3 ACT Prep

Big Skills

Building a persuasive argument using

Understanding and using standard English language rules

Responding to modern-world issues
Writing and editing for clarity and communication.

Language Concepts

WRITING ARGUMENTS
Score 4

In addition to Score 3.0, in-depth inferences and applications go beyond what was taught.

Score 3

Writes arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence
Develops claim(s) and counterclaim(s) fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases
Uses words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims
Establishes and maintains a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing
Provides a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

Score 2

Recognizes or recalls specific vocabulary (for example, arguments, support, claims, analysis, valid reasoning, relevant and sufficient, introduction, precise claims, counterclaims, formal, objective) and performs basic process such as:
Making claim(s) and includes counterclaim(s)
Linking major sections of the text to create cohesion
Selecting evidence to support the claim
Following a predictable structure (e.g. introduction that states claim and organizes reasons and evidence, body paragraphs with logically organized supporting claims, and supporting concluding statement)
Establishing and maintaining a formal style and objective tone

Score 1

With help, a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes and some of the more complex ideas and processes.

Score 0