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

Making Inferences and Synthesizing Information

Reading Between and Beyond the Lines

Inference means figuring out what isn’t directly stated by using clues from the text and your own knowledge. Synthesis involves combining information from different parts of a passage—or even multiple passages—to create a new understanding.

How to Infer

  • Pay attention to hints or implied meanings.
  • Use logic and background knowledge.
  • Ask: “What does the author want me to realize, even if it’s not spelled out?”

How to Synthesize

  • Connect facts and ideas from all parts of the passage.
  • Look for patterns or bigger messages.

In Real Life

Making inferences helps you understand jokes, read facial expressions, or catch hidden meanings. Synthesis lets you combine information from different sources for school projects or everyday decisions.

Examples

  • Inferring a character’s motivation based on their actions and dialogue.

  • Synthesizing information from two passages on renewable energy to form an opinion.

In a Nutshell

Go beyond the words to infer, connect, and build a deeper understanding.

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Applying Reading Skills to Everyday Life