ACT general info
ACT Info
Don't know where to begin? Have questions about the ACT test? Go to www.actstudent.org to begin. On this site, you'll be able to do the following:
1. Register to take the ACT exam.
2. Download paperwork for special accommodations (please coordinate this with our guidance department to make sure you qualify and have everything in order!)
3. Get testing dates/locations
4. Retrieve your scores after the exam
5. View/download practice questions, view test-taking tips, etc.
The Tests & what we'll be doing to prepare (In addition, here are available Online Prep Resources)
READING:
- 35 minutes long, 40 questions
- Format: four different catagories of passages: Social Studies, Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Prose Fiction. Three different catagories of Reading questions: specific detail questions, inference questions, and big picture questions.
-Click here for more Reading Test Descriptions, Sample Questions, and Tips.
What we're going to do:
- have THREE complete, timed, scored practice tests
- Have regular 8-9 minute section drills, focusing on reading difficult sample passages and answering the ten questions.
- Read various non-fiction articles, focusing on quickly recognizing big picture, inferences, topic sentences, etc.
ENGLISH:
- 45 minutes long, 75 questions
- Format: a word, phrase or sentence in a passage is underlined. You have 4 options: leave the underlined portion alone (NO CHANGE) or replace it with one of the three alternatives.
-Click here for more English Test Descriptions, Sample Questions, and Tips
What we're going to do:
- have THREE complete, timed, scored practice tests
- complete the skills/drills exercises in the ACT workbook you already have - this is to REMIND you of long-ago learned grammar rules.
- Introduce TWO grammar topics on "Grammar/Writing" weeks that will reinforce/reteach.
- continue with vocab - reintroduce our word-association strategy.
- Test-taking skills - there are hints/suggestions that WILL increase your scores!
- focused section drills (handouts in class)
WRITING (click here for more specific information to new changes for ACT Writing Portion):
- 30 minutes long, 1 essay
- Format: students are required to write a persuasive essay in which they take a stance on a specific issue and support it with evidence.
-For more writing test descriptions, test descriptions, sample questions, and tips, follow this link: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/writingdescript.html
What we're going to do:
- have timed prompt outlining. The goal is to quickly outline a response within 7 minutes, leaving 23 minutes to actually write a 5 paragraph essay. Prompts will be actual retired ACT writing prompts and will be similarly worded to actual ACT prompts.
- closely review various student-written essays that receive different low-high scores.
CHANGES TO THE ACT WRITING TEST
The ACT writing test will remain an optional essay test with a single prompt and a single subject-level writing score. Students who take the writing test will receive a writing subject score on a 1-36 scale. Additionally, students will receive scores for four important domains of writing competency, each scored and reported on a 2-12 scale. Assessing critical competency domains separately will allow ACT to better identify and reward the strengths students exhibit in their writing, while also noting specific deficiencies. View sample prompts, the scoring rubric, and learn more about the enhanced writing test HERE!!!!
Tips for Taking the ACT
-Checklist for day of the Test!
-Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet.
-Read the directions for each test carefully.
-Read each question carefully.
-Pace yourself—don't spend too much time on a single passage or question.
-Pay attention to the announcement of five minutes remaining on each test.
-Use a soft lead No. 2 pencil with a good eraser. Do not use a mechanical pencil or ink pen; if you do, your answer document cannot be scored accurately.
-Answer the easy questions first, then go back and answer the more difficult ones if you have time remaining on that test.
-On difficult questions, eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated guess among those remaining.
-Answer every question.Your scores on the multiple-choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing. Click here for Multiple Choice Tips.
-If you complete a test before time is called, recheck your work on that test.
-Mark your answers properly. Erase any mark completely and cleanly without smudging.
-Do not mark or alter any ovals on a test or continue writing the essay after time has been called. If you do, you will be dismissed and your answer document will not be scored.
-If you are taking the ACT Plus Writing, see these Writing Test tips. (actstudent.org)