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...
Basic Concepts

Question Types and What They Test

Meet the ACT Reading Questions

The test isn’t just about reading—it’s about understanding and interpreting what you read. The ACT Reading Test uses a variety of question types to measure skills like identifying details, finding main ideas, interpreting meaning, and analyzing how information is organized.

Types of Questions

  • Detail Questions: Ask for specific facts or information from the passage.
  • Main Idea Questions: Focus on the overall point or purpose of the passage or a paragraph.
  • Inference Questions: Require you to read between the lines and figure out what’s implied, not directly stated.
  • Vocabulary in Context: Ask what a particular word or phrase means as used in the passage.
  • Function/Purpose Questions: Explore why the author included a certain detail or how a part of the passage works.

Why These Skills Matter

These question types reflect real-life reading skills, like figuring out the message in a text or interpreting directions.

Examples

  • Identifying the meaning of the word 'consumed' in a science passage about energy.

  • Choosing the best summary for a paragraph on ancient civilizations.

In a Nutshell

Learn the different types of questions to expect and the skills they'll test.

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Reading for Main Ideas and Details