ACT Reading

A comprehensive guide to mastering the reading section of the ACT, focusing on comprehension, analysis, and strategic test-taking.

Understanding ACT Reading PassagesComprehension and Evidence-Based QuestionsVocabulary and Context Clues
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and PerspectiveComparing Multiple PassagesInterpreting Literary Devices and Structure
Applying Reading Skills in Everyday LifeCollaborative Reading and DiscussionUsing Technology to Enhance Reading Skills
Time Management TechniquesElimination and Guessing StrategiesActive Reading Strategies
Understanding ACT Re...Comprehension and Ev...Vocabulary and Conte...Analyzing Author’s P...Comparing Multiple P...Interpreting Literar...Applying Reading Ski...Collaborative Readin...Using Technology to ...Time Management Tech...Elimination and Gues...Active Reading Strat...
Basic Concepts

Understanding ACT Reading Passages

What to Expect in ACT Reading

The ACT Reading section is made up of four passages, each representing a different genre: prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. Each passage is followed by ten multiple-choice questions, totaling 40 questions to be answered in 35 minutes.

Types of Passages

  • Prose Fiction: Narrative stories, usually from novels or short stories.
  • Social Science: Informational texts about society, history, economics, or psychology.
  • Humanities: Essays or articles about art, literature, or philosophy.
  • Natural Science: Explanatory passages about biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science.

How to Approach

Read each passage for the main idea, tone, and structure, rather than memorizing every detail. Use the questions to guide your focus back to specific lines or paragraphs. Remember, you don't need prior knowledge of the topic; all answers are found in the text.

Key Skills

  • Identifying main ideas and themes
  • Recognizing supporting details
  • Understanding vocabulary in context
  • Analyzing author’s purpose and tone

Real-World Application

The ability to quickly understand different types of written material is vital for college and most careers, from reading scientific articles to analyzing news reports.

Examples

  • A natural science passage describing the process of photosynthesis.

  • A humanities passage discussing the impact of modern art on society.

In a Nutshell

The ACT Reading section uses a variety of passage types to test your reading comprehension skills.

Key Terms

Main Idea
The central point or message of a passage.
Tone
The author’s attitude toward the subject.
Next
Comprehension and Evidence-Based Questions