You Think

If you have no destination, you're bound to get lost.  The most important part of your essay is having structure and a clear idea of where you're going.  If you put your pen to the paper without knowing what the heck you're going to say, you can bet your bottom dollar that the ACT folks won't know what you're saying either.  Plan, plan, plan.  Thought diarrhea, or writing just to be writing, leads to loose essays, and no one wants to read that mess,  Besides that kind of running off at the ink pen makes your writing stink.  Creating a solid essay that has a clear organizational plan, however, will get you a high score.

The Attack of the Clock: Panicking About Time

Writer's block, when you simply can't think of anything to put down, often occurs in stressful situations and frequently is caused by  a time crunch.  You have 30 full minutes to complete the writing portion of the ACT.  That's plenty of time to read the question, organize your thoughts, write, and do a quick edit.  We suggest that taking 2 minutes to read the question, 3 minutes to write your thesis and hood, 5 minutes to organize your thoughts, and 17 minutes to write, and 3 minutes to edit and proofread is an easy breakdown of the 30 minutes.  Panicking takes 30 minutes just to get over, and by then, your time's up!

Being Too Relaxed: Not Noticing Your Time Limit

Be aware of your time but don't panic.  We know, that's easier said than done.  But remember that the ACT people know that  you don't have enough time to write the great American novel.  However, they expect you to produce a good, concise essay in the time that's allotted. It's important for you t start right away, use your time wisely, and stick to the time schedule.  You won't have any time for deep, inner reflection, s don't waste it.  You have a time limit; stick to it.