ACT Sample Prompts
January 2001

Example 1
Your college has received a large donation from a recent graduate who has specified that the money be used to enhance the quality of life for students.  Two proposals for using the money have been made.  One proposal is to expand the campus bookstore to include music CD's, gifts, and a snack bar.  The other proposal is to add more computers to the computer lab.  There is enough money to fund only one of these proposals.  Write a letter to the dean of the college in which you argue for expanding the bookstore or for adding more computers to the computer lab, explaining how your choice will enhance the quality of life for students.

(Do not concern yourself with letter formatting.  Simply begin your letter, "Dear College Dean.")
 

Example 2
A high school would like to do a better job of helping students in school through graduation. The Principal is considering two propsals, but there is only enough funding for one.  One proposal is to offer students a greater variety of classes from which to choose.  The other proposal is to offer free tutoring to students who need help with schoolwork.  Write a letter to the Principal in which you argue for a greater variety of classes or free tutoring for students, explaining how your choice will help students stay in high school through graduation.

(Do not concern yourself with letter formatting.  Simply begin your letter, "Dear Principal.")
 

Example 3
A tract of undeveloped land has been purchased on the edge of the city.  The community is divided over whether to develop the land for residential use or to designate the land for a park in which people can enjoy many outdoor activities.  There is only enough land for one of these purposes.  The City Council has announced that the final decision will be based on which of the uses will be of greatest benefit to the community.  Write a letter to the city Council in which you argue that the land be designated for residential use or for a park, explaining how your choice will be of greatest benefit to the community.

(Do not concern yourself with letter formatting.  Simply begin your letter, "Dear City Council.")