How to Study for the ACT® English
Tips, Study Plan, & Resources

ACT English Test Study Tips

As you gear up for the ACT English section, incorporating a few strategic study tips can significantly improve your ACT English preparation and performance. Here's how:

• Be Aware of the Writing Style Used in Each Passage:

  Each passage on the ACT English test is crafted with a specific style and purpose. Paying attention to this can help you better understand the context, making it easier to identify errors and make corrections that align with the passage's tone and intent.

• Examine the Underlined Portions of the Passage:

  These underlined sections are your clues to potential errors. Approach each with a critical eye, assessing grammar, usage, and mechanics, as well as the effectiveness and clarity of the writing. Understanding why something is underlined will guide you to the correct answer.

• Note the Questions with No Underlined Portions: 

  Some questions will ask you to evaluate aspects of the passage as a whole, such as its structure, purpose, or style. For these, having a good grasp of the passage's overall flow and main ideas is crucial.

• Reread the Sentence Inserting the Answer You Selected: 

  After choosing an answer, put it back into the passage to ensure it fits seamlessly. This practice can help you catch mistakes and confirm that your selected answer improves the passage according to the question's requirements.

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.

What are the most common mistakes you need to avoid on ACT English?

Navigating the ACT English section with skill and precision means being mindful of the pitfalls that can trip up even the most prepared test-takers. Here are some common mistakes you should steer clear of:

• Overlooking the Context of Underlined Sections:

  It's easy to fixate on the underlined portion without considering its context within the sentence or passage. Always ensure your corrections align with the overall message and style.

• Misunderstanding the Rules of Standard English Conventions: 

  A solid grasp of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure is crucial. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with these concepts to avoid basic errors that can lower your score.

• Rushing Through Passages and Questions: 

  Speed is important, but not at the expense of accuracy. Take the time to fully understand each question and passage to avoid careless mistakes that could have been easily avoided.

For a comprehensive breakdown of these and other pitfalls, alongside strategies for sidestepping them, don't miss our in-depth exploration in “How to Avoid Common Mistakes on ACT English”. This guide is packed with actionable advice to help refine your approach and elevate your score.

ACT English Test Review/Study Materials 

Kicking off your ACT English prep with the free resources from the official ACT site and Khan Academy is a smart move. They give you a good grip on the basics and offer lots of practice questions that match what you'll see on the test. Once you’ve got the hang of those, it’s time to level up with UWorld's question bank and practice tests. If you're aiming for a top score, UWorld is a game-changer. UWorld covers everything from grammar and punctuation to sentence structure and rhetorical skills. Plus, the questions are detailed, which makes tricky concepts easier to understand. The UWorld ACT English practice tests are just like the real exam, so you'll be familiar with the format and question style. This kind of preparation is great for boosting confidence and improving your language skills, which is important if you want to score well. Regularly using these resources will make you a pro at test-taking and deepen your understanding of English. To get your hands on these amazing study materials, just head over to UWorld's dedicated ACT English practice section.

Key Takeaways

Embarking on the journey of ACT English requires a nuanced understanding of language, a strategic mindset, and the right resources for practice. Mastering this section goes beyond simply memorizing rules; it involves thoughtfully applying them in various contexts, analyzing rhetorical elements, and improving your editing skills. UWorld is a vital support in this endeavor, providing a comprehensive question bank and practice tests that mirror the demands of the exam. These resources not only help you become familiar with the test format, but also enhance your command of English, boosting both confidence and competence. Embrace these strategies, steer clear of common pitfalls, and make the most of UWorld's expertise to navigate your path to success in ACT English.