Prompts used for the ACT Writing Test:
- describe an issue relevant to high school students
- ask examinees to write about their perspective on the issue
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
The standard directions in the second paragraph above are a part of all prompts used on the Writing Test.
Week of September 15-19 Writing Prompt
Many religions have different requirements for their follows, and often these requirements can interfere with the day-to-day responsibilities individuals might have. In schools, students may have certain religious restrictions that grant them special privileges that may include getting out of swimming class, ordering from a unique menu in the cafeteria, and even having a lighter academic schedule to allow time for prayer during the school day. Proponents of these privileges claim that religious requirements should take precedence over academics; however, opponents argue that if an individual wants to attend a certain high school, then they must conform to the expectations of that school's academic requirements regardless of personal belief. In your opinion, should students receive unique treatment because of their beliefs?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Week of October 7-11 Writing Prompt
With the many technological advances that have been made within the last decade, many school districts are considering how they can better incorporate these new technologies into the classroom. Most recently, districts have been promoting the use of iPad's by both students and teachers. While some technological advocates claim that using iPad's in the classroom will help improve improve student learning and train students on appropriate use of technology, detractors claim that iPad's will be more a distraction than an aid to learning. In your opinion, should schools try to incorporate iPads into the classroom curriculum?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Week of October 28-November 1 Writing Prompt
Recently there have been complaints about negative student behavior off campus during lunch hours. Some community members would like off campus privileges revoked. Yet many teachers and students feel that going off campus can be beneficial for students. In your opinion, should schools eliminate off campus privileges?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Week of November 18-22 Writing Prompt
Because of increasing academic standards and of the average student's abilities and commitments, colleges are now considering using contents on Facebook and other social media as part of the criteria for a students admission. Many see this as a way to learn about parts of a student that are not part of the normal application and resume, such as their personality, friends, and social habits. Other, however, see this as a breach of privacy and argue that Facebook in no way gives an accurate or complete portrait of a students's academic promise at a university. Should colleges be permitted to use applicant's Facebook content in their consideration?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on the question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Week of December 9-13 Writing Prompt
To increase communication with parents, schools offer online parent access to student grades and attendance. Parents believe this access allows them to monitor their children's academic progress and to help them succeed. Some students feel that parent access to student grades invades their privacy and discourages personal responsibility. In your opinion, should parents have online access to student grades and attendance?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on the question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Week of January 13-17 Writing Prompt
A school board is concerned that the state’s requirements for core courses in mathematics, English, science, and social studies may prevent students from taking important elective courses like music, other languages, and vocational education. The school board would like to encourage more high school students to take elective courses and is considering two proposals. One proposal is to lengthen the school day to provide students with the opportunity to take elective courses. The other proposal is to offer elective courses in the summer. Write a letter to the school board in which you argue for lengthening the school day or for offering
elective courses during the summer. Explain why you think your choice will encourage more students to take elective courses. Begin your letter: “Dear School Board:”
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on the question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Week of February 3-7 Writing Prompt
To motivate students to do well on state tests, some schools have offered rewards such as iPods, parking permits, and gift certificates for high achievement on these exams. Some students believe that these incentives encourage them to take the tests more seriously. Others feel that this policy is unfair to students who struggle academically. In your opinion, should school districts offer rewards to students for high performance on state tests?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Week of February 10-14 Writing Prompt
Some teachers and administrators believe that extra-curricular involvement plays an important role in a high school student's social development. Therefore, our school district is considering an additional graduation requirement that students must participate in a school-sponsored club or sport for at least one season or year. Some students and parents are concerned that this requirement could conflict with personal obligations outside of the school day. In your opinion, should the district implement this graduation requirement?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Week of February 17-21 Writing Prompt
Many high school libraries use some of their limited funding to subscribe to popular magazines with articles that are interesting to students. Despite limited funding, some educators support this practice because they think having theses magazines available encourages students to read. other educators think school libraries should not use limited funds to subscribe to these magazines because they may not be related to academic subjects. In your opinion, should high school libraries subscribe to popular magazines even though the magazines may not be related to academic subjects?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on the question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Week of February 24-28 Writing Prompt
Some cities have ordinances that limit the number of pets a city resident can own. Often, the maximum number of pets is limited to three or four. Some people support the limit because they feel it protects them against having a neighborhood overrun with animals that could potentially become a public nuisance. Other people oppose the limit because they feel it infringes upon their rights as private citizens. In your opinion, should city governments be allowed to limit the number of pets a resident can own?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on the question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Week of April 14-17 Writing Prompt
Occasionally, students in elementary school are allowed to advance the next grade even thought they have not successfully completed the lower grade. Advocates of "school promotion" think that keeping a child in a grade for longer than a year hurts his or her development and self-esteem.
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on the question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Week of May 12-16 Writing Prompt
Your principal is considering a new grading policy that replaces letter or number grades on report cards with pass or fail. What is your position concerning this issue?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on the question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.