AccelePrep for the ACT Test 2nd Edition Student Text

C HAPTER 13 | F AST T RACK TO W RITING M ECHANICS • 241

STEP 3: CREATE AN OUTLINE

Lay out your essay before you begin writing. You know your essay should include an introduction and conclusion. You should also plan to include at least three body paragraphs where you make your main points. Organize your main points from strongest to weakest. Follow this sample outline or create your own outline: Paragraph 1, Introduction: Concerning [the issue], I use three supporting arguments to argue that [perspective being advanced]. • Overview of support for thesis • Thesis statement Paragraph 2, First Argument • Sub-point 1 • Sub-point 2 Paragraph 5, Conclusion: I argue that [perspective] on the basis that ȏϐ‹”•– ƒ”‰—‡–Ȑǡ ȏ•‡…‘† ƒ”‰—‡–Ȑǡ ƒ† ȏ–Š‹”† ƒ”‰—‡–ȐǤ • Restatement of thesis Once you have created an outline, you should be prepared to successfully write your essay. Following the outline you created, write your essay. Remember, this prompt is asking you to analyze different perspectives on an issue and then to advance your own. Although your essay should address the complexity of the issue in some detail, it’s more important to focus on making a case for why the position you take is the strongest one even ‰‹˜‡ –Š‡…”‡†‹„‹Ž‹–› ‘ˆ ‘–Š‡” ’‡”•’‡…–‹˜‡•Ǥ •‡ •’‡…‹ϐ‹…‡˜‹†‡…‡ ƒ† examples to support your analysis. Whenever you are addressing the relationship between your argument and the perspectives given, describe the strengths and weaknesses of the others and then reiterate why yours is stronger and better supported. Paragraph 3, Second Argument • Sub-point 1 • Sub-point 2 Paragraph 4, Third Argument • Sub-point 1 • Sub-point 2

STEP 4: WRITE

POWER TIP Include at least one example or illustration of your point in each main paragraph.