ACT: Timing and Test-Taking Strategies

ACT Overview

| Section | Questions | Time | Per Question | |---------|-----------|------|-------------| | English | 75 | 45 min | 36 sec | | Math | 60 | 60 min | 60 sec | | Reading | 40 | 35 min | 53 sec | | Science | 40 | 35 min | 53 sec | | Writing | 1 essay | 40 min | - |

General Strategies

1. Answer Every Question

There is NO penalty for guessing on the ACT.

2. Process of Elimination

Cross out wrong answers to improve your odds.

3. Skip and Return

Mark difficult questions and come back.

4. Use Your Calculator Wisely (Math)

Allowed for the ENTIRE math section.

Section-Specific Pacing

English (75 in 45 min)

Move quickly. Most questions test grammar rules you can check fast.

Math (60 in 60 min)

Questions go from easy to hard. Do NOT get stuck on hard questions.

Reading (40 in 35 min)

Do your strongest passage type first.

Science (40 in 35 min)

Most questions can be answered from the data alone. Save Conflicting Viewpoints for last.

Score Goals

| Composite Target | Strategy | |-----------------|----------| | 20-24 | Answer all, focus on easy/medium | | 25-29 | Get all easy/medium right, attempt most hard | | 30+ | Must get most hard questions right |

ACT Tip: The ACT rewards speed and accuracy. Practice under timed conditions.