ACT Writing Essay Prompts & Examples

Score Explanation - Score 3

Ideas and Analysis = 3
It is clear that the student tried to generate a main idea—the introductory paragraph offers a thesis statement that indicates what the essay will be about: ups and downs to the development of machines. This idea, however, is imprecise and does not lend itself readily to exploration or debate. As such, the writer’s thesis provides a sense of clarity and direction but is only somewhat productive for argument. Analysis is simplistic. The writer does not critique, interrogate, or engage the perspectives; instead, he merely affirms the claims they put forth. Though the writer attempts to draw additional meaning from these perspectives by positioning and evaluating them in a number of contexts—benefits and drawbacks of machines in the workplace, for example—these analyses do not produce a discussion of further implications or underlying assumptions.

Development and Support = 3
The overly general quality of the argument as a whole is mirrored by the development of its points. While there are relevant extensions within each paragraph, many of the writer’s ideas are left to speak for themselves; that is, the writer fails to articulate and support a larger rationale for the argument he wishes to make. Potentially productive ideas—consequences for workers, for example—are asserted but not explored. Though illustration largely clarifies the writer’s ideas, this argument’s significance is left to the reader to infer—why is it important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of intelligent machines? What is the larger point?

Organization = 3
The five-paragraph approach brings order to the writer’s ideas; however, an overdependence on this structure limits its overall effect. Even though the response is organized around the idea of benefits and drawbacks, paragraphs are largely disconnected from one another. As such, important connections—between stated pros and cons in the workplace vs. our personal lives, for example, or between the discussion of pros and cons and a larger controlling purpose—fail to emerge. Without these connections, the organizational principle that guides this response is not wholly productive.

Language Use = 3
The use of language is basic. The writer’s ideas are expressed with general clarity; however, language problems help account for the fuzzy sense of argumentative purpose. Occasional imprecision (Machines have taken a huge role, Due to the lack of self-motivation through machines), limited vocabulary, and clunky sentences indicate only developing skill in this domain.

Score Explanation - Score 4

Ideas and Analysis = 4
The writer advances a clear thesis by engaging with multiple perspectives. Evaluation of these perspectives follows a pattern of concession and critique: We may concede that machines spur progress (as Perspective 2 believes) and that new technologies drive the way we imagine the future (Perspective 3), but we must also recognize that our obsession with the convenience technology affords has a dehumanizing effect (Perspective 1). In this way, the writer has evaluated a number of assumptions that underlie the given perspectives, and has recognized the complexities that arise in doing so. It is worth noting, too, that the writer does not make explicit mention of the given perspectives. Nevertheless, their ideas clearly join the writer’s own in the analysis that drives this argument.

Development and Support = 4
Lines of clear reasoning run through the argument, strengthening and supporting its thesis. There are two essential components to the writer’s point that human-to-machine interaction is detrimental to society, and each one receives elaboration. The writer extends analysis by reasoning through a number of factors that complicate prevailing ideas about new technologies. For example, the writer discusses the idea that social networking encourages more social activity, and then complicates this notion by questioning whether the nature of the interactions on social media is truly social. Throughout the response, the writer remains focused on consequences that come from machines receiving more attention than humans. In this way, her ideas and their intended effect become clear to the reader.

Organization = 4
The writer employs a clear organizational strategy. The introduction identifies two main considerations for analysis—benefits of intelligent machines and social and economic consequences. Through a discussion of these particular considerations, the writer’s larger purpose—to argue that machines should play only a limited role in our lives—emerges. Transitions connect ideas, particularly within paragraphs (Convenience also is taking on greater importance; Even though society itself has also benefitted).

Language Use = 4
The writer’s facility with language contributes to the clarity of the overall argument. Word choices such as civilized and social networking (alongside de-socialize) emphasize the writer’s thesis, creating a consistent reference to it without simple repetition. Variety in sentence structure increases reading interest, and ironic turns of phrase such as bringing the future of tomorrow into the present of today underscore the writer’s main critique.

