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...
Advanced Topics

Analyzing Relationships and Arguments

Connecting Ideas and Building Arguments

The ACT will challenge you to recognize how ideas, people, or events are related in a passage. It often asks you to spot cause and effect, compare and contrast, or follow logical reasoning in arguments.

Recognizing Relationships

  • Cause and Effect: Look for signal words like “because,” “therefore,” or “as a result.”
  • Compare and Contrast: Watch for “similarly,” “however,” or “on the other hand.”
  • Argument Structure: Identify claims, supporting evidence, and counterarguments.

Argument Analysis

You may need to determine if evidence is strong, if reasoning is logical, or if an argument is biased.

Real-World Value

These skills help you debate, analyze news, or evaluate advertisements.

Examples

  • Spotting a cause-effect relationship in a passage about environmental policy.

  • Comparing two scientists’ opinions on climate change.

In a Nutshell

Learn to connect ideas, follow logic, and break down arguments just like a detective.

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Making Inferences and Synthesizing Information