ACT Aspire Writing Prompt 3 Jonas has been feeding a stray cat in his backyard for four years. Two years ago, a
young raccoon appeared in his yard, and Jonas left some food out for it, too. Now, both
the cat and the raccoon wait outside his back door every morning and evening for Jonas
to feed. Jonas is moving soon, and he worries the new homeowner might not want the
raccoon hanging around. Should Jonas call the local environmental center to trap,
remove, and release the raccoon into a new area?
Consider the positions below as you think about how you would answer this question.
• Yes-after feeding it for so long, the raccoon has become dependent on humans for
food and must learn to survive on its own.
• No-Jonas was being kind and helpful, and the new residents might be just and kind
and helpful to the raccoon.
Now, take a position on this question, and write a persuasive essay in which you argue
for your position. Be sure to provide reasons for your position and examples to support
your reasons.
Five Paragraphs in 40 Minutes