The ACT Writing section (also called the Essay) asks you to read a prompt about a contemporary issue, analyze three perspectives on that issue, and write an essay that evaluates those viewpoints. You're scored on your ability to develop a clear position, support it with reasoning and evidence, and organize your thoughts coherently—all within 40 minutes. It's less about creative writing and more about analytical thinking and persuasive argumentation.

The 40-minute window is tight, so a strategic approach matters: spend 2-3 minutes reading the prompt and analyzing the three perspectives, 1-2 minutes planning your essay outline, 30-32 minutes writing, and 2-3 minutes reviewing for errors. Many students rush into writing without a clear plan, which leads to disorganized essays that score lower. A tutor can help you practice this timing repeatedly so it becomes automatic on test day.

The biggest mistakes are: failing to take a clear position (the essay must argue for a specific stance, not just summarize), not engaging with all three perspectives meaningfully, and running out of time for a complete conclusion. Students also often write too much about one perspective and too little about others, which throws off the balance the rubric rewards. A tutor can teach you how to structure your essay to hit all these requirements efficiently.

Aim for 1-2 full practice essays per week under timed conditions, combined with targeted work on specific skills like thesis statements or evidence integration. Practicing in isolation (just writing without timing yourself) won't prepare you for the real test pressure. A tutor can assign practice essays, review them with you, identify patterns in your mistakes, and help you refine your approach before test day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT Writing and understand the specific challenges students in Honolulu face. You can share your current score, target score, and availability, and get matched with a tutor who fits your needs. Tutors work with you on essay structure, time management, and the analytical skills the ACT Writing rubric rewards.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic: you'll write a practice essay under timed conditions so your tutor can assess your baseline skills and identify which areas need the most work. Your tutor will review your essay, discuss your strengths and weaknesses, and create a personalized study plan tailored to your goals. This foundation helps you make the most of every session moving forward.

Much test anxiety comes from feeling unprepared or unsure about what to expect. Regular practice with a tutor—writing essays, getting feedback, and refining your approach—builds confidence and reduces anxiety significantly. When you've written 10+ practice essays and know exactly how to structure your argument, the real test feels much less intimidating. Your tutor can also teach you calming strategies and help you develop a pre-test routine.