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READING &
ENGLISH TIPS
Use these time-tested tips to help bump up your scores on these sections of the ACT.
READING ENGLISH
The reading section is designed to test
reading comprehension skills and show
your understanding of statements with
direct and implied meanings.
DURATION:
40 questions, 35 minutes
The English section tests grammar,
punctuation and sentence
structure as well as rhetoric skills as
they relate to organization and style.
DURATION:
75 questions, 45 minutes
STRATEGY #1:
STRATEGY #1:
STRATEGY #2:
STRATEGY #2:
Find the answers to the questions that are
paragraph or line-specific first.
Quickly skim through the entire passage. Use
the margins of the booklet to take notes as you
read along. Jot down words that’ll help you
remember the story or what you think may be
important.
STRATEGY #3:
The prose passages in the reading section cover
topics in social studies, natural sciences, short
stories and humanities. Convince yourself that
you’re interested in the passages to help you
retain the material. This will also add to your
understanding of it.
STRATEGY #4:
Cover the answers and answer the
question before looking at the choices.
STRATEGY #5:
Pay close attention to what each question is
asking. Be careful not to fall for a
common ACT trap of choosing a “factually
true” statement—one that is a true
statement but doesn’t actually answer
the question asked.
10
Skim through the questions before
reading the passage.
Think simple. Well written
passages typically use
concise words to convey
ideas.
STRATEGY #3:
Mark all the grammar questions
and answer them as you read
the passage.
STRATEGY #4:
Immerse yourself in the topic
as you read along. Ask yourself
questions; it’ll help you remember
the material better.
STRATEGY #5:
Keep your first answer unless
you know it’s wrong. There are
several answer choices that seem
right, but be sure to pick the
ones that actually answer
the question.
A FEW TIPS:
Write in your test booklet
to help analyze passages.
Remember, there’s no
penalty for guessing.
Rebecca Bloodworth,
AUM Continuing
Education Manager