The ACT is different from the tests one gives in school, so you must approach it differently, too. Understand what types of reading test questions and passages you’ll actually face, and the act reading tips that can help you score well.
What’s on the ACT Reading Test?
At the beginning of each reading passage, the paragraph is in a different font. The paragraph is worth the 10 seconds. It provides you context for the passage and helps you prepare your mind for what you’re going to read.
This also helps you identify which of the 4 types of ACT Reading passages you’re starting:
- Prose Fiction
- Social Science
- Humanities
- Natural Science
After each passage, you’ll have to answer 10 questions that test you on what was directly stated and what meanings were inferred in the text.
What is it? | What to expect? | |
Prose Fiction | Excerpts from short stories or novels Most passages are contemporary, emphasize diversity, and are often based on family relationships. |
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Social Science | Topics: Anthropology, Archaeology, Biography, Business, Economics, Education, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology |
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Humanities | Nonfiction passages—mostly memoirs or personal essays Topics: Architecture, Art, Dance, Ethics, Film, Language, Literary Criticism, Music, Philosophy, Radio, Television, and Theater |
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Natural Science | Topics: Anatomy, Astronomy, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Ecology, Geology, Medicine, Meteorology, Microbiology, Natural History, Physiology, Physics, Technology, and Zoology |
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Tackle the ACT Reading Test
Now that you understand what to expect, here are some ACT reading tips that can help you approach any passage:
Do the passages in any order
You’ll always see 4 passages and you must attempt all 40 questions. The ACT doesn’t have negative marks for wrong answers. As you practice, you’ll start to realize which passage types are easier and which are a bit challenging for you. For example: If Natural Science is your strength but Literary Narrative passages make you nervous, it may make sense for you to do the Natural Science passage first and save the Literary Narrative passage for last. Just make sure you’re bubbling in the right question number on your answer sheet.
Time yourself as you practice
If you’re taking more than 3 minutes to read a passage, you may not be able to finish all of the questions in the given time. As you become more and more confident with your preparation, try to get as exact as possible with the timing of your note-taking.
Underline or Circle key terms
As you read, underline or circle key details in the passage that might help you answer questions later. This generally includes names, dates, places, and numbers.
When you’ll keep practicing more and more passages, you’ll understand what to look for and what types of questions will be asked later in the section.
By marking up your passage, you’re helping your brain focus on the important terms and move through the passage so that you can utilize your time correctly.
Find the author’s point of view
Do you often find yourself getting lost in the middle, or reading too fast and missing a few important pieces of information? For the ACT Reading Test, you’ve got to find the right balance between reading from the author’s point of view and for the function of each paragraph, while also noting the location of important details just in case you need to come back later.
Look for Transition Words
Transition words are like road signs. They tell you the route, direct you to a detour, and get you back to the direction of the main idea.
Don’t be nervous if you don’t know the word
In a few questions, you’ll have to identify the meaning of a word or phrase as it’s used in context. Most of these questions generally use common words, but their definition in the passage can be figurative more than literal. If the question asks you about a new word, try to come up with your own word that fits correctly in the context, and then use the elimination process on the answers. If you’re unable to eliminate 3 choices, guess from what’s left and move on.
Do ACT Reading practice tests
Full-length practice tests are available, you need to find a quiet place where you can take the practice test, and clear off the table or desk. Try and eliminate all sorts of distractions and do your best to mimic the test-day environment. Keep an eye on the clock or timer so you can periodically check and see how you’re doing. Don’t rush, but make sure to move confidently from one passage to another and answer all questions in the given time.
Build the right preparation plan
At ReWiser, we will help you build a preparation plan that’s customized to your score goals, study habits, and schedule.
If you need any personal assistance, reach out to our experts here. We’re more than happy to help in whatever way we can.
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