The ACT Reading Section is quite tricky because it needs good ACT Reading Strategies and time management when dealing with a complex text. The ACT Reading Section has 36 multiple-choice questions within 40 minutes. There are four passages from Natural Science, Prose Fiction or Literary Narrative, Social Science, and Humanities, which contain 9 questions each. It tests how well you understand, interpret, and conclude about the text.

Use ACT Reading Strategies to improve reading comprehension skills and time management. Scan the passage for overall main idea and structure before reading the questions. Practice identifying key ideas, summarizing accurately, and distinguishing between fact and opinion. Strengthen your ability to analyze a writer’s claims and connect related texts.

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Did You Know Facts about ACT Reading Strategies?

• About 1.4 million high school seniors take the ACT every year, keeping participation steady.
• The ACT contains 215 questions that are completed in just 175 minutes, with the multiple-choice sections including English, Math, Reading, and Science.
• The ACT Reading test time limit is expanding from 35 to 40 minutes, with the number of questions decreasing from 40 to 36. 
• As a result, students now have around 67 seconds per question, compared to the previous 53 seconds.
• Each ACT Reading passage is a different subject area. The passages are on Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science.
• Mastering strategies for reading ACT and key point prioritization allow students to address questions more expeditiously.

What is There in the ACT Reading Test?

The ACT Reading section contains four passage sets. Some or all of the Reading passages will be shortened, current ACT Reading passages typically range from 750 to 900 words. The ACT Reading test will now have a time limit of 35 minutes, whereas the number of questions is decreased from 40 to 36. This gives students about 67 seconds per question, compared to the former 53 seconds per question. Each of the four passage sets will have 9 questions testing comprehension, interpretation, and inference skills. The passages cover a diverse range of topics, with structures and tones for which you’ll need the ACT Reading Strategies.

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10 ACT Reading Strategies to Score a Perfect 36

We'll walk you through essential strategies such as time management, determining questions containing specific information and eliminating wrong answers using the 10 ACT Reading Strategies to Achieve a Perfect 36. You'll learn how to attack tough passages, how to muscle through general topics, and how to utilize ordering passages based on your strengths and weaknesses. And when you add these precise techniques with practice over time, you'll quickly see an improvement in your reading ability, allowing you to increase your probabilities of scoring that long-sought-after 36 on the ACT Reading Core.

Understand the Trap Answers of ACT Reading Comprehension 

When analyzing answer choices on the ACT Reading section, be cautious of common traps like distortion, which twists details from the passage until they are no longer correct. Misused detail may present a true statement from the passage, but it doesn’t actually answer the question. 

• Out-of-scope answers introduce information not mentioned in the passage, while extreme options use language that is too strong, often including words like "always" or "never." 
• Finally, opposite choices directly contradict the information presented in the passage, misleading you away from the correct answer.

Understand How the Test is Graded

Even if you are out of time or are unable to remove any answer alternatives, make sure you answer every question because there is no penalty for giving the incorrect answer.

• Pre-designate a "Letter of the Day" (A)/(F) or (B)/(G) to automatically fill in so you don't have to waste time choosing which response option to bubble in.
• Be aware of the ACT scores and aim for a score higher than your expectation. 

Get Familiar With the Structure of the Test

The 40-minute ACT Reading Test is separated by a 15-minute break, during which you can unwind and regroup. There are four reading passages containing 36 questions altogether with 9 on each passage. 

• The sections have four possible answers for every question. 
• There are four areas-the Natural Sciences, Prose Fiction, Social Studies, and Humanities, which are dealt with in a coherent manner. 
• You can work through the passages in any order, even if they appear in that order. 
• Start with the sort of passage you feel most comfortable with in order to maximize your success.

The ACT is an Open-Book Test

On Test Day, you'll read passages from four very different categories: Natural Science, Prose Fiction, Social Studies, and Humanities (fine art and history). There may be one or two passages that are outside of your area of competence. 

• Be upbeat and stay confident—focus on the skills you've developed, and tackle each passage with a positive mindset.
• All of the ACT Reading questions stem from the material you read, so you don't need to know anything else to answer them.

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Prioritize Easier Passages and Questions

The reading portion carries the same weight, and wrong answers do not count against your score. To achieve the highest possible score, start with the easiest parts and questions. 

• "Easy" questions typically focus on a single detail or include line references, but they also tend to hold your interest and help you maintain focus. 
• Conversely, difficult passages are usually dense and technical, with wide questions that demand a deeper understanding of the entire piece. 
• Save the most difficult questions for later or employ them to make calculated estimates.

Use the Strategy of Eliminating 3 Wrong Answers

This ACT Reading Strategy is the most effective for getting good ACT scores in the reading section. It will change how you approach the passage questions. The key is to recognize that the ACT always has one clear answer, meaning three choices are entirely wrong. 

• Instead of trying to find the correct answer, focus on eliminating the wrong ones. 
• If you’re left with multiple options that seem equally correct, you haven't eliminated them well enough. 
• Shift your approach by actively searching for reasons to dismiss incorrect choices, ensuring only the one right answer remains.

Boost your Fluency in ACT Reading Question Types

It's important to comprehend the many types of ACT Reading questions that you can come across. The comprehension of the question will also help you recognize what you can do well and play to your strengths. 

• Fluency may also clarify for you how formulaic ACT Reading is. 
• This will inevitably ask the same questions, after all! 
• The ACT official board has opted for three types of questions for this particular section: Key Ideas, Information Techniques, and Organization Integrating Ideas and Information.

Read ACT English Tips to Boost Your ACT English Scores!

Start With Reading the Passage First

It is a common myth that you should read the questions first. It is almost impossible to remember to look for the answer to 10 different questions while reading an unfamiliar passage containing approximately 750-950 words and trying to synthesize the big ideas. 

• A much better use of your time is to read the passage. 
• Grasp the main idea and purpose before even glancing at the questions.

How to Find Support for the Correct Answer

Choose the option that is backed up by the passage's evidence wherever possible, rather than just choosing something that seems smart. 

• The secret to success is locating convincing textual evidence for the right response. 
• The best decision will be supported by unquestionable facts, so pay attention to what the passage says rather than just what makes sense.

Use Various References of Lines

Memories can be faulty; don’t waste energy trying to rely on yours during a timed, high stakes test. The line references are provided for a reason, so use them, and don’t forget to read around the line reference for context. 

• If a question references line 12, for example, read lines 10-14. 
• The correct answer will always have support in the passage.

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How to Achieve a Perfect 36 on the ACT Reading Section?

In order to get a perfect 36 on the ACT Reading section, it is necessary to score a consistent raw score of 40. This will demonstrate strong comprehension skills, quick reading, and the ability to analyze various types of passages. The table below shows the raw scores that can be used to achieve different ACT Reading scores on four sample tests, allowing you to measure your progress and focus your efforts on improving your performance.

Solve ACT Practice Questions to boost your scores!

It'll take a combination of smart planning and focused practice to prepare you for the reading part of the ACT. You can do much better if you focus on sections that play more strongly to your skills, make good use of your time, and really utilize strategies such as process of elimination. Always remember: practice makes perfect. The more accustomed you are to various passage styles and question forms, the greater the accuracy and confidence will be. With the right plan, you'll be able to ace the toughest questions and improve your score on ACT Reading. You'll be one step closer to achieving your college goals.