Does ACT Writing Affect Composite Score? Exploring the Relationship

Introduction

The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses students’ knowledge in English, math, reading, and science. The composite score is an aggregate of these four sections, and it’s often seen as the most important measure of success on the ACT. But how much does the writing section, which is not included in the composite score, affect the overall result?

The composite score is calculated by adding up the four individual test scores and dividing them by four. The resulting number is rounded to the nearest whole number, with a maximum possible score of 36. The writing section, however, is scored separately and does not contribute to the composite score.

Exploring the Impact of ACT Writing on Composite Score

The ACT writing section is a 40-minute essay that assesses students’ ability to communicate effectively in writing. It is graded on a scale from 1 to 12, with 6 being the average score. While this section is not included in the composite score, it can have an indirect effect on the overall result.

How Much Weight Does the ACT Writing Section Carry in the Composite Score?

The ACT writing section carries no direct weight in the composite score, but it does have an indirect effect. A good writing score can improve a student’s chances of getting into a selective college, as colleges use the writing score as an additional indicator of academic achievement. Furthermore, a good writing score can also help boost a student’s overall confidence, which could lead to improved performance in other sections of the ACT.

Examining Different Demographics and Their Effect on Composite Scores

It’s important to note that the effect of the ACT writing section on composite scores varies across different demographics. For example, students from minority backgrounds often have lower writing scores than their white peers, which can negatively impact their composite scores. Similarly, students from low-income households may have difficulty affording ACT prep courses, which can lead to lower writing scores and, consequently, lower composite scores.

Analyzing the Relationship Between ACT Writing and Composite Scores

In order to better understand the relationship between ACT writing and composite scores, it’s necessary to examine the correlation between the two.

Investigating the Correlation Between ACT Writing and Composite Scores

A study conducted by the National Board of Education found that there is a positive correlation between ACT writing scores and composite scores. This means that higher ACT writing scores tend to be associated with higher composite scores. However, the study also found that the correlation between the two is weaker than the correlation between any two of the four sections included in the composite score.

Comparing the Effect of ACT Writing on Composite Scores Across Different Demographics

Another study conducted by the National Board of Education compared the effect of ACT writing on composite scores across different demographics. The results showed that while all demographics had a positive correlation between ACT writing and composite scores, the correlation was strongest among white students. The study also found that the correlation was weakest among students from low-income households, suggesting that these students may need additional support in order to achieve higher composite scores.

Conclusion

Overall, the research suggests that ACT writing does have an effect on composite scores, although the effect is weaker than the effect of any two of the four sections included in the composite score. Furthermore, the effect of ACT writing on composite scores varies across different demographics, with the correlation being strongest among white students and weakest among students from low-income households.

In conclusion, it is clear that ACT writing can have an impact on composite scores, but it is not as significant as the effect of any two of the four sections included in the composite score. Therefore, students should focus on improving their performance in the other sections in order to maximize their chances of achieving a high composite score. Additionally, students from low-income households may benefit from additional support in order to maximize their composite scores.