ACT Writing Question and Answers

Question 1

Which revision best improves the clarity of this sentence: 'The teacher she gave us a lot of homework it was hard'?

Accepted Answer

The teacher gave us a great deal of difficult homework.

Answer

The original sentence contains a double subject ('The teacher she') and is a run-on. The best revision uses clear subject-verb structure and proper coordination or subordination. 'The teacher gave us difficult homework' is concise and grammatically correct.

Question 2

In an ACT essay, a student writes: 'Some people think technology is good. Other people think it is bad.' What is the most effective way to improve this passage?

Accepted Answer

While technology offers significant benefits such as improved communication, it also poses risks including information overload and privacy concerns.

Answer

Effective ACT essay writing requires nuanced claims with specific reasoning. The original is too vague and presents a false binary. The best revision acknowledges complexity and sets up a clear analytical perspective that can be developed with evidence and examples.

Question 3

Which transitional phrase best connects these two ideas: 'Social media allows instant communication. _____, it can contribute to feelings of isolation.'

Accepted Answer

However

Answer

The two sentences present a contrasting relationship — a benefit followed by a drawback. 'However' is the appropriate adversative conjunction to signal this contrast. 'Therefore' implies causation, 'Similarly' implies similarity, and 'In addition' implies adding a related point.

Question 4

An ACT essay prompt asks students to evaluate three perspectives on mandatory community service for high school graduation. What should the essay's thesis do?

Accepted Answer

State a clear position and explain why it is most reasonable in light of the perspectives

Answer

ACT Writing essays require a clear, specific thesis that takes a position and explains the reasoning. The thesis should address the issue directly, acknowledge the perspectives, and articulate a nuanced stance. Merely summarizing perspectives without taking a position receives a lower score.

Question 5

Which sentence uses the most precise and varied vocabulary appropriate for an ACT Writing essay?

Accepted Answer

Mandating community service can cultivate civic responsibility among students who might otherwise remain disengaged from their communities.

Answer

ACT essays are scored on language use, including word choice and sentence variety. The best answer uses precise vocabulary ('mandate,' 'cultivate') and complex sentence structure without being unnecessarily verbose or awkward.

ACT Practice Test

ACT Practice Test

ACT Writing Question and Answers