About the ACT Reading Section
The ACT Reading section assesses your reading and reasoning abilities. Questions ask you to identify the main ideas of the passages, interpret details, understand cause-effect relationships, and analyze arguments across various topics.
The Reading section comprises 3 long passages and 1 paired set of 2 shorter passages covering Literary Narrative or Prose Fiction, Natural Science, Social Studies, and Humanities topics. You'll have about 52 seconds to answer each of the multiple-choice questions on the 35-minute test.
5 Strategies to Achieve a Perfect ACT Reading Score
Focused preparation and a methodical approach to test-taking will help you achieve a perfect ACT Reading score. These strategies will help you improve your ACT Reading score.
- Take practice tests:
- Analyze your results:
- Assess your weaknesses:
Engage in full-length practice tests to familiarize yourself with the test structure, timing, and your current performance level.
Review your test results by examining the questions you answered correctly and incorrectly. Take note of recurring patterns of errors.
Based on your result analysis, identify areas where you are struggling and need improvement. Experiment with different strategies to target specific challenges.
Strategy 2: Read Passages Effectively
- Skim strategically:
- Read actively:
- Understanding context:
Quickly skim through the passage to grasp its main idea, tone, and structure. Focus on headings and subheadings to gain a comprehensive understanding of the passage without getting lost in the details.
Take a look at questions before reading the passage. While reading, highlight key information, such as main ideas, supporting details, and transitions between paragraphs. Jot down concise notes to enhance your understanding and memory retention.
Consider the context in which information is presented within the passage. Notice the interplay and progression of ideas throughout the text. This will help you decipher the author's intended message more effectively.
Strategy 3: Eliminate Wrong Answers
- Consider contextual clues:
- Identify obvious errors:
Look for hints in the text that indicate which answer choice is most likely to be correct or incorrect. The ACT Reading test does not assess prior knowledge of the passage topic, so only rely on evidence found within the text to substantiate your answer.
Check for answer choices that are unlikely to be correct. Try finding obvious errors such as grammatical mistakes, illogical statements, or information that directly contradicts the passage. Eliminating these choices will narrow down your options and increase your chances of choosing the correct answer.
Check out our blog about the common ACT Reading mistakes and how to avoid them.
Strategy 4: Annotate Strategically
- Mark key information:
- Track character or argument development:
- Summarize each paragraph:
Pay attention to critical elements such as main concepts, supporting evidence, and shifts between ideas. Use symbols, underlining, and marginal notes to effectively highlight and organize crucial information.
If the passage features characters or arguments, monitor their evolution and trajectory within the text. Take note of shifts in perspective or conflicts to enhance your grasp of the passage's underlying themes.
Summarize each paragraph concisely to grasp its central idea or objective. This approach ensures clarity, avoiding the need to go into the depths of the passage repeatedly.
Strategy 5: Use Quality Study Materials and Resources
- Use official ACT prep material:
- Review books and study guides:
- Join study groups and find peer support:
Utilize the official ACT Reading prep resources, including the Official ACT Prep Guide and ACT Online Prep. These materials include authentic ACT practice tests and questions closely aligned with the format and content of the real exam.
In order to improve your ACT Reading score, choose resources that provide in-depth strategies, focused practice exercises, and valuable tips designed to enhance your score. Seek materials that cover grammar rules and address rhetorical skills to help you analyze the passages effectively.
Engage in study groups with peers to collaborate on practice exercises, exchange study insights, and offer each other support and encouragement.
Utilize UWorld's ACT Practice Tests for Maximum Gain
Now that you know how to get a 36 on ACT Reading, it's time to start studying. With UWorld, you can practice with hundreds of exam-like questions, offering invaluable insights into the format and intricacies of the actual ACT Reading exam. With interactive features such as a built-in timer, flashcards, notebooks, and more, we let you customize your study approach to align with your learning preferences. Each question is accompanied with detailed explanations to clarify why each answer choice is correct or incorrect.
Practice tests come with advanced performance-tracking tools that meticulously monitor your progress, pinpointing strengths and areas for improvement, empowering you to refine your study routine and test-taking strategies.
UWorld Student
UWorld Student
Tips for Test Day
Tip 1: Ensure Proper Rest and Nutrition
- Prepare your body and mind for peak performance:
- Prioritize rest:
- Manage test anxiety:
Prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats during the week leading up to the test. Avoid overindulging in caffeine, sugary snacks, and processed foods to avoid energy crashes and remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Create a comfortable sleep environment to promote restful nights. Limit screen time before bed and stick to a consistent sleep schedule to enhance sleep quality.
Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and positive visualization into your daily routine to combat test anxiety. Engage in physical activities such as yoga or brisk walks, as well as mental exercises such as meditation, to reduce stress and uplift your mood.
Tip 2: Organize Your Approach for Test Day
Here's a comprehensive checklist to streamline your test day preparations:
References
- Reading 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-reading-test.html
- Reading 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/reading-practice-test-questions.html?page=0&chapter=0
