Finding the Right Voice

The ACT English section sometimes asks you to adjust the tone or style of a passage. Tone is the writer's attitude, style is the way ideas are expressed, and voice is the unique personality in the writing.

Matching the Audience and Purpose

Use formal language for essays, but a more relaxed style might be fine for a personal story or dialogue.

• "Could you please assist me?" (formal)
• "Can you help me out?" (informal)

Consistency is Key

Avoid switching tone or style suddenly—it confuses the reader.

Real-World Relevance

Adapting your tone and style is important when communicating with different people, from teachers to friends to employers.