ACT Test
What is the ACT test and how should students prepare for it?
The ACT is a college admissions test accepted by all U.S. universities. It measures skills in English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. The test is scored on a 1–36 scale, with a composite score averaging the four main sections. To prepare, students should take full-length practice tests, review grammar and math concepts, build reading speed, and practice interpreting scientific data. The ACT has no penalty for wrong answers, so answering every question is encouraged. With consistent preparation, students can improve their scores and boost college admission chances.
ACT Test Guide: What It Is and How to Prepare
What Is the ACT?
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized college admissions exam used by colleges and universities across the United States. It is designed to measure a high school student’s academic readiness for college. The ACT tests four core subject areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing (Essay) section.
The ACT is accepted by all U.S. colleges and is offered multiple times a year, both in paper and digital formats.
ACT Test Sections Overview
| Section | Time | Questions | Content Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 45 minutes | 75 | Grammar, usage, sentence structure |
| Math | 60 minutes | 60 | Algebra, geometry, trigonometry |
| Reading | 35 minutes | 40 | Reading comprehension |
| Science | 35 minutes | 40 | Data analysis, scientific reasoning |
| Writing (Optional) | 40 minutes | 1 essay | Argument-based essay writing |
Total Time (with Essay): 3 hours and 40 minutes
Total Time (without Essay): 2 hours and 55 minutes
ACT Scoring
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Each of the four main sections is scored on a scale of 1 to 36.
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The composite score is the average of the four section scores.
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The optional Writing score is reported separately on a scale of 2 to 12.
There is no penalty for wrong answers, so students should answer every question.
ACT vs. SAT
Both the ACT and SAT are accepted by U.S. colleges, but they have some key differences:
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ACT includes a Science section, while the SAT does not
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ACT Math includes more advanced topics, including trigonometry
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ACT Reading is faster-paced, with less time per passage
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ACT offers an optional Essay, while the SAT no longer includes one
How to Register for the ACT
Students can register for the ACT on the official website: www.act.org. Test dates are offered several times throughout the year. Early registration is recommended to secure a preferred testing location and date.
ACT Preparation Tips
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Take a Diagnostic Test – Identify your strengths and weaknesses
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Use Official ACT Practice Tests – Practice with real questions under timed conditions
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Review Math Concepts and Grammar Rules – These sections are content-heavy
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Practice Reading and Science Passages – Focus on speed and comprehension
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Write Practice Essays – If taking the optional Writing section
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Track Your Scores and Progress – Set goals and measure improvement
ACT Test Sections: What’s on the Exam?
The ACT is a standardized test made up of four required sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—plus an optional Writing (Essay) section. Each section is designed to measure a student’s readiness for college-level coursework.
Understanding the structure and content of each section is key to achieving a high score.
1. ACT English Section
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Time: 45 minutes
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Questions: 75 multiple-choice
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Content:
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Grammar and usage
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Punctuation
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Sentence structure
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Rhetorical skills (organization, style, and tone)
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Skills Tested:
You’ll edit and revise short passages. This section focuses on standard written English, improving sentence flow, and choosing the most effective wording.
2. ACT Math Section
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Time: 60 minutes
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Questions: 60 multiple-choice
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Content Areas:
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Pre-Algebra
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Algebra I & II
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Geometry
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Trigonometry
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Elementary statistics and number properties
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Skills Tested:
Problem-solving, algebraic reasoning, graph interpretation, and geometry concepts. A calculator is allowed for the entire section.
3. ACT Reading Section
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Time: 35 minutes
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Questions: 40 multiple-choice
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Content:
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4 reading passages (fiction, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences)
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Skills Tested:
Reading comprehension, identifying main ideas, making inferences, understanding vocabulary in context, and analyzing structure or tone. This section requires quick reading and accuracy.
4. ACT Science Section
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Time: 35 minutes
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Questions: 40 multiple-choice
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Content:
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Charts, graphs, experiments, and scientific summaries
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Skills Tested:
Scientific reasoning, data interpretation, identifying variables, analyzing trends, and drawing conclusions. No outside science knowledge is required—just analysis and logic.
5. ACT Writing Section (Optional)
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Time: 40 minutes
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Questions: 1 essay prompt
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Content:
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Students are given a controversial issue and asked to evaluate three different perspectives, then present their own view.
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Skills Tested:
Argument development, organization, clarity, critical thinking, and command of language. The essay is scored separately on a 2–12 scale.
ACT Section Timing Overview
| Section | Time Limit | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| English | 45 minutes | 75 |
| Math | 60 minutes | 60 |
| Reading | 35 minutes | 40 |
| Science | 35 minutes | 40 |
| Writing (Optional) | 40 minutes | 1 essay |
| Total Time | 2 hrs 55 mins (without Essay) | |
| 3 hrs 35 mins (with Essay) |
ACT Sample Questions by Section
1. ACT English – Grammar and Usage
Question:
The sentence below appears in a passage. Choose the best option to replace the underlined portion:
The team of engineers was testing the new engine before the presentation.
A) was testing
B) were testing
C) is testing
D) have tested
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: “Team” is a singular collective noun, so “was testing” is correct.
2. ACT Math – Algebra
Question:
If 2x+5=172x + 5 = 17, what is the value of xx?
A) 5
B) 6
C) 7
D) 11
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Subtract 5: 2x=122x = 12
Divide by 2: x=6x = 6
3. ACT Reading – Main Idea
Passage Excerpt:
“Despite public concern, the study found no direct link between screen time and attention span in adolescents.”
Question:
What is the main idea of the sentence?
A) Screen time is dangerous for teens
B) The study proves screen time increases attention
C) There is no clear evidence linking screen time to attention issues
D) Teens benefit from unlimited screen exposure
Correct Answer: C
4. ACT Science – Data Interpretation
Question:
Based on the chart, what happens to Plant A’s growth when sunlight is reduced by 50%?
A) Growth increases
B) Growth remains the same
C) Growth decreases
D) Growth stops entirely
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The graph shows less sunlight = slower plant growth.
5. ACT Writing – Essay Prompt (Sample)
Prompt:
“Some schools are considering replacing traditional textbooks with digital tablets. Others believe physical books provide better learning experiences. Discuss the pros and cons of each perspective and explain your own position.”
Task:
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Analyze the issue
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Discuss at least two perspectives
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Provide your own viewpoint
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Support it with reasoning and examples
FAQ – ACT (American College Testing)
The ACT is a standardized college admissions exam accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities. It measures students’ academic skills in English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing (Essay) section.
High school students, typically in 11th or 12th grade, who are planning to apply to college should take the ACT. Some students also take it earlier for practice or scholarship eligibility.
The ACT includes the following sections:
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English – 75 questions, 45 minutes
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Math – 60 questions, 60 minutes
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Reading – 40 questions, 35 minutes
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Science – 40 questions, 35 minutes
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Writing (Optional) – 1 essay, 40 minutes
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No. The Writing (Essay) section is optional. However, some colleges require it, so students should check admission requirements before registering.
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Without Writing: 2 hours 55 minutes
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With Writing: 3 hours 35 minutes
You can take the ACT up to 12 times, though most students take it 2–3 times to improve their scores. The ACT is offered seven times per year in the U.S.
A “good” score depends on the colleges you’re applying to. The national average composite score is around 20–21. Competitive schools may look for scores in the 28–34 range.
