ACT Writing Section?

Question

How do you format the essay?

Like this...

Paragraph 1 - Intro

Paragraph 2 - Support 1

Paragraph 3 - Support 2

Paragraph 4 - Support 3

Paragraph 5 - Counter-arguement

Paragraph 6 - Conclusion

or like this...

Paragraph 1 - Intro

Paragraph 2 - Support 1

Paragraph 3 - Support 2

Paragraph 4 - Counter-arguement

Paragraph 5 - Conclusion

which is better? or any other legit formats?

THANKS

Answer 1

You have a very limited time to do the essay portion, so unless you are a very fast writer, do the second part.  That is all you really need.  In your intro I would make sure you announce your position with a solid thesis.  Then for paragraph 2 do the counter-argument so you can show with your two support paragraphs why your stance is favorable to the counter-argument, this will make it stronger.  Then wrap things up with a conclusion.

Answer 2

I think that the first format is better, because it has three supports, but you don't have to have the counter-argument as it's own paragraph. If I were you I'd put the counter-arguments in the same paragraph as the supports.

Answer 3

You want to place your counter argument either first or second, and make it very brief.  If you place it last (before the conclusion), that's the point you'll leave your reader with and you want to leave your reader with the strongest argument in your favor.

I believe you have about 45 minutes to write the essay which is plenty of time for three support points, especially if you go in with an outline in your mind like you're doing.  So, I'd suggest you do the first format, but place your counter argument much earlier so that you can get it out of the way and get on to your stronger supportive points.

Good luck on the test!