3 General ACT English Tips - Answer - 1. Skip to the underlined parts and read the surrounding context if
the question requires you to. The underlined parts will give you enough information about the passage
to answer the "big picture" questions, and if they do not, simply find the information you need. You do
not want to read the passage and then have to re-read it to answer the "big picture" questions.
2. The ACT loves to test wordiness. The shorter answers are correct more often than not. Although the
shortest answer is not necessarily the correct answer, when in doubt, pick the shortest answer.
3. Generally speaking, what "sounds right" is the correct answer. However, be careful, because there are
certain grammar rules that may not "sound right" (for example, certain subject-verb agreement
questions, certain pronoun questions, and certain modifier questions).
ACT English Tips - In what order should I do the questions? - Answer - answer every question in order
your first time through the test.
4 General ACT Math Prep Tips - Answer - 1. The ACT Math test goes generally from easier to harder,
although some easier questions will also be scattered into the late part of the test. This ordering of the
questions means two things: First, you want to spend less time on the earlier questions to give yourself
more time for the more difficult questions later in the test. Second, you want to make sure you get as
many of the earlier questions correct as you can.
2. Use the diagrams to your advantage. They are generally drawn to scale, although you should be
careful about angles.
3. Write in your test booklet. A lot. Draw diagrams, label diagrams, write out equations, etc. Visualizing
the math problems will be very helpful in answering them.
4. Use substitution from the answer choices if you are stuck or if this will save time.
2 Step Strategy for the ACT Reading Test
-Step #1: Read the passage first with two primary goals - Answer - It is highly recommend that you read
the passage first.
, As you read through the passage, your goal should be to answer these two questions:
1. What is the main idea/plot of this passage? Just try to figure out what the author is trying to say, and
try to answer this question with one simple sentence.
2. What/Where are 2-3 of the major supporting points/details the author uses to support the main
idea/plot? Try to figure out the major sections of the passage and how they support the main idea/plot.
*Aim for about 70% comprehension Comprehend just enough to answer the two questions above. Don't
try to remember details during your first time through the passage
Step #2: Answering the Questions - Answer - First, every question will have a clear answer
-Try to reach a point where you feel very confident about the answer.
Second, do the questions in this order
1. If you can answer the question confidently without looking back at the passage, answer it.
2. If you know you can find the answer to the question pretty quickly
3. If the question has a specific reference to a line
4. "EXCEPT" or "NOT" question: skip it for later
5. If you don't know where to look in the passage for the answer: skip it for later
6. then,go back and do the questions not answered
2 General ACT Science Tips and Strategies - Answer - 1. Do not be intimidated because the test "looks
hard." The ACT Science test is designed to look unfamiliar to students. The answers to all of the
questions can be found directly from the test.
2. Learn the differences between the three different types of passages and the kinds of key information
to look for in each passage.
Science: In What Order Should I Do the Passages? - Answer - -Do the "Conflicting Viewpoints" passage
last
-Skip any passage that looks particularly difficult and save it for later.
Science: In What Order Should I Do the Questions - Answer - -Data Representation and Research
Summary: read the questions first, then find the answers in the passages.
-Conflicting Viewpoints: read the passage first and try to find out the main point of each side first; then,
read the questions.
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