Score Explanation - Score 5

Ideas and Analysis = 5
This argument engages productively with multiple perspectives. By viewing each perspective through the lens of a particular ideology, the writer establishes and employs a thoughtful context for analysis. Within this context, the writer articulates and addresses implications that range from benefits for industry to efficiencies for consumers. Competing views are also evaluated within this framework of capitalist ideals. The writer grants that intelligent machines reduce human interactions in places like the grocery store but argues that this is a good thing, as it allows for a more efficient experience for the consumer. In this way, the writer has addressed two values in tension, and an evaluation of the conflict serves to advance the argument.

Development and Support = 5
The essay is focused on its purpose throughout; the entire response works in service of the larger argument. The reasoning and illustration in each body paragraph function to deepen understanding of why the writer believes that the benefits of intelligent machines outweigh potential drawbacks. In using hypotheticals to explain her thinking, the writer responds to anticipated questions. For example, when she claims that robots cut down the cost of production by a considerable amount, she answers the question of how with an example that illustrates the difference between the ongoing salary of a regular employee and the one-time cost of a machine. She extends the idea further by noting that decreased cost of production means that the goods produced can now be sold at a lower pricepoint which passes the savings on the consumer, making clear the larger significance of this point. This careful thought process makes for a compelling, well-developed argument.

Organization = 5
The writer employs a productive organizational strategy. The introduction presents a roadmap for discussion, and this outline serves as a unifying force for the argument. The argument progresses logically: the writer first establishes benefits of the increasing presence of intelligent machines and then attempts to strengthen her case by acknowledging and rebutting a counterargument. Transitions are used when necessary and appropriate, making the connections among ideas readily apparent and contributing to a smooth, pleasurable read.

Language Use = 5
This response exhibits several markers of advanced language use. Word choice and sentence structures are precise and diverse, and are used to communicate complex ideas with relative concision. A formal, academic tone demonstrates strong comprehension of the rhetorical situation and works in service of the writer’s measured argument.

Score Explanation - Score 6

Ideas and Analysis = 6
By framing the issue as a matter of reckless technological abandon, the writer establishes an insightful context for analysis of the issue and its perspectives. This context informs a nuanced, precise thesis: Though we are inclined to welcome technological advancement with open arms, “the potential dangers that lurk in blind acceptance” necessitate “caution and deliberation” as we determine how to make use of intelligent machines. In advancing this thesis, the writer examines the economic and cultural implications of moving too quickly into the age of automation. In doing so, the writer has generated an argument that critically engages with multiple perspectives on this issue.

Development and Support = 6
An integrated line of reasoning and illustration effectively conveys the argument’s significance by exploring the economic and cultural implications of the mindless incorporation of intelligent machines. Hypothetical examples (In the event the robots are more widely used in the workplace) and skillful reasoning (The implications of this shift are unknown, but one thing is for certain. We are moving into this change too fast to anticipate and prevent damage to the human species) develop and support the thesis by drawing out and making persuasive its meaning and importance. The final body paragraph complicates the argument by conceding both the benefits of machine power and the unprecedented sophistication of modern technologies, using these concessions to reinforce the call for moderation and deliberation—as we reach new technological heights, it is even more important that we “figure out how to handle” potential unintended consequences.

Organization = 6
As with its development and support, a persistent focus on exploring the thesis benefits the organization of this response. This skillful strategy is driven by its controlling idea, which shapes the argument as it progresses logically from a discussion of future economic implications to a treatment of present-day cultural conditions to an examination of opposing viewpoints. Effective transitions between paragraphs reflect this organizing principle (The economic implications of the potential mechanical takeover; Our careless use of automation has already taken a toll on our culture; Even in the face of these obstacles, some people argue that the increasing intelligence of today’s machines is a good thing), while transitions within paragraphs serve to clarify and strengthen the writer’s reasoning (At first, but eventually, This of course, After all). All told, this strategy increases the effectiveness of the argument.

Language Use = 6
Precise vocabulary (societal and cultural consequences, intolerence and incivility, emotional or psychological damage) and a variety of clear sentence structures reflect advanced skill in the use of language. So too does the prose itself, which is largely free of errors. Of particular note are the writer’s strategic stylistic choices. Words like degrade, depressed, and damage work to establish a sense of alarm or dread, which underscores the writer’s call for consideration of the potential consequences she perceives. In the final body paragraph, the writer uses repetitive sentence constructions (We are, We are, We must) as the argument moves into its call for action. These rhetorical flourishes work to clarify the thesis and make persuasive its implications, thus enhancing the argument.