Mastering Development and Support in the ACT Essay

Development and Support

A domain in the ACT Writing section measuring the ability to explain ideas and provide persuasive rationale.

Integrated line of reasoning

A seamless connection between claims, explanations, and evidence in an essay.

Weak essays

Essays that list claims without explaining the logic behind them.

Deepening reasoning

Asking 'Why is this true?' and 'How does this work?' to enhance essay analysis.

Logical Chain

A sequence of cause-and-effect statements leading to a conclusion.

Surface Level Observation

Basic statements that lack depth and critical analysis.

Specific examples

Detailed illustrations that support an argument, enhancing its effectiveness.

Types of Evidence

Categories of support such as historical, current events, hypothetical scenarios, and personal anecdotes.

Goldilocks Rule of Specificity

Examples should be detailed enough to be vivid but general enough to support universal claims.

The Sandwich Method

A structure for argumentation comprising an assertion, evidence, and analysis.

Warrant

The explanation of how evidence supports a claim in an argument.

Counterarguments

Opposing points that should be acknowledged and addressed in an essay.

Concession and Rebuttal

Acknowledging an opposing view then arguing against it to support your main thesis.

Circular Reasoning

Repeating the claim in different words instead of explaining it.

Laundry List Approach

Listing multiple examples without depth of analysis.

Absolute Statements

Statements using words like 'always' or 'never,' which can be disproven easily.

Mnemonics for Development

The ARE technique for ensuring paragraphs are fully developed: Assertion, Reasoning, Evidence.

Historical/Current Events Evidence

Using real-world situations to add weight to an argument.

Hypothetical Scenarios Evidence

Creating plausible scenarios to illustrate a point.

Personal Convention Evidence

Using personal anecdotes sparingly and ensuring they broadly apply.

Perspective Synthesis

Showing how different perspectives relate to your argument without dismissing them.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to understand and manage emotions, often compromised by excessive automation.

Socio-economic vacuum

A state of inadequate societal structure or opportunity, resulting from economic shifts.

Globalization

The process of interaction and integration among people and companies on a global scale.

Rhetorical Strategies

Techniques used in writing to persuade or inform the reader.

Writing criteria

Standards evaluated in an essay, including clarity, support, and engagement with opposing views.

Vague Generalizations

Statements that lack specific detail and clarity, weakening an argument.

Persuasion in Argumentation

The act of convincing the reader through logic, examples, and emotional appeal.