Starting your ACT® English prep means diving deep into grammar, punctuation, and your rhetorical skills. With our high-quality practice materials and thorough answer explanations, you’ll develop a solid foundation in English language conventions and rhetorical effectiveness — key elements tested on the ACT English section.
ACT English Test Overview
| Format of the ACT English Exam | Skills Tested on the ACT English Exam |
|---|---|
|
|
For a deeper understanding of the ACT English test and proven strategies to succeed, review our comprehensive guide about the ACT English Test.
How to Prepare for the ACT English Section
Effective preparation is about more than memorizing grammar rules. It’s about applying them in real contexts and recognizing rhetorical intent.
Approach the Passages Strategically
Each passage is an opportunity to improve writing. Approach it with a focus on:
- Main idea and structure
- Context of underlined text
- Improving flow and clarity
If you want more detailed strategies for tackling these passages, check out our article on how to approach ACT English questions.
ACT English Study Tips and Strategies
The right study strategies can make all the difference in your ACT English performance.
Tips to Get a 36 on ACT English
Want to hit a perfect 36 score? Here’s what to focus on:
- Master grammar and usage rules
- Understand rhetorical strategies
- Practice for speed and accuracy
- Analyze your mistakes thoroughly
- Take regular full-length, timed practice tests
For an in-depth guide on how to study for ACT English and secure a perfect score, check out our blog on how to get 36 on ACT English.
How Do You Study on Your Own for ACT English?
Self-studying allows flexibility, but you need structure. Here’s how:
- Follow a clear weekly plan.
- Use quality resources such as our ACT Self-Assessment Practice Tests.
- Focus on grammar rules and rhetorical analysis.
- Track your progress and adjust your plan.
Your ideal study timeline depends on your confidence in your grammar and rhetorical skills. If you’re starting from scratch or aiming for a high score, plan for 3-6 months. If you’ve already been reviewing or recently took a practice test, 1-3 months may be enough. Choose the plan below that fits your schedule and target score.
ACT English Study Schedule
Whether you're just getting started or entering the final stretch, we've got a flexible study plan to help you prep for the ACT English test effectively — regardless of your timeline.
With 6 months to prepare for the ACT English, you can focus on building strong foundational skills, addressing weaknesses, refining test strategies, and preparing under real test conditions.
Month 1: Baseline + Grammar Fundamentals
- Establish your starting point with a diagnostic test.
- Identify grammar and rhetoric weaknesses.
- Build a daily, consistent study habit.
Activities:
- Take a full-length, timed ACT diagnostic test (focus your review on English).
- Review all missed English questions and log errors in a mistake journal.
- Study core grammar rules: subject-verb agreement, pronouns, punctuation, verb tense.
- Create a schedule: 5 days/week, 1 hour/day with 1–2 days focused solely on English.
- End the month with another full-length ACT (or English section) for comparison.
Month 2: Strengthening Weaknesses
- Target your most frequent English question mistakes.
- Mix drills and strategy to improve accuracy and speed.
- Reinforce grammar knowledge with repetition.
Activities:
- Practice specific English question types: comma usage, modifiers, transitions.
- Alternate timed and untimed English drills (3–4 passages/week).
- Review mistake journal weekly; update with patterns and corrections.
- Use flashcards to memorize grammar rules and transition categories.
- Take a full-length ACT every other weekend with a focus on English review.
Month 3: Strategic Deep Dives
- Tackle trickier English question types and refine rhetorical strategy.
- Improve passage flow understanding (relevance, logic, tone).
- Build reading efficiency for faster question solving.
Activities:
- Deep dive into rhetorical skills: organization, tone, wordiness, clarity.
- Work on less common grammar concepts (e.g., idioms, redundancy, diction).
- Practice partial ACT sessions that include only English + one other section.
- Write your own explanations for 10+ wrong questions—solidify understanding.
- Take two full-length, timed ACTs with detailed review.
Month 4: Full-Length Focus
- Build test stamina and pacing for the English section.
- Analyze endurance-related errors and experiment with strategy.
- Simulate test conditions to improve focus under pressure.
Activities:
- Take 1 full ACT per week or at least the full English section under time limits.
- Practice 2–3 English passages on alternate days.
- Reserve one day each week for review and rest.
- Rehearse your full test-day routine including wake-up, snacks, and timing.
- Analyze trends: Are you missing early or late questions? Speed vs. accuracy?
- Try different approaches (e.g., skimming first, reading questions first).
Month 5: Polish + Final Reviews
- Refine your strategy for the English section.
- Revisit early mistakes and confirm skill improvement.
- Simulate performance under near-real test pressure.
Activities:
- Review all mistake journal entries from earlier months.
- Create summary sheets for grammar rules and rhetorical strategies.
- Teach key concepts (out loud or to someone) to reinforce memory.
- Take at least 2 full-length ACTs, spaced out with 3–5 day review windows.
- Prioritize questions you still miss frequently, and review rules related to them.
Month 6: Peak Performance
Weeks 1–2:
- Take one full-length ACT each weekend, review English section deeply.
- Do light English drills (2–3 passages/week) focusing on weak question types.
- Continue light review of notes, summary sheets, and flashcards.
Weeks 3–4:
- Reduce volume, maintain quality: light daily review (20–30 mins max).
- No new content — just confidence-building with known materials.
- Taper intensity to avoid burnout.
