ACT Test Prep

ACT: English

The ACT English section consists of five passages with related multiple-choice questions, each offering four choices. In this section, examinees review passages and check for correct grammar, punctuation, organization, and rhetorical effectiveness.

The ACT English section assesses two main skill areas. The first is usage and mechanics, which includes grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. This area evaluates knowledge of English language rules and correct application.

The second skill area is rhetorical skills, focusing on the overall flow, clarity, and communication of ideas within a passage.

Scores are provided for both usage and mechanics, as well as rhetorical skills in the ACT results.

Question Types

Consider if the material in question strengthens the passage or if it’s confusing or irrelevant.

The ACT English section covers six question types in usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills:

Usage and Mechanics

• Punctuation (10–15%, 7–12 questions): Tests rules for periods, commas, apostrophes, dashes, colons, and semicolons.
• Grammar and Usage (15–20%, 12–15 questions): Focuses on subject-verb agreement, pronouns, modifiers, verb forms, comparatives, superlatives, and idioms. See our complete ACT grammar guide for details.
• Sentence Structure (20–25%, 15–19 questions): Assesses linking clauses to form clear sentences—avoiding fragments and run-ons.

Rhetorical Skills

• Strategy (15–20%, 12–15 questions): Measures your ability to build a clear argument, including deciding if material should be added or deleted.

Organization (10-15% of test, 7-12 questions): Organization questions assess the ability to construct suitable introduction and closing sentences for paragraphs and select appropriate transitions. These questions evaluate whether a passage is structured with clear signposts.

Style (15-20% of test, 12-15 questions): These questions involve selecting the most suitable words, phrases, and images that match the tone of the passage. They also require identifying and correcting wordiness and redundancy in sentences.

English Section Guidelines

The following guidelines are for preparation and performance on the ACT English section.

Develop a Passage Strategy

Questions on the English test correspond directly to the passage. One effective strategy is the paragraph-by-paragraph approach, which involves skimming an entire paragraph before answering the relevant questions. This method provides context for the questions while maintaining efficiency. Each individual may choose the strategy that best suits their needs.

Learn Essential Grammar Rules

A variety of grammar rules are evaluated on the ACT English section. Some rules appear more frequently, such as those related to sentence structure and punctuation, particularly commas. Mastering these key rules can address a significant portion of the test content.

Consider “No Change” Options

Some students hesitate to select “no change,” assuming it is a trick or unlikely to be correct. However, there are cases where the original sentence is accurate. If uncertain, “No Change” is a valid possible answer.

ACT: Mathematics

The ACT Mathematics section evaluates proficiency across six primary content areas: Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, and Trigonometry.

Outlined below are the topics encompassed within each content area:

Pre-Algebra (20–25% of test; 12–15 questions):

• Fundamental operations (including PEMDAS)
• Place value concepts
• Calculation of square roots and exponents
• Application of scientific notation
• Identification of factors
• Ratios, proportions, and percentage calculations
• Solving linear equations with one variable
• Understanding absolute value and numerical order
• Basic counting principles and introductory probability
• Data collection, representation, interpretation, and basic descriptive statistics

Elementary Algebra (15–20% of test; 9–12 questions):

• Properties of square roots and exponents
• Evaluation of algebraic expressions via substitution
• Representation of relationships using variables
• Mastery of foundational algebraic operations
• Factoring quadratic equations

Intermediate Algebra (15–20% of test; 9–12 questions):

• Utilization of the quadratic formula
• Rational and radical expressions
• Solutions to absolute value equations and inequalities
• Analysis of sequences and patterns
• Systems of equations
• Quadratic inequalities
• Function modeling
• Introduction to matrices
• Roots of polynomials
• Complex numbers

Coordinate Geometry (15–20% of test; 9–12 questions):

• Graphing various equations, including lines, polynomials, circles, and other curves
• Representation of inequalities graphically
• Exploration of line properties such as slope, parallelism, and perpendicularity
• Calculation of distance and midpoints
• Study of conic sections, including parabolas, circles, ellipses, and hyperbolas

Plane Geometry: (20-25% of test, 12-15 questions)

• Properties and relations of plane figures, including angles and relationships among perpendicular and parallel lines
• Properties of circles, triangles, rectangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids
• Transformations
• Proofs and proof techniques
• Basic applications of plane geometry to three dimensions, such as volume

Trigonometry: (5-10% of test, 3-6 questions)

• Right triangles
• Trigonometric functions: values, properties, graphing, and modeling
• Trigonometric identities
• Solving trigonometric equations

Question Types

All questions on the ACT math section are five-choice multiple choice format. The topics covered in these questions have been listed above. Some items will be presented as word problems, while others will be direct math problems; some may include figures, graphs, or charts. 

The questions are generally organized by difficulty and content. Approximately questions 1–20 are considered less difficult, questions 21–40 are of medium difficulty, and questions 41–60 are more complex. Individual perceptions of question difficulty may vary depending on familiarity with the concepts. Overall, more complex questions requiring additional time tend to appear later in the test.

Questions are also grouped by subject area to some extent. The first half of the test (questions 1–30) usually contains more algebra and pre-algebra questions, while the second half includes more geometry and trigonometry.

Key Strategies for the ACT Mathematics Section

The following are three essential tips to help you succeed on the ACT Math section.

Master Essential Formulas

The ACT math section does not provide any formulas, so it is important to memorize those you will need. ALEC provides a guide to the most important ACT formulas, as well as recommendations on the most effective methods for practicing and applying formulas to achieve success on the ACT.

Use an Approved Calculator

Although a calculator is not required to answer questions in the ACT math section, using one can greatly enhance your efficiency in problem solving. However, only certain calculators are permitted on test day; therefore, ensure that you are using an approved device. Additionally, familiarize yourself with your chosen calculator in advance by practicing with it prior to the exam.

Work on Time Management

With 60 questions to complete in 60 minutes, effectively managing time is a significant challenge in the ACT math section. A number of strategies can assist in enhancing your time management skills; here are some general principles:

• Each question carries equal weight, so it is advisable to address the quicker and simpler items first to maximize your score.
• Avoid dedicating excessive time to any single question.
• If a top percentile score is not your objective, concentrating on fewer questions may be more strategic. This approach can help ease time pressure during the exam.

ACT: Reading

The ACT Reading section gives you passages followed by multiple-choice questions to assess your comprehension. You’ll need to understand main ideas, details, author’s purpose, and tone.

The test has four subsections: three with single long passages and one with paired passages, each from different subject areas, always in this order:

• Prose fiction/literary narrative: Fiction or literary memoirs.
• Social science: Nonfiction on topics like psychology, sociology, and education.
• Humanities: Personal nonfiction such as essays or pieces on arts, literature, and philosophy.
• Natural science: Nonfiction about biology, chemistry, physics, or medicine.

Paired passages most often appear in literary fiction or humanities sections.

Question Types

There are five primary categories of multiple-choice questions presented on the ACT Reading section.

Big Picture Questions (approximately 10% of the test; about 4 questions)

Big picture questions evaluate your understanding of the passage as a whole, focusing on the main theme or the overall perspective of the author or narrator. Usually, one big-picture question is associated with each passage or passage set.

Detail Questions (approximately 38% of the test; about 15 questions)

Detail questions, sometimes referred to as “little picture” questions, require you to identify specific information related to minor details within the passage. These questions tend to be more direct, allowing answers to be located explicitly in the text, and they represent the largest portion of the ACT Reading section.

Vocabulary in Context (approximately 10% of the test; about 4 questions)

These items assess your ability to determine the meaning of a word within its passage context, often by selecting an appropriate synonym that maintains coherence in the sentence.

Development and Function (approximately 22% of the test; about 9 questions)

Development and function questions measure your rhetorical analysis skills by asking about the role of a particular phrase or paragraph, the progression and advancement of the argument, or the structural organization of the passage.

Inference (approximately 20% of the test, or around 8 questions)

Inference questions require you to draw logical conclusions based on the information presented in the passage. It is important to note that these questions are not subjective; the correct response will always be substantiated by explicit evidence within the text.

