Passage Types
How many total passages appear in the ACT Reading section?
4
This skill involves identifying the main idea and key details.
Key Ideas and Details
How much time do you have for the ACT Reading section?
35 minutes
What does "in context" mean in vocabulary questions?
What the word means in the sentence or passage.
What is the one kind of passage that involves two related texts?
Paired passage
This skill asks you to analyze the author’s word choice and tone.
Craft and Structure
How much time should you spend on each passage and its questions?
About 8 minutes and 45 seconds
If a word has more than one meaning, what should you do?
Choose the meaning that fits the sentence best.
Name two types of passage categories tested on the ACT.
Prose Fiction
Social Studies
Humanities
Natural Sciences
Comparing two passages and analyzing arguments tests this skill.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
What does POE stand for and why is it helpful?
Process of Elimination. It helps rule out wrong answers
What should you do first when answering a vocab-in-context question?
Reread the sentence and the sentences around it.
Which passage type usually comes first and includes characters and plot?
Prose Fiction
What should you do if a question asks about the author’s purpose?
Look for clues in tone, structure, and word choice
Should you read every word of the passage?
No. Skim for structure and key ideas.
True or False: You should guess the word’s meaning based on how it sounds.
False