How to Prepare for the Reading Section of the ACT

Four sections compose the ACT. The reading section includes 40 questions, and you have 35 minutes to complete this section. The purpose is to test basic reading skills. Follow these steps to ace this portion of the test.

Things You'll Need

• Basic reading skills
• Practice ACT test
• Stopwatch
• Tutor (if needed)

Instructions

1. Possess basic reading skills. You will read several texts and answer questions that show your understanding of them. Some questions require you to use referring and reasoning skills.

2. Prepare yourself to read four passages from different books or articles. Subject areas may include social studies, natural sciences, fiction and the humanities.

3. Read each passage quickly but carefully.

4. Select the best answer to the question. Each passage has 10 multiple-choice questions.

5. Watch the time. Divide your time equally among the four passages.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not be intimidated by extraneous information. The reading section of the ACT tests your ability to read a passage and understand it.

• Do not bring in external knowledge. Answers are based on the passage itself.