Understanding ACT English

The ACT English section tests your understanding of written English, including punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure, as well as rhetorical skills like strategy, organization, and style. Here are some strategies to consider:

 1. Familiarize Yourself with English Grammar Rules

Knowing basic English grammar rules is crucial for the ACT English section. Familiarize yourself with subject•verb agreement, pronoun usage, verb tenses, and punctuation.

 2. Read the Entire Sentence or Passage

While some questions may seem straightforward, it’s vital to read the entire sentence or passage to understand the context. This can help prevent misinterpretation.

 3. Keep It Concise

When faced with multiple answer choices that seem correct, go for the most concise option that doesn’t change the sentence’s meaning. The ACT English section values conciseness.

 4. Consider the Passage’s Purpose

For rhetorical skills questions, consider the purpose of the passage. Does the sentence or phrase in question contribute to that purpose? Does it fit with the flow of the passage?

 5. Practice with ACT•Style Questions

Practicing with ACT•style questions will familiarize you with the test format and improve your speed and efficiency.

 6. Review Every Mistake

After each practice session, review your mistakes. Understanding where you went wrong can prevent similar mistakes on the actual test.