Understanding ACT Reading

The ACT Reading section tests your comprehension and reasoning skills through different types of reading passages. Here’s how you can optimize your performance:

 1. Know the Structure of the ACT Reading Section

The ACT Reading section includes four passages, each followed by ten questions. The passages typically cover prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. Familiarizing yourself with these types of passages can enhance your performance.

 2. Develop a Passage Reading Strategy

Whether you prefer to read the entire passage first, skim the passage, or read the questions before the passage, it’s crucial to have a strategy that works best for you. Practice with different strategies to see what helps you answer questions most effectively.

 3. Improve Your Reading Speed

ACT Reading requires fast reading while maintaining comprehension. Regular reading and practicing speed reading techniques can help improve your reading speed.

 4. Look for Direct Evidence in the Passage

Most ACT Reading questions can be answered with direct evidence from the passage. Be wary of answers that seem correct but are not supported by the passage.

 5. Practice Active Reading

Active reading involves questioning, predicting, and summarizing as you read. This strategy can improve your understanding and retention of the passage content.

 6. Use Process of Elimination

If you’re unsure of an answer, use the process of elimination. By removing the most unlikely answers, you increase your chances of selecting the correct one.

 7. Practice with Real ACT Reading Passages

Regular practice with actual ACT Reading passages will help familiarize you with the question types and improve your time management skills.