ACT Reading Comprehension Techniques

Understanding the ACT Reading Section

The ACT Reading section consists of four reading passages, each followed by 10 multiple-choice questions. The passages are divided into four categories:

• Prose Fiction: Literary narratives, often involving characters and their experiences.
• Social Science: Passages related to psychology, sociology, economics, or political science.
• Humanities: Passages about historical, philosophical, or cultural topics.
• Natural Science: Passages based on scientific topics such as biology, chemistry, or physics.

Each passage is followed by 10 questions, which test your ability to interpret the main idea, tone, details, and structure of the text. The key to performing well on this section is balancing speed and accuracy while staying focused on the questions.

ACT Reading Strategies

To maximize your score on the ACT Reading section, it’s crucial to develop and apply effective strategies. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Skim the Passage First

Instead of reading the passage word-for-word, start by skimming the first and last sentences of each paragraph. This will give you an overview of the passage’s main points. Pay attention to any transition words or phrases that signal important ideas. After skimming, read the questions to know what details to focus on while reading the full passage.

2. Focus on Key Details

The ACT Reading section often asks questions about specific details in the passage. When reading, highlight or mentally note important details such as character motivations, dates, or key facts. This will help you answer questions more quickly without needing to reread the entire passage.

3. Use Process of Elimination

If you’re unsure about an answer, eliminate obviously wrong choices first. This increases your chances of selecting the correct answer by narrowing down the options. Many ACT Reading questions have one or two clearly incorrect answers that you can rule out immediately.

4. Be Aware of Question Types

ACT Reading questions generally fall into a few types, including:

• Main Idea: What is the passage mainly about?
• Detail: What does the author say about a particular idea?
• Inferences: What can you infer based on the passage?
• Tone or Attitude: What is the author’s attitude toward the subject?
• Vocabulary in Context: What does a specific word or phrase mean in the context of the passage?

Understanding these question types will help you focus on the right information in the passage when you’re answering the questions.

5. Answer Questions in Order

Start answering questions in the order they appear, rather than jumping back and forth between different parts of the passage. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss any questions. Skipping questions may cause you to miss out on easy answers later in the section.

6. Keep Track of Time

The ACT Reading section is time-sensitive, with only 35 minutes to complete 40 questions. This means you need to work quickly but accurately. Aim to spend about 8-9 minutes per passage, and try to avoid spending too much time on any one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back to it later if there’s time left.

ACT Reading Tips

In addition to strategies, here are some helpful tips to further enhance your reading comprehension skills:

1. Practice Active Reading

Active reading means engaging with the text while you read. Instead of just passively reading the words, underline or highlight key ideas, main points, or words that seem important. Summarize each paragraph in your mind as you read, and stay focused on understanding the passage’s overall message.

2. Use the Passage’s Structure to Your Advantage

Many ACT passages are structured to help guide you through the information. Look for the introduction, body, and conclusion in each passage. Understanding how the passage is organized will help you find answers more easily, especially when looking for specific details or tone.

3. Don’t Overthink Inference Questions

Inference questions often ask you to interpret the meaning of a passage or statement based on what is implied rather than directly stated. Stick to what’s presented in the passage—don’t overthink it by bringing in external knowledge. If an answer is not directly supported by the text, it’s likely incorrect.

4. Read Widely to Improve Your Speed and Comprehension

The more you practice reading different types of texts, the better you’ll become at understanding and interpreting them quickly. Read a variety of materials such as fiction, non-fiction, scientific articles, and essays. This will help you develop a flexible reading style that works for all types of passages on the ACT.

5. Stay Calm During the Test

It’s easy to become anxious when you feel rushed, but staying calm and focused will help you stay efficient. Take a deep breath if you start to feel stressed and remember that you can always come back to a question later if you need more time. Maintaining a calm mindset helps you stay focused and work more effectively.

Final Preparation Tips

As you prepare for the ACT Reading section, follow these final tips to make sure you’re ready for test day:

• Take Practice Tests: Simulate the test environment by taking full-length practice tests. This will help you get used to the pacing and question types in the Reading section.
• Review Your Mistakes: After taking practice tests, review your incorrect answers and understand why you made mistakes. This will help you avoid similar errors on the real test.
• Stay Consistent: Set aside regular time each day to practice reading and answering ACT-style questions. Consistency will help you build your reading stamina and improve your comprehension skills.
• Get Plenty of Sleep: A well-rested mind is more focused and able to absorb information. Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the test to perform your best.
• Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Eat a nutritious meal before the test to ensure you have the energy and focus you need during the Reading section.