Test Week:
- Review only the most important grammar rules and strategy notes.
- Sleep at least 8 hours/night, especially 2–3 nights before test day.
- Keep practice short, relaxed with one passage or grammar review/day.
- Pack test materials early and visualize a smooth, confident test experience.
Start by reviewing foundational grammar and usage rules. Our question bank will help you reinforce concepts, including punctuation, subject-verb agreement, and modifiers. Focus on these core skills first before moving into rhetorical strategies.
Month 1: Build Core Grammar Skills
- Focus on punctuation, sentence structure, agreement, and modifiers.
- Practice 10-15 questions per topic every few days.
- Keep a notebook of grammar rules and examples that you miss.
- Use weekends to complete a full ACT English passage.
Month 2: Add Rhetorical Strategy and Organization Practice
- Focus on clarity, tone, transition words, and passage flow.
- Alternate between grammar drills and rhetorical skills each week.
- Analyze our answer explanations in-depth — don’t just skim your results.
- Take 1-2 timed ACT English sections every other week.
Month 3: Review and Practice Under Test Conditions
- Complete 1 timed English section every week.
- Identify your most common error types and do targeted drills.
- Take 1 full ACT practice test every other week.
- Use reliable performance tracking to adjust your focus areas.
If you’re using a free ACT practice test to guide your prep, be sure to pace your practice around other sections. You might alternate between English and Reading or Math each day for variety. And most importantly, don’t forget to build in short breaks or rest days to avoid burnout.
If you’re starting with just a month to go, don’t worry; there’s still time to prepare effectively. Your focus should be on reviewing core rules and refining your test-taking strategy.
Weeks 1-2: Rapid Review and Practice Weak Areas
- Rapid review of punctuation, sentence structure, and agreement rules.
- Practice 3-4 English passages.
- Highlight patterns in your mistakes — note rules that trip you.
- Introduce rhetorical skills such as transitions, redundancy, clarity, and tone.
- Do 2 timed ACT English sections this week to practice pacing.
- Keep reviewing grammar notes and practice weak topics.
Weeks 3-4: Sharpen Test Skills
- Alternate grammar and rhetorical passage sets daily.
- Focus on pacing — aim for 9 minutes per passage.
- Take at least 1 timed ACT practice test.
- Do a light review of all high-frequency topics.
- Complete 2 full ACT English sections and analyze your results.
- Practice bubbling in answers efficiently to simulate real testing.
If you're juggling other ACT subjects, consider combining short English drills (15-20 minutes a day) with longer Reading or Math study blocks. Your goal here is efficiency and retention.
With 2 weeks left, your prep should be laser-focused. Start by assessing your strengths and weaknesses quickly.
Week 1
- Do 1 full-length ACT English section to diagnose performance.
- Choose a high-quality prep tool to target 2-3 essential topics each day (e.g., commas, pronouns, clarity).
- Keep sessions short but focused — 20-30 minutes each.
Week 2
- Complete at least 2 timed ACT English sections.
- Review all missed questions deeply and revisit trouble areas.
- Alternate days between reviewing answer explanations and completing new passages.
- If time allows, take a full ACT practice test before test day.
ACT English Test Study Tips
Refine your study with these high-impact tips:
- Understand the Writing Style: Each passage has a unique tone and structure — identify them to answer context-based questions more effectively.
- Focus on Underlined Sections: These test grammar, mechanics, and clarity. Read carefully and choose the best fit — not just what sounds right.
- Watch for Questions Without Underlined Text: Some test overall structure or purpose. Understand the big picture.
- Reread Sentences with Your Chosen Answer: Confirm that your answer fits grammatically and logically before finalizing.
By weaving these tips into your study habits, you'll develop a deeper understanding of the ACT English section's demands, enabling you to approach the test with confidence and precision.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on ACT English
Even strong students can make errors. Here are the most common:
- Overlooking the Context of Underlined Sections: Don’t evaluate underlined text in isolation — always read the full sentence or paragraph.
- Misapplying Grammar Rules: Brush up on the rules of standard English conventions — especially punctuation and transitions.
- Rushing Through Passages and Questions: Pacing matters, but careless reading leads to mistakes. Balance speed with accuracy.
For a breakdown of common pitfalls and how to avoid them, check out our article on How to Avoid Common Mistakes on ACT English.
ACT English Test Review and Study Materials
Begin your prep with free ACT resources for a solid foundation. Once you're ready to level up, switch to a more advanced prep platform.
Our question bank and ACT English practice tests cover everything — from grammar rules to rhetorical skills — while providing detailed answer explanations that clarify tricky concepts. The format mimics the actual exam, so you’ll feel confident walking into test day.
If you're aiming for a high score, this type of prep will help you deepen your understanding, sharpen your skills, and boost your confidence. Explore our ACT English practice section to get started.
References
- ACT, Inc. (n.d.). ACT English test tips. Retrieved on April 04, 2025, from https://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents/high-school-success/testing-advice-for-the-act/act-english-test-tips.html
- ACT, Inc. (n.d.). Description of English test. Retrieved on April 04, 2025, from https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/description-of-english-test.html
Related Articles
Gain an in-depth understanding of the ACT English section, including its structure, content, and types of questions you'll face on the test. Essential for all test-takers.
ACT English Practice TestsAccess realistic practice tests designed to mirror the ACT English section, helping you to improve accuracy and build confidence for the actual exam.
