ACT Reading Test

The ACT Reading Test measures reading comprehension skills through a variety of passages and question types.

Understanding Passage TypesQuestion Types and What They TestReading for Main Ideas and Details
Interpreting Author’s Tone and PurposeAnalyzing Relationships and ArgumentsMaking Inferences and Synthesizing Information
Applying Reading Skills to Everyday LifeCollaborative Reading and DiscussionUsing Reading Strategies in Other Subjects
Time Management During the TestActive Reading Techniques
Understanding Passag...Question Types and W...Reading for Main Ide...Interpreting Author’...Analyzing Relationsh...Making Inferences an...Applying Reading Ski...Collaborative Readin...Using Reading Strate...Time Management Duri...Active Reading Techn...
Study Strategies

Active Reading Techniques

Engage Your Brain

Active reading means interacting with the text to boost your understanding and memory. This is a key strategy for cracking tough passages on the ACT.

How to Read Actively

  • Underline or note key ideas and unfamiliar words (if using practice materials).
  • Ask yourself questions as you read: “What’s the main point? Why did the author include this?”
  • Predict what might come next or what a section means.
  • Summarize paragraphs in your own words as you go.

Stay Focused

Active reading keeps your brain engaged, helping you avoid distractions and remember important details.

Examples

  • Writing brief notes in the test booklet while reading a practice passage.

  • Pausing after each paragraph to summarize it in your head.