ACT Reading Strategies
Master passage types and strategies for the ACT Reading section.
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ACT: Reading Strategies
ACT Reading Format
40 questions, 35 minutes. Four passages:
- Literary Narrative / Prose Fiction
- Social Science
- Humanities
- Natural Science
General Strategy
Time Management
About 8-9 minutes per passage. Do your strongest passage type first.
Active Reading
- Underline main ideas and key details
- Note the author tone and purpose
- Mark transitions that signal key points
Question Types
Main Idea
Look at the first and last paragraphs.
Detail / Specific Information
The answer is explicitly stated in the text. Go back and find it.
Inference
Must be supported by evidence in the text.
Vocabulary in Context
Re-read the sentence with each answer choice. The most common meaning is often NOT the answer.
Author Tone / Attitude
Look for descriptive words and overall word choice.
Passage-Specific Tips
Prose Fiction
Focus on characters, relationships, emotions.
Social Science / Natural Science
Focus on the main argument, evidence, and conclusions.
Humanities
Focus on the author perspective.
ACT Tip: Always answer based on what the passage SAYS, not what you already know.
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