Understanding ACT Writing Test Scores

You will receive a total of five scores for this test: a single subject-level writing score reported on a range of 2-12, and four domain scores, also 2-12, that are based on an analytic scoring rubric. The subject-level score will be the rounded average of the four domain scores. The four domain scores are: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions.

Taking the writing test does not affect your subject area scores or your Composite score. When you have a writing test score as well as English and reading scores, an English Language Arts (ELA) score will be reported.

Your essay will be evaluated based on the evidence that it provides of your ability to:

• clearly state your own perspective on an issue and analyze the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective
• develop and support your ideas with reasoning and examples
• organize your ideas clearly and logically
• communicate your ideas effectively in standard written English

Scoring Your Writing Test

Taking the ACT Writing Test on Paper

Two trained readers will score your essay on a scale of 1-6 in each of the four writing domains. Each domain score represents the sum of the two readers' scores. If the readers' ratings disagree by more than one point, a third reader will evaluate the essay and resolve the discrepancy.

Taking the ACT Writing Test Online

Essays are reviewed by an automated scoring engine. The engine has been trained by reference to tens of thousands of human-scored essays to ensure alignment to the ACT Writing Rubric.

If the engine is able to assign a “high confidence” rating to your essay, it will provide a single 2-12 score for each of the writing domains. A high confidence score is one which matches criteria for a specific writing  domain based on verified examples previously reviewed by CRASE.

If the engine cannot assign a “high confidence” rating, your essay is sent for human review. Additionally, a randomly selected sample of all essays –including those rated as “high confidence”– are automatically routed for human review as part of ongoing quality assurance processes. 

Note: Currently, State and district contracts and International ACT tests continue to use one reader paired with CRASE when scoring the writing test taken online.

Sample Essays

You might be a little unsure of what to expect from a writing prompt and what kinds of responses score the highest. We took the guesswork out of it and created one sample prompt and six possible responses, ranging from weak to strong, that give you an idea of how to achieve your best score.

Scoring Rubric

Overview

This analytic scoring rubric presents the standards by which your essay will be evaluated. The following rubric overview will help you tobetter understand the dimensions of writing that this assessment evaluates.This task asks you to generate an essay that establishes your own perspective on a given issue and analyzes the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective. Your response will be scored utilizing 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 Analysis—Scores 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 Support—Scores 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.

Organization—Scores 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 Conventions—Scores 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. 

Choosing Whether to Take the ACT With or Without Writing

Wondering if the ACT writing test is for you? You're not alone. Taking the ACT with writing can give you an edge in college admissions by showcasing your writing skills and adding depth to your college applications with a special ELA score (English language arts).

Explore the ins and outs of the ACT Writing Test to help you make an informed decision.