Sunday, June 7, 2015

2015 ACT essay homework




ACT ESSAY HOMEWORK

*These are Real, Released, ACT Essay Prompts*


#1


Some teachers and administrators believe that extra-curricular involvement plays an important role in a high school student’s social development. Therefore, our school district is considering an additional graduation requirement that students must participate in a school-sponsored club or sport for at least one season or year. Some students and parents are concerned that this requirement could create conflicts with personal obligations outside of the school day. In your opinion, should the district implement this graduation requirement?


In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.


#2


To motivate students to do well on state tests, some schools have offered rewards such as iPods, parking permits, and gift certificates for high achievement on these exams. Some students believe that these incentives encourage them to take the tests more seriously. Others feel that this policy is unfair to students who struggle academically. In your opinion, should school districts offer rewards to students for high performance on state tests?


In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Time Limit: 30 minutes


# 3


Community service is an important element of good citizenship. Therefore some schools mandate that students perform ten hours of community service during each year of high school. Parents and civic leaders feel that volunteering strengthens the bonds between the school and the community. Others believe that this requirement interferes with students’ commitments outside of the school day. In your opinion, should community service be required for each year of high school?



In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Time Limit: 30 minutes


#4


To increase communication with parents, schools offer online parent access to student grades and attendance. Parents believe this access allows them to monitor their children’s academic progress and to help them succeed. Some students feel that parent access to student grades invades their privacy and discourages personal responsibility. In your opinion, should parents have online access to student grades and attendance?

In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Time Limit: 30 minutes


#5


Because of increasing academic standards and of the average student’s abilities and commitments, colleges are now considering using the contents on Facebook and other social media as part of the criteria for a student’s admission. Many see this as a way to learn about parts of a student that are not part of the normal application and resume, such as their personality, friends, and social habits. Others, however, see this as a breach of privacy and argue that Facebook in no way gives an accurate or complete portrait of a student’s academic promise at a university. Should colleges be permitted to use applicant’s Facebook content in their considerations?


In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Time Limit: 30 minutes


#6


Recently there have been complaints about negative student behavior off campus during lunch hours. Some community members would like off campus privileges revoked. Yet many teachers and students feel that going off campus can be beneficial for students. In your opinion, should schools eliminate off campus privileges?

In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Time Limit: 30 minutes


#7


There are a wide variety of academic and extra-curricular activities that many high school students just miss because of the time constraints they face in the four years of high school. As a result, students permanently miss out on unique opportunities because they are compelled to focus on their academic requirements. To increase student opportunity, the state is considering increasing the length of high school from four years to five. This, according to supporters, will allow students to complete their required courses as well as undertake more academic and extra-curricular choices. Many students and parents, however, feel that adding a fifth year of high school will only add more requirements and pressures. In your opinion, should the state increase the length of high school from four years to five?


In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.


#8


With the many technological advances that have been made within the last decade, many school districts are considering how they can better incorporate these new technologies into the classroom. Most recently, districts have been promoting the use of iPads by both students and teachers. While some technological advocates claim that using iPads in the classroom will help improve student learning and train students on appropriate use of technology, detractors claim that iPads will be more of a distraction than an aid to learning. In your opinion, should schools try to incorporate iPads into the classroom curriculum?


In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Time Limit: 30 minutes



Extra Essay Prompts:



#9


Many religions have different requirements for their followers, and often these requirements can interfere with the day-to-day responsibilities individuals might have. In schools, students may have certain religious restrictions that grant them special privileges that may include getting out of swimming class, ordering from a unique menu in the cafeteria, and even having a lighter academic schedule to allow time for prayer during the school day. Proponents of these privileges claim that religious requirements should take precedence over academics; however, opponents argue that if an individual wants to attend a certain high school, then they must conform to the expectations of that school’s academic requirements regardless of personal belief. In your opinion, should religious students receive unique treatment because of their beliefs?


In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Time Limit: 30 minut