Top Tips for Acing the ACT Reading Test

Top Tips for Acing the ACT Reading Test

The Reading Test of the ACT has 40 questions on 4 passages (Prose Fiction/Literary Narrative, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science). The allotted time for the Reading Test is 35 minutes. 

Follow the tips below for every Reading passage in the ACT Reading Section:

Tip (1): ALWAYS Read the Blurb
The little part at the top of each passage can be helpful for identifying the type of passage and setting the tone of that passage by providing certain background information about the passage, especially the paired passages.

 

Tip (2): The Introduction is ALAWAYS Important

The introduction paragraph of each passage is extremely important. Underlining the key words and phrases in the introduction paragraph is really important for better understanding. Look for the Thesis Statement, which is the author’s main idea that he/she will discuss throughout the passage.

Tip (3): Understand the Question Well
Underline and circle the Lead Words of the question so you know what the question exactly asks. Paraphrasing the question is extremely important. Always explain the question to yourself to make sure that you understand it.

Tip (4): Hone in on Modifiers and Descriptors

Answer choices often contain descriptive modifiers (adjectives & adverbs), seen in phrases like “impassioned plea,” “desperate request,” and so on. The modifiers and the nouns they modify can help you eliminate incorrect answers.

Tip (5): Look for Synonyms & Restatements

Answer choices are not written in the passage word for word; instead, they are written using restatements and synonyms. Always look for answer choices that contain synonyms to terms or concepts mentioned in the passage. This strategy is valid to ALL the ACT Reading Section questions.

Tip (6): Read Actively (with your Pencil, not just Eyes)

While reading any portion, line reference or a question in a passage, read actively: use your pencil to underline and circle the following necessary information that you expect to find questions on:

- Names of characters, scientists, researchers, public figures, species, places… etc.

- Common words such as study, experiments, phenomenon, results, findings, outcomes, subjects,       participants…etc.

- Transitional expressions such as but, yet, so, however, nevertheless, therefore, consequently…etc. 

Tip (7): The “POE” Strategy

The “Process of Elimination” is a very important test strategy on the ACT. One important thing to remember when eliminating an answer is that even a single word can make an answer choice wrong. If a single word in the answer choice isn't supported by the passage, you need to eliminate it, even if the rest of that answer sounds good. 

Tip (8): Take Dual (Paired) Passages One at a Time

One of your passages will be a set of dual passages—two shorter texts about one topic.  Do questions about the first passage first, questions about the second passage second, and questions about both passages last. This will save time and keep you from confusing the two passages when you’re evaluating the answer choices.

Tip (9): No Penalty for Guessing

Because the ACT Reading section is long and tiring, it is so common to run out of time before finishing all the questions. In this case, you are left with nothing but guessing. Never leave a question on the test unanswered, even if you don’t have time to read it. Guess and go.