"What's the Big Idea?"
Main Idea and Supporting Details
Main Idea and Supporting Details
"Many people believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating a nutritious breakfast can boost energy levels, improve focus, and help with maintaining a healthy weight."
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Eating a nutritious breakfast has many benefits.
The ACT Writing test asks you to take a position on an issue. In one sentence, state your opinion on the following topic: Should schools require students to wear uniforms?
Ex. Answer: Schools should require uniforms because it decreases distractions related to clothing choices
or
Schools should not require uniforms because they limit freedom of expression and stifle individuality.
"Despite his extensive knowledge and experience, the professor's lecture was so esoteric that only a handful of students could fully grasp the concepts."
What does "esoteric" most likely mean in this sentence?
a) Boring and repetitive
b) Difficult to understand
c) Extremely engaging
d) Unimportant or trivial
b) Difficult to understand
Which sentence is correct?
a) The dog and the cat plays outside.
b) The dog and the cat play outside
b) The dog and the cat play outside
What is the highest possible ACT score?
36
"Many endangered species are at risk due to habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching. Conservationists work to protect these animals by creating wildlife reserves, passing protective laws, and raising awareness about the threats they face."
Which sentence best supports the idea that conservationists are actively trying to help endangered species?
a) Many endangered species face multiple threats.
b) Conservationists work to protect animals through reserves and protective laws.
c) Poaching is one of the biggest threats to endangered species.
d) Some species adapt better to environmental changes than others.
b) Conservationists work to protect animals through reserves and protective laws.
DAILY DOUBLE: Revise this sentence to make it clearer and more concise: The reason that the school in implementing a new attendance policy is because there are many students who are not showing up to their classes on a regular basis.
Possible answer: "The school is implementing a new attendance policy because many students frequently skip class."
"After weeks of drought, the once-lush fields became arid, the grass brittle and the soil cracked beneath our feet."
What does "arid" most likely mean in this sentence?
a) Fertile and full of life
b) Dry and lacking moisture
c) Rocky and difficult to farm
d) Cold and covered in frost
b) Dry and lacking moisture
Choose the correct pronoun: "Each of the students must bring ___ own lunch."
a) Their
b) His or her
c) They
b) His or her
Each of the students is singular, his and her and singular possessive pronouns
How many sections are on the ACT?
Four--English, Math, Reading, Science (Writing is an optional section)
"Lena stepped outside and saw the dark clouds gathering. The wind howled, and the trees swayed violently. She ran back inside to grab her umbrella."
What can you infer from this paragraph?
A storm in coming
Which sentence is the clearest and most effective?
a) Walking to the store, the rain began to pour, and Mia got drenched.
b) The rain began to pour, and Mia, walking to the store, got drenched.
c) Mia got drenched because it began to pour while she was walking to the store.
d) While walking to the store, the rain began pouring on Mia, and she got drenched.
c) Mia got drenched because it began to pour while she was walking to the store.
"She approached the stage with a nonchalant air, as if she hadn’t just been called to receive the most prestigious award of the night."
What does "nonchalant" most likely mean in this sentence?
a) Carefree and unconcerned
b) Overwhelmed with emotion
c) Nervous and uncertain
d) Extremely confident and proud
a) Carefree and unconcerned
Identify the correct verb tense: "By next year, she ___ her first novel."
a) Writes
b) will have written
c) writing
b) will have written
How much time is given for the ACT English section?
A. 35 minutes
B. 45 minutes
C. 60 minutes
D. 75 minutes
B. 45 minutes (75 questions)
"The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, its vast landscape attracts millions of visitors annually."
What is the author’s purpose?
a) To persuade readers to visit the Grand Canyon
b) To inform readers about the Grand Canyon
c) To entertain readers with a story about the Grand Canyon
b) To inform readers about the Grand Canyon
The ACT Writing test asks you to analyze multiple perspectives. Write a one-sentence counterargument to this statement: "Social media has a negative impact on young people."
Possible answer: "While social media can be harmful, it also allows young people to connect, express themselves, and access educational resources."
"The CEO’s duplicity was finally exposed when employees discovered he had been embezzling company funds while pretending to advocate for fair wages."
What does "duplicity" most likely mean in this sentence?
a) Extreme generosity
b) Leadership and responsibility
c) Dishonesty or deception
d) Unintentional mistakes
c) Dishonesty or deception
Which sentence correctly uses an adjective and an adverb?
a) The quick runner moved swift.
b) The quickly runner moved swiftly.
c) The quick runner moved swiftly.
c) The quick runner moved swiftly.
Which of the following is TRUE about ACT scoring?
a) Your ACT score is based on the number of correct answers, with points deducted for wrong answers.
b) The ACT is scored out of 100, with each section making up 25% of the score.
c) The ACT composite score is the average of the four section scores (English, Math, Reading, Science).
d) The ACT automatically drops your lowest section score when calculating your final score.
c) The ACT composite score is the average of the four section scores (English, Math, Reading, Science).
"In the past decade, urban gardening has surged in popularity. Many city dwellers, lacking access to large plots of land, have turned rooftops, balconies, and even indoor spaces into flourishing gardens. These small-scale farms not only provide fresh produce but also help improve air quality and reduce food transportation costs."
What is the main idea of this passage?
a) Urban gardening is a growing trend that benefits individuals and the environment.
b) People who live in cities often struggle to find space to grow plants.
c) Fresh produce is difficult to find in urban areas.
d) Rooftops and balconies are the best places for urban gardens.
a) Urban gardening is a growing trend that benefits individuals and the environment.
ACT essays require strong thesis statements. Write a thesis statement for this prompt: Should colleges require standardized test scores for admission?
Possible answer: Any strong position statement, e.g., "Colleges should no longer require standardized test scores because they do not accurately measure intelligence, create barriers for low-income students, and prioritize test-taking skills over real-world abilities."
"Even after years apart, their friendship remained immutable, untouched by time or distance."
What does "immutable" most likely mean in this sentence?
a) Weak and fragile
b) Slowly fading away
c) Difficult to remember
d) Constant and unchanging
d) Constant and unchanging
All of the following sentences correctly use object pronouns EXCEPT:
a) The manager gave extra shifts to both James and me.
b) Between you and me, I think the test was too easy.
c) The invitation was sent to she and her brother.
d) My uncle took my cousins and me fishing last weekend.
c) The invitation was sent to she and her brother.
What is the penalty for wrong answers on the ACT?
There is no penalty; students should answer every question.