Concept 1

Support claims with logical reasoning and specific examples.

Move from claim to concrete example to explanation so the reasoning is visible.

Core Idea

Specific examples make claims believable only when the reasoning is visible. A paragraph should move from claim to concrete case to explanation.

Understanding

ACT essays gain strength when they move from claim to concrete case to explanation. The reader should not have to supply the missing middle step.

  • Weak support: a broad statement such as "technology helps students" with no specific case.
  • Stronger support: one concrete example whose relevant feature is easy to name and explain.
  • Revision move: after any claim, ask, What is one real case, policy, pattern, or comparison that would make this sentence easier to believe? Then explain the exact feature of that example that proves the point.

A single well-explained example usually scores better than a paragraph full of vague examples that never become evidence.

Step by Step

  1. State the paragraph claim in one clear sentence.
  2. Choose one specific example that directly tests that claim.
  3. Explain the feature of the example that actually supports the claim.

Misconceptions

  • Using a broad generalization with no concrete illustration.
  • Adding an example and assuming the connection is obvious to the reader.
Question

Worked Example

Which sentence best supports a claim that later school start times improve student readiness?

Select an answer to see the explanation