Writing Test Scoring

Rubric Overview
Scoring your writing test
This analytic scoring rubric presents the standards by which your essay will be evaluated. The
following rubric overview will help you to better understand the dimensions of writing that this
assessment evaluates.
This task asks you to generate an argument that establishes a perspective on a given issue and
brings it into dialogue with other perspectives. In evaluating your response, trained readers will
use an analytic rubric that breaks the central elements of written argument into four domains:
Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and
Conventions. As you review these domains, think about the role each plays in a written argument
that accomplishes its purpose.
Ideas and AnalysisScores in this domain reflect the ability to generate productive ideas and
engage critically with multiple perspectives on the given issue. Competent writers understand the
issue they are invited to address, the purpose for writing, and the audience. They generate ideas
that are relevant to the situation.
Development and SupportScores in this domain reflect the ability to discuss ideas, offer
rationale, and bolster an argument. Competent writers explain and explore their ideas, discuss
implications, and illustrate through examples. They help the reader understand their thinking
about the issue.
OrganizationScores in this domain reflect the ability to organize ideas with clarity and purpose.
Organizational choices are integral to effective writing. Competent writers arrange their essay in a
way that clearly shows the relationship between ideas, and they guide the reader through their
discussion.
Language Use and ConventionsScores in this domain reflect the ability to use written
language to convey arguments with clarity. Competent writers make use of the conventions of
grammar, syntax, word usage, and mechanics. They are also aware of their audience and adjust
the style and tone of their writing to communicate effectively.

Scoring Rubric
Learn more about how the ACT writing test is scored.

VIEW RUBRIC

Scoring Rubric Prior to September

2015: Overview
Calculating Your Combined
English/Writing Score Prior to
September 2015
Enhancements to the ACT Writing Test
Frequently Asked Questions

Practice Your Writing

Skills
Read. Write. Repeat.
There are many ways to prepare for the ACT writing test that don't even include writing at all.
Reading newspapers and magazines, listening to news analyses on television or radio, and
participating in discussions and debates about issues and problems all help you build a
foundation for your writing skills. 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. But you
dont have to sit at a desk and fill a notebook with essays. Practice writing for different purposes,
with different audiences in mind. The writing you do in your English classes will help you. Practice
writing stories, poems, plays, editorials, reports, letters to the editor, a personal journal, or other
kinds of writing that you do on your ownincluding, yes, essays.
The ACT writing test asks you to explain your perspective on an issue in a convincing way, so
writing opportunities such as editorials or letters to the editor of a newspaper are especially
helpful. Practicing various types of writing will help make you a versatile writer able to adjust to
different writing assignments.
Finally, dont forget you only have 40 minutes on test day. Get some practice writing within a time
limit. This will not only give you an advantage on the test, but also will help you build skills that
are important in college-level learning and in the world of work.

Build Your Writing Skills

Everyday ways to improve your writing

You can strengthen your writing skills just about anywhere, anytime. Read below for some ideas
to make writing, responding, and organizing your thoughts part of your daily routine:

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. 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 processbrainstorming, planning, writing, and then

editing. This applies to all writing activities.

Listen to the advice your English teacher gives you about your writing.

Strive for well-developed and well-organized writing that uses precise, clear, and
concise language.

Remember that everyone can improve their writing skills. Confidence and skill will
grow with the more writing you do. Practice and work lead to achievement.