These Standards describe what students who score in specific score ranges on the writing section of the ACT® college readiness assessment are likely to know and be able to do.
Note: Scores below 3 do not permit useful generalizations about students’ writing abilities.
View or print the set of Writing Standards (PDF, 5 pages) and Writing Curriculum Review Worksheets (PDF, 5 pages).
Score Range 9-10
Score Range 11-12
Ideas and Analysis
(I&A)
I&A 201. Understanding the task and writing with purpose
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
I&A 202. Analyzing critical elements of an issue
and differing perspectives on it
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
I&A 301. Understanding the task and writing with purpose
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
I&A 302. Analyzing critical elements of an issue and differing perspectives on it
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
I&A 401. Understanding the task and writing with purpose
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
I&A 402. Analyzing critical elements of an issue and differing perspectives on it
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
I&A 501. Understanding the task and writing with purpose
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
I&A 502. Analyzing critical elements of an issue and differing perspectives on it
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
I&A 601. Understanding the task and writing with purpose.
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
I&A 602. Analyzing critical elements of an issue and differing perspectives on it
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
Development and Support (D&S)
D&S 201. Building and strengthening the argument
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
D&S 301. Building and strengthening the argument
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
D&S 401. Building and strengthening the argument
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
D&S 501. Building and strengthening the argument
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
D&S 601. Building and strengthening the argument
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
Organization (ORG)
ORG 201. Grouping and connecting ideas
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
ORG 202. Employing an organizational strategy
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
ORG 301. Grouping and connecting ideas
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
ORG 302. Employing an organizational strategy
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
ORG 401. Grouping and connecting ideas
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
ORG 402. Employing an organizational strategy
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
ORG 501. Grouping and connecting ideas
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
ORG 502. Employing an organizational strategy
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
ORG 601. Grouping and connecting ideas
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
ORG 602. Employing an organizational strategy
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
Language Use and Conventions (L&C)
L&C 201. Using language to enhance meaning
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
L&C 202. Applying the conventions of standard written English
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
L&C 301. Using language to enhance meaning
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
Make word choices that are general and occasionally imprecise
Make stylistic choices, including voice, tone, and diction, that are not always appropriate for the given writing purpose and topic
L&C 302. Applying the conventions of standard written English
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
L&C 401. Using language to enhance meaning
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
L&C 402. Applying the conventions of standard written English
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
Compose sentences with clear and occasionally varied structures
Produce writing that has errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics but conveys meaning clearly
L&C 501. Using language to enhance meaning
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
L&C 502. Applying the conventions of standard written English
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
L&C 601. Using language to enhance meaning
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to:
Make skillful and precise word choices that enhance the argument
Make stylistic choices, including voice, tone, and diction, that are strategic and effective for the given writing purpose and topic
L&C 602. Applying the conventions of standard written English
A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to: