What is Tested on the ACT?
The ACT is a computer-based test divided into four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional Writing (Essay) part on the ACT.
The ACT English test is a passage-based exam that evaluates grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and persuasive writing abilities. Four passages from fiction, social studies, humanities, and natural sciences are included in the reading test. The major areas covered in the math test include algebra, arithmetic, data analysis, some geometry, and trigonometry. The science test evaluates understanding and data interpretation based on science passages; prior knowledge of science is not necessary.
ACT Exam Structure:
Sections and Test Duration:
The ACT is made up of four tests: English, Math, Reading, and Science, as well as an optional Writing test (essay). The ACT takes 2 hours 55 minutes to complete without the essay and 3 hours 35 minutes to complete with the essay. After the second exam, there is a short pause.The second break occurs after the fourth exam and is only valid if you pass the optional written exam.
The ACT is often administered as a paper-and-pencil exam in the United States and Canada but now it’s a computer-based exam in various nations.
The ACT also provides a STEM Score and a range of sub-scores for each of the four subject scores.
1) English test
The English exam consists of five sections, each with 15 questions. Most of the questions require you to choose the best answer in terms of grammar and style, or the one that best matches the tone of the piece.
The English test assesses six components of effective writing, which are divided into two categories:
- 40 questions about usage and Mechanics
- punctuation marks (10 Questions)
- grammar and punctuation (12 Questions)
- structure of sentences (18 Questions)
- 35 Questions on Rhetorical Skills
- Strategy (12 Questions)
- style(11 Questions)
- organization(11 Questions)
2) Math Test
The Math test consists of about 14 questions based on pre-algebra, 10 questions based on elementary algebra, 9 questions based on intermediate algebra, 9 questions based on coordinate geometry, 14 questions based on plane geometry, and 4 questions based on trigonometry. While the questions are grouped in ‘general order of difficulty – easy, medium, and hard,’ the first 20 questions may contain a few difficult problems. Instead, you will find some simple questions in the last 20 questions.
3) Reading Test
The reading test includes four articles from four different genres: prose, social sciences, humanities and natural sciences. Because readings are always in this order, and each paragraph is followed by ten questions, the test taker has the benefit of working on passages from genres he is most familiar with first, and saving the most difficult portions for last.
4) Science Test
The ACT science exam is a reading and reasoning test based on scientific-related texts, rather than a test of ‘science’ knowledge. There will be around 2-3 Charts and Graphs passages, 2-3 Science Experiment passages, and 1 or 2 Fighting Scientists sections in this test, with a total of 5 to 7 questions.
5) Writing Test
The written exam is optional, but if the university you are applying to requires essay scores, you must take it. The essay asks you to consider three points of view on a controversial topic. You must defend and explain your viewpoint on the subject. within the framework of the three points of view
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