5 Tips to Achieve a Perfect ACT English Score
The ACT English section challenges you with 75 multiple-choice questions spread across 5 passages—all to be completed in 45 minutes. These questions test your ability to analyze passages, polish sentence flow, and evaluate word choice and structure. Here are 5 tips on how to get a 36 on ACT English:
Tip 1: Pinpoint Your Strengths and Weaknesses
- Take practice tests: Take a full-length ACT English practice test under timed conditions. This gives you a feel for the test's format and helps you gauge where you currently stand.
- Analyze your results: Look for patterns. Which questions did you nail, and which ones tripped you up? Pay attention to any recurring mistakes. They're your biggest clues for what to work on next.
- Work on areas needing improvement: Use your analysis to zero in on areas that need improvement. Is punctuation your nemesis? Are transitions tripping you up? List the specific grammar rules or sentence structure issues that need extra attention to improve your ACT English score.
Tip 2: Master Grammar and Rhetorical Skills
- Focus on grammar fundamentals: Use reliable resources such as grammar textbooks, online guides, and ACT prep materials to study essential rules. Think subject-verb agreement, modifiers, punctuation, and verb tense consistency — then practice applying these rules through exercises that mirror what you'll encounter on test day.
- Read a variety of texts: Broaden your horizons with a mix of reading material to boost your comprehension and analytical skills. Pay attention to how sentences are structured, how grammar rules are applied, and how rhetorical devices shape the text.
- Practice proofreading: Editing is an art, and mastering it takes practice. Regularly proofread passages to spot grammar mistakes, punctuation errors, and structural issues. The more you practice, the sharper your eye will become, helping you refine your editing skills and build confidence for the test.
Tip 3: Practice Consistently and Review Mistakes
- Learn from incorrect answers: Mistakes are your best teachers. When reviewing your practice tests, take note of any mistake patterns. Are certain grammar rules or rhetorical concepts tripping you up? Check out our article on common ACT English mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Seek help: If you're struggling with a concept or question type, contact teachers, tutors, or even friends who've aced the test. Study groups and online forums can also be great places to share strategies and tips with fellow test-takers.
- Keep track of progress: In order to improve your ACT English score, set clear goals and track your journey. Log your practice test scores, note improvements, and identify areas where you're still growing. A consistent record of your progress helps you stay focused and lets you celebrate your milestones along the way, keeping your motivation high.
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Tip 4: Work on Timing While Staying Accurate
- Practice time management: The ACT English test is fast-paced, so practice under timed conditions. Set a timer when you take practice tests to mimic the real exam's time constraints. Focus on finding a rhythm that balances speed and accuracy. Leave time to review your answers. Sometimes a second look can catch mistakes you missed the first time.
- Question prioritization: Not all questions are created equal! Start with the ones you find easier to build your confidence and momentum. If a question stumps you, don't waste precious time — skip it and return later. This skip-and-return strategy ensures you don't miss out on points for the easier questions.
- Strategic process of elimination: When unsure of an answer, stay calm and eliminate the options that don't make sense. This strategy increases your odds of picking the correct answer. There's no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank! Even an educated guess gives you a 25% chance of being right.
Tip 5: Leveraging High-Quality Study Resources
- Use official ACT prep material: Use official ACT English prep resources, including the ACT Prep Guide and ACT Online Prep. These materials feature practice tests and questions that closely match the actual exam's format and content, giving you an authentic prep experience.
- Review books and study guides: Choose resources that offer clear strategies, focused practice exercises, and valuable tips for improving your score. Look for study guides that dive into rhetorical skills and effective passage analysis to build your test-taking confidence. Regular practice with these materials will sharpen your understanding and boost your skills for the test.
- Take UWorld's ACT practice tests: UWorld offers realistic practice tests, detailed answer explanations, real-time performance tracking, and interactive tools such as flashcards and timers to help you refine your skills and strategies while simulating the real ACT experience.
Bonus Tips for Test Day
Your final prep can make a big difference as test day approaches. Now that you know everything about how to get a 36 on ACT English, here are some last-minute strategies to help you feel confident and perform your best:
Focus on Rest and Nutrition
- Fuel your brain: In the week leading up to the test, stick to a balanced diet packed with fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Steer clear of too much caffeine, sugary snacks, or processed foods. They can lead to energy crashes. And don't forget to drink plenty of water to keep your brain running at its best!
- Prioritize sleep: Good rest is just as important as good prep. Create a calming pre-bed routine, avoid screens before sleeping, and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. A well-rested mind is sharper and more focused.
- Keep stress in check: Test-day jitters are normal, but you can manage them. To calm your nerves, practice deep breathing, try positive visualization, or include some light physical activity such as yoga or walking. Mindfulness exercises can also help you stay centered and confident.
Map Out Your Test Day Plan
A little planning goes a long way in making test day stress-free. Use this checklist to stay organized and focused:
Achieving a perfect score takes dedication, preparation, and confidence. Follow these tips and strategies to tackle the ACT English section with clarity and composure.
References
- English Test Description for the ACT. (n.d.). act.org. Retrieved January 2, 2025, from https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/description-of-english-test.html
- English Test Tips. (n.d.). act.org. Retrieved January 2, 2025, from https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/english-practice-test-questions.html?page=0&chapter=4
