ACT Compass Reading

ACT Compass Reading focuses on enhancing reading comprehension skills essential for academic success.

Understanding Main Ideas and ThemesIdentifying Supporting DetailsMaking Inferences
Understanding Author’s Purpose and ToneAnalyzing Text StructureEvaluating Arguments and Evidence
Interpreting Everyday TextsComprehending Informational TextsApplying Critical Reading to Digital Media
Time Management for the Reading SectionUsing Process of EliminationActive Reading Techniques
Understanding Main I...Identifying Supporti...Making InferencesUnderstanding Author...Analyzing Text Struc...Evaluating Arguments...Interpreting Everyda...Comprehending Inform...Applying Critical Re...Time Management for ...Using Process of Eli...Active Reading Techn...
Advanced Topics

Analyzing Text Structure

The Blueprint of a Passage

Text structure is the way information is organized. Recognizing patterns helps you find answers faster.

Common Structures

  • Chronological: Events in time order.
  • Cause and Effect: Shows why something happened and what resulted.
  • Compare and Contrast: Points out similarities and differences.
  • Problem and Solution: Explains an issue and how it’s solved.

Spotting the Structure

Look for signal words:

  • Chronological: "first," "next," "finally"
  • Cause and Effect: "because," "therefore," "as a result"
  • Compare and Contrast: "similarly," "however," "on the other hand"
  • Problem and Solution: "issue," "solve," "solution"

Why Structure Matters

Knowing the structure helps you organize information in your mind and succeed on comprehension questions.

Examples

  • A passage lists the steps in a scientific experiment (chronological order).

  • An article contrasts online learning with traditional classrooms (compare and contrast).

In a Nutshell

Recognizing text structure allows you to understand and recall information efficiently.

Next
Evaluating Arguments and Evidence