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

Comprehension and Evidence-Based Questions

Reading for Understanding

Comprehension questions ask about the main ideas, details, or logical flow of the passage. Evidence-based questions require you to find proof for your answers within the text.

Types of Questions

  • Main Idea: What is the passage mostly about?
  • Detail: What does the author state or imply?
  • Inference: What can you conclude based on the information?
  • Evidence: Which phrase or sentence supports your answer?

Answering Strategies

Skim the passage to get the gist, then read questions carefully. For evidence-based questions, underline or note sentences that directly support your answers.

Real-World Application

These skills help you evaluate arguments and verify facts in everyday reading, from emails to research papers.

Examples

  • Identifying which sentence best supports the claim that the experiment was a success.

  • Explaining why the protagonist feels misunderstood, using information from a specific paragraph.

In a Nutshell

Comprehension and evidence-based questions test your ability to understand and support answers from the text.

Key Terms

Inference
A logical conclusion drawn from evidence in the text.
Supporting Detail
A fact or example that backs up the main idea.
Next
Vocabulary and Context Clues