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

Time Management During the Test

Make Every Minute Count

The ACT Reading Test gives you 35 minutes to read four passages and answer 40 questions. That’s less than nine minutes per passage! Managing your time is essential for success.

Tips for Finishing on Time

  • Skim the passage first to get a general sense of the topic.
  • Don’t get stuck on one question—if you’re unsure, move on and come back later.
  • Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices quickly.
  • Keep an eye on the clock, but don’t panic!

Practice Makes Perfect

The more you practice, the faster and more accurately you’ll read and answer questions.

Examples

  • Using a watch to track your time and moving on when you spend more than a minute on a question.

  • Completing timed practice sections to build speed and confidence.

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Active Reading Techniques