19 Tips for Nailing the ACT Reading Section: Strategies for Success on the College Admissions Exam
You’ve studied for the ACT for months, and you’re finally ready to take the test. But what’s the best way to approach the ACT Reading section?
Here are some tips to help you nail the ACT Reading section and score your best on the college admissions exam:
1. Read the directions carefully
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many students don’t read the directions carefully and end up missing questions because they didn’t understand what was being asked. So take a few moments to read the directions before you start the Reading section.
2. Skim the passage
Before you start reading the passage, take a few moments to skim it. This will give you a general sense of the content and help you focus on the main points.
3. Read the questions first
Before you start reading the passage, take a few moments to read the questions. This will help you focus on what you’re looking for as you read.
4. Read actively
As you’re reading the passage, be on the lookout for key information and make sure you understand what you’re reading. If you come across a word or concept you’re not familiar with, look it up.
5. Take notes
As you’re reading, take notes on key points. This will help you remember what you’ve read and make it easier to find information when you go back to answer the questions.
6. Answer the questions in order
Start with the first question and work your way through the rest of the questions. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting bogged down in one particular question.
7. Use the process of elimination
If you’re unsure of the answer to a question, try to eliminate the incorrect answers. This will give you a better chance of guessing the correct answer.
8. Don’t spend too much time on one question
If you’re having trouble with a particular question, move on and come back to it later. You don’t want to waste too much time on one question and run out of time for the rest.
9. Pay attention to detail
When you’re reading the passage and answering the questions, pay attention to detail. Often, the difference between a correct and incorrect answer is just a small detail.
10. Practice, practice, practice
One of the best ways to prepare for the ACT Reading section is to practice. Take practice tests under timed conditions so you can get a feel for how much time you have to spend on each question.
11. Know your strengths and weaknesses
If you know you have trouble with a particular type of question, make sure you spend extra time practicing that type of question. And if you know you’re good at a certain type of question, make sure you don’t spend too much time on it.
12. Be familiar with the test format
The ACT Reading section consists of four passages, each followed by several questions. Be familiar with the format of the test so you know what to expect.
13. Time yourself
Make sure you’re timing yourself when you’re practicing so you can get a feel for how much time you have to spend on each question. This will help you pace yourself on test day.
14. Don’t get overwhelmed
The ACT Reading section can be daunting, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Take it one question at a time and you’ll do fine.
15. Stay calm
On test day, it’s important to stay calm and avoid getting anxious. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you can do it.
16. Skip the questions you don’t know
If you come across a question you don’t know, move on and come back to it later. There’s no sense in wasting time on a question you’re not going to be able to answer.
17. Guess if you have to
If you’re running out of time and you have to guess, make an educated guess based on the information in the passage.
18. Review your answers
When you’re finished with the Reading section, take a few moments to review your answers. Make sure you didn’t make any careless mistakes.
19. Practice, practice, practice
We can’t stress enough how important it is to practice for the ACT Reading section. The more you practice, the better you’ll do on the test.
ACT Reading Section Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
If you’re taking the ACT, you might have some questions about the Reading section. Here are seven frequently asked questions about the ACT Reading section, with answers to help you prepare.
1. How many passages will I see on the ACT Reading section?
You’ll see four passages on the ACT Reading section, each followed by five questions. You’ll have 35 minutes to answer all 20 questions.
2. What types of passages will I see on the ACT Reading section?
You’ll see a variety of passages on the ACT Reading section, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The passages will be taken from a variety of sources, such as textbooks, magazines, and websites.
3. How should I approach the ACT Reading passages?
You should first skim the passage to get a general idea of the content. Then, you can go back and read the passage more carefully, focusing on the details. As you read, look for key words and phrases that will help you answer the questions.
4. What types of questions will I see on the ACT Reading section?
You’ll see a variety of question types on the ACT Reading section, including multiple choice, short answer, and passage-based. The questions will test your ability to identify main ideas, make inferences, and find supporting details.
5. How do I know if I’m on the right track?
As you work through the questions, check your answers against the passage to make sure you’re on the right track. If you’re not sure about an answer, try to eliminate some of the incorrect choices before making your final selection.
6. What if I run out of time?
If you find yourself running out of time, try to answer the remaining questions as quickly as possible. Don’t spend too much time on any one question, and don’t go back to previous questions.
7. What’s the best way to prepare for the ACT Reading section?
The best way to prepare for the ACT Reading section is to practice with a variety of passages. Try to find passages that are similar to those you’ll see on the test. As you practice, pay attention to the types of questions you find most difficult. This will help you focus your studying.