Key Strategies for the Reading Section

The following strategies are designed to enhance your performance on the ACT Reading section.

Passage Evidence

Every question has one correct answer, always backed by evidence from the passage. Avoid answers that aren’t clearly supported by the text.

Develop Passage Strategy

Having a plan for ACT reading passages helps you save time and find answers more efficiently. Skimming the passage or previewing questions are both effective; avoid reading every detail on your first pass to prevent wasting time.

ACT: Science.

This section tests your ability to interpret scientific information more than prior knowledge. You’ll spend most of your time reading passages, charts, and graphs, and applying the scientific method to interpret data, evaluate theories, and understand hypotheses.

There are seven passages: three on research/experiments, three focused on graphs/figures, and one with conflicting viewpoints. Each passage has about 5-7 questions.

Question Types

There are eight types of four-choice multiple choice questions divided among the passages.

Research Summary Passages

There are three primary question types typically encountered in research summary passages, all of which pertain to the design and interpretation of experiments.

Experimental Design and Description: These questions assess your understanding of the rationale behind the experimental setup. For instance, you may be asked to identify which solution served as the titrant or sample in a given experiment. Many of these items are fundamentally reading comprehension tasks that require you to extract specific details from the passage. Some will also ask you to select an appropriate figure that accurately depicts the experimental results.

Hypothetical Experiment: In this category, you are required to predict outcomes if certain aspects of the described experiments are altered.

Interpreting Experiments: These questions determine whether specific scientific claims are supported by the experimental results, requiring justification. Answer choices typically include two “no” responses and two “yes” responses, each with distinct explanations. It is essential to evaluate both the support for the conclusion and the rationale provided.

Data Representation Passages

There are three main question types associated with data representation passages, focusing on the interpretation and analysis of presented data.

Factual Questions: These items ask you to extract factual information directly from graphs, charts, tables, or other data displays, effectively testing your ability to interpret various forms of data.

Identifying Trends: Here, you must analyze data holistically to discern trends or relationships between variables, such as concurrent increases or decreases, or inverse relationships.

Extrapolations: These questions require you to formulate predictions based on the existing data in the visual representations.

Conflicting Viewpoints Passages

Within conflicting viewpoints passages, you will find two principal question types, each designed to evaluate your reading comprehension regarding differing perspectives on scientific topics.

Understanding Viewpoints: These questions test your ability to comprehend an individual author’s argument or perspective without necessitating synthesis of multiple views.

Comparing Viewpoints: These require you to identify both similarities and differences between two contrasting viewpoints.

Most Important Tips

Below are two key recommendations to help you maximize your performance on the Science section:

Focus on Relevant Information

Science passages frequently provide more details than are necessary to answer the associated questions. Rather than attempting to memorize every fact presented, it is advisable to concentrate on the specific information required for each question. One effective approach involves quickly scanning the passage for main ideas before returning to locate particular details as needed.

Approach Paired Passages Last

Questions related to paired passages typically require more time, as they demand a closer reading in order to compare the texts accurately. Since all questions carry equal value, it is logical to reserve the most time-consuming section for last. Skipping the paired passage initially and returning to it at the end can help maximize efficiency and ensure adequate time for the remaining questions.

Optional ACT Section: Writing

The ACT Writing section evaluates your ability to construct a clear, well-supported essay that analyzes an issue from multiple perspectives within a 40-minute timeframe. Essays are assessed across four domains by two independent graders, resulting in a composite score ranging from 2 to 12. This overview will outline the key requirements and strategies for success in this section.

The Topic and Prompt

On the ACT Writing section, the topic is presented in two parts. First, there is a paragraph introducing an issue of global or universal significance. This introduction typically addresses a philosophical question that can be discussed from multiple perspectives. For example, a sample topic might focus on the impact of “intelligent machines” on society.

Following the introductory paragraph, three positions are provided. These positions offer nuanced viewpoints and each consists of a few sentences.

After the topic and positions, the prompt outlines the required task. The assignment is to write an essay that clearly explains your perspective, examines how your viewpoint relates to at least one other position, and supports your argument with logical reasoning and examples. You may fully agree with one position, partially agree, or present an alternative perspective.

