ACT Writing Question and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following does NOT give your writing tone and voice?

Accepted Answer

Punctuation.

Answer

Punctuation primarily serves to clarify meaning, structure sentences, and indicate pauses or emphasis within writing. While it contributes to readability, it does not directly convey the writer's unique tone or voice. Tone and voice are more strongly shaped by elements like word choice, sentence structure, and the overall attitude conveyed by the language.

Question 2

You should ____ if you find that one of your body paragraphs has veered off course and does not support your thesis.

Accepted Answer

delete the paragraph

Answer

If a body paragraph deviates from the essay's thesis, it weakens the argument's coherence and focus. The most effective solution is to delete the irrelevant paragraph, ensuring that all remaining content directly supports and strengthens the central thesis. Attempting to force an off-topic paragraph into the essay by altering the thesis or conclusion undermines the paper's overall purpose and clarity.

Question 3

After drafting your essay, you can benefit from ____ by outlining the key topics.

Accepted Answer

spot ideas that are out of place

Answer

Creating an outline of key topics after drafting an essay, often called a reverse outline, is a powerful revision strategy. This process allows you to visually map out the main point of each paragraph and quickly identify any ideas or sections that are off-topic, redundant, or do not logically contribute to your overall thesis. It helps ensure the essay maintains focus and coherence.

Question 4

You are making the case in an essay for a standardized test that not everyone always receives what they deserve. What one of the following would make a strong piece of evidence?

Accepted Answer

Once you got in trouble for something your sister did.

Answer

To argue that 'not everyone always receives what they deserve,' a strong piece of evidence would be a clear instance of undeserved consequence. Getting in trouble for something your sister did (Option A) perfectly illustrates receiving an outcome that was not merited by your own actions, directly supporting the claim of inequity or injustice. The other options are either irrelevant or do not demonstrate this principle as clearly.

Question 5

To convince the teacher and other readers of the merits of utilizing recycled paper, you are composing a paper for a class. What kind of appeal should you use in the paper to accomplish your objective?

Accepted Answer

A logical appeal

Answer

To convince readers of the merits of utilizing recycled paper, a logical appeal (logos) is the most effective approach. This involves presenting factual data, statistics, environmental benefits, and economic arguments to rationally persuade the audience. While ethical or emotional appeals can supplement, a strong foundation of logical reasoning is crucial for convincing readers about a practical and policy-oriented issue.

ACT Practice Test

ACT Practice Test

ACT Writing Question and Answers