ACT Writing: Organization

Overview

The ACT Writing test is the optional fifth section of the ACT. It assesses your ability to craft a well-structured essay. 

Two graders will read your essay and score it on a scale from 1-6 on four categories: Ideas & Analysis, Development & Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions. Each grader will score your essay on these four criteria, resulting in two sets of scores. These scores will then be summed, allowing you to potentially earn up to 12 points in each category. For more information on scoring, check out the ACT'S Scoring Guide Rubric.

The "organization" subsection, in particular, focuses on how effectively you structure your thoughts and ideas. Your essay's organization should be clear, logical, and engaging, guiding the reader through your argument seamlessly. To learn more about the ACT Writing section as a whole, take a look at Fiveable's ACT Writing Overview. 

Read on to find out how to get all 12 of those points for the Organization category!

Tips and Tricks

Here are a couple of helpful tools to assist you in building your essay:

• • Plan Before You Write: Spend a few minutes outlining your essay before diving in. A well-structured plan ensures a well-structured essay.
• • Clear Thesis Statement: Your thesis should be concise and appear in your introduction. It's the roadmap for your essay.
• • Logical Flow: Ensure each paragraph flows logically from the previous one. Use transitional words to connect ideas.
• • Effective Paragraphs: Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence. Support it with evidence and examples.
• • Strong Conclusion: Summarize your main points in the conclusion, leaving a lasting impression.

Subtopics & Question Types

For each of these subtopics, it's essential to understand the specific elements that contribute to a well-organized essay. You'll need to practice incorporating these elements into your writing to excel in the "Organization" portion of the ACT Writing test, so you can become a skilled essay architect.

Introduction & Thesis Statement: This subtopic evaluates your ability to create an engaging and clear entry point for your essay. You'll be asked to craft a compelling introduction that includes a well-defined thesis statement.

Paragraph Structure & Flow: In this section, you'll be assessed on how well you can build and connect ideas within your essay. It examines your paragraph construction skills, looking for well-structured and logically flowing arguments.

Transitions & Connectors: This subtopic focuses on your aptitude for guiding the reader seamlessly through your essay. You'll need to employ transitions and connectors effectively to ensure your essay has a smooth and coherent progression.

Conclusion & Overall Organization: Here, you'll demonstrate your proficiency in wrapping up your essay succinctly while summarizing key points. Additionally, your overall essay organization, including the logical flow of ideas from introduction to conclusion, will be evaluated.

🚪 "Introduction & Thesis Statement" (Your Essay's Front Door):

Your introduction is your essay's front door. It should be inviting and clearly state your thesis. Start with a hook to grab attention, then present your thesis. Remember, your hook should relate to the topic and create curiosity. It's like welcoming guests to a grand party with an intriguing opening act.

• • Example 1: If you're writing about climate change, begin with a striking fact like, "In the last century, Earth's temperature has risen by 1.2 degrees Celsius." Follow with your thesis about the importance of addressing climate change. This captivating fact hooks your reader's interest by highlighting the urgency of the issue.
• • Example 2: For an essay on the benefits of reading, you might open with a quote like, "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies." Then, state your thesis supporting the value of reading. This quote immerses your reader in the magic of books, making them eager to explore the literary world you're about to unveil.

🌉 "Paragraph Structure & Flow" (Building Strong Bridges):

Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that relates to your thesis. Provide evidence and examples to support your point, and smoothly transition to the next idea. Imagine your essay as a well-constructed building, with each paragraph as a sturdy brick. The topic sentence is the foundation, the evidence is the structure, and transitions are the mortar holding it all together.

• • Example 1: In an essay about technology's impact on education, one paragraph might discuss improved access to information. Start with a topic sentence like, "The internet has revolutionized access to knowledge," then provide statistics or anecdotes. This solid foundation ensures your reader knows what to expect and how it relates to the broader argument.
• • Example 2: In a paragraph about drawbacks, start with a sentence such as, "However, excessive screen time can lead to reduced physical activity," then back it up with studies or real-life stories. This structured approach ensures your points are well-supported and your reader can follow your argument without stumbling over loose bricks.

🪢 "Transitions & Connectors" (Connecting the Gap):

The effectiveness of your essay often hinges on the ropes that hold it together – transitions and connectors. Think of them as paths guiding your reader from one idea to the next. The approach here is to use these tools judiciously to ensure your essay flows seamlessly. Consider transitions as directional signs that tell your reader, "Here's where we're heading next."

• • Example 1: Suppose you're shifting from discussing advantages to disadvantages of a topic. Use a transition like "On the flip side" or "Conversely." This is akin to changing lanes on a well-marked highway – your reader smoothly switches their focus.
• • Example 2: When comparing two ideas or examples, consider using phrases like "Similarly" or "Likewise" to emphasize the connections between them. This is like creating a roadmap with clear milestones, ensuring your reader never feels lost in your essay's terrain.

🏢 "Conclusion & Overall Organization" (Tying It All Together):

Your essay's conclusion should be like the closing act of a captivating play. It's your chance to summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and leave a lasting impression. Additionally, it's vital to evaluate the overall organization of your essay. Think of this as fine-tuning the entire production to ensure a seamless and coherent performance.

• • Example 1: In an essay arguing for the importance of exercise, your conclusion should reiterate your thesis about its benefits, then conclude with a call to action, like, "Let's prioritize our health and make exercise a part of our daily routine." This is like the final scene in a movie where the hero triumphs, leaving the audience inspired.
• • Example 2: For an essay discussing the impact of social media, reiterate your thesis about its influence on society and close with a thought-provoking statement like, "As we navigate the digital age, let us remember the power of balance and authentic connections." It's akin to the last chapter of a novel that leaves readers contemplating its message long after they've finished reading.

Conclusion & TL;DR:

Mastering the organization of your essay is key to acing the ACT Writing section. Craft a compelling introduction with a clear thesis, build well-structured paragraphs, use transitions effectively, and conclude with impact. Your essay should be a smooth, logical journey that guides the reader from start to finish. With practice, you'll become a skilled essay architect ready to construct impressive essays on test day! 📝🏰🌟