Here is a sample topic (Intelligent Machines) and prompt from the official ACT website.

Intelligent Machines

A substantial portion of the goods and services upon which we rely each day are now produced by intelligent, automated systems rather than human labor. Robots currently assemble vehicles and other products on manufacturing lines, replacing traditional roles once filled by people. Additionally, numerous phone interactions are handled by advanced technologies instead of direct human communication. Retail environments increasingly offer the ability to purchase items without assistance from a cashier. While automation is widely regarded as indicative of progress, it is important to consider what may be lost in the transition from human workers to machines. In light of the rapid expansion and diversification of intelligent machines, it is essential to critically evaluate their impact and significance in contemporary society.

Write a unified and coherent essay addressing the increasing presence of intelligent machines. The essay should:

• Clearly present a perspective on the issue and analyze its relationship to at least one other viewpoint
• Develop and support ideas with reasoning and relevant examples
• Organize points logically and coherently
• Communicate ideas using standard written English

The perspective presented may agree fully, partially, or differ entirely from other viewpoints.

How Will Your Essay Be Assessed?

Your essay will be evaluated across four distinct domains by ACT graders:

Ideas and Analysis: This domain assesses the extent to which you address various perspectives on the essay topic, including your own. A well-defined thesis is essential for success in this area.

Development and Support: This category evaluates how effectively you develop your thesis and construct your argument. It focuses on the quality and relevance of the evidence provided to support your perspective.

Organization: Organizational skills are measured in this domain. Evaluators will consider whether your paragraphs follow a logical sequence and whether each paragraph presents a clearly supported point with appropriate topic and concluding sentences.

Language Use: Scores in this domain reflect your command of standard written English.

Each essay is scored by two independent graders, each assigning a score from 1 to 6 per domain, resulting in a total possible score of 12 for each domain. These four domain scores are then averaged to produce your final essay score out of 12.

Key Considerations for ACT Writing

Below are two recommendations for performing effectively on the ACT Writing section.

Review the Rubric

To understand how to approach the ACT Writing section, it is advisable to review the rubric used by graders. Familiarity with what constitutes a score of 5-6 in each domain can clarify expectations.

Select One of the Provided Perspectives

Although test-takers have the option to develop a unique perspective, it is often more time-efficient to select one of the perspectives presented in the prompt or to synthesize two. This strategy facilitates analysis of the relationships among different viewpoints and streamlines preparation. When evaluating the three perspectives, consider which one you are best prepared to support.

Which ACT Sections Are Most Important?

Some students may wonder whether certain ACT test sections carry more significance than others. In general, colleges are most interested in the composite score, which combines results from all sections.

Research indicates that the English and Math sections of the ACT can be strong predictors of college performance, so some institutions may emphasize these scores more than Reading and Science.

The Writing section score is not factored into the composite score, making it less significant in the overall evaluation. Nevertheless, if schools require the Writing section, it remains important to complete it with effort.

While the composite score is typically prioritized, higher scores in sections related to a student’s intended field of study may also be considered by admissions officers. For instance, applicants to engineering programs with a high math score may find this beneficial. Conversely, significantly lower scores in relevant areas may attract attention during the admissions process.

Key Takeaways: ACT Sections

The ACT examination consists of four mandatory sections and one optional component. The order of the sections is as follows:

English: Assesses proficiency in written English grammar and rhetoric. Candidates are allotted 45 minutes to complete 75 multiple-choice questions, each with four answer choices.

Math: Evaluates mathematical abilities across pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry. This section provides 60 minutes for 60 multiple-choice questions, each offering five answer choices.

Reading: Measures reading comprehension skills. Examinees have 35 minutes to respond to 40 multiple-choice questions, each with four answer choices.

Science: Tests the ability to interpret scientific data and understanding of the scientific method. The section comprises 40 multiple-choice questions (four answer options each) to be completed within 35 minutes.

Writing (Optional): Assesses analytical writing skills through an essay that requires candidates to examine an issue and construct a persuasive argument. The time allotted for this section is 40 minutes.