ACT English Test: An Overview

After researching a lot, I learned about the American College Testing (ACT), which is a non-profit organization that conducts a crucial standardized test for undergraduate admissions in the United States(US). 

Accepted by all four-year US institutions and over 200 global universities, the ACT assesses four core areas, English, Reading, Math, and Science, with an optional writing test.

The English section, designed to evaluate writing and language skills, presents multiple essays followed by multiple-choice questions. 

Research shows it allows 45 minutes to answer 75 questions, challenging test-takers to demonstrate their language proficiency efficiently.

About ACT Exam 

The ACT (American College Testing) exam is a standardized test for college admissions in the US. It evaluates the academic preparedness of high school students by testing their knowledge in four areas: Science, Reading, Math, and English, with an optional Writing component. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. 

• English - Tests your language comprehension skills.
• Reading- Assesses your ability to read closely and reason logically
• Maths- Evaluate the mathematical skills
• Science- Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

What’s Actually Tested on ACT English Section:

The ACT English section evaluates your ability to understand and apply standard English conventions and rhetorical skills before you apply for an education abroad. 

The test consists of 75 questions to be answered in 45 minutes, spread across five passages. 

The test requires strong reading comprehension to understand the context of each passage. It also assesses your ability to revise and edit text for clarity and correctness, making it crucial to understand grammar rules and effective writing techniques. 

Preparing for the ACT English section involves practicing these skills and becoming familiar with common question types and the test format.

5 Critical Concepts You Must Understand to Ace ACT English

To excel in the ACT English section, it’s crucial to master key concepts and strategies. Here are five critical concepts you should understand:

Grammar & Usage Rules:

• Punctuations: Commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, and dashes.
• Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensuring the subject and verb of the sentence are expressed appropriately.
• Pronoun Usage: Correct pronoun forms, antecedent agreement, and clarity.
• Modifiers: Proper placement of adjectives, adverbs, and phrases to avoid confusion.
• Sentence Structure: Identifying and correcting fragments, run-ons, and comma splices.

Rhetorical Skills:

• Strategy: Determining the main idea, the author’s purpose, and the best way to support arguments.
• Organization: Logical placement of sentences and paragraphs for coherence and clarity.
• Style and Tone: Choosing words and sentences that fit the passage’s tone and style, ensuring consistency.

Sentence Structure and Formation:

• Parallelism: Using the same grammatical structures for similar elements.
• Verb Tenses: Maintaining consistent and appropriate verb tenses.
• Clauses and Phrases: Understanding and correctly using independent and dependent clauses.

Word Choice and Conciseness:

• Precision: Selecting the most accurate and specific words.
• Redundancy: Avoid unnecessary repetition and verbosity.
• Transitions: Using transitional words and phrases effectively to connect ideas smoothly.

Understanding Context:

• Context Clues: Using surrounding text to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases.
• Author’s Intent: Recognizing why the author included certain details and how they contribute to the passage’s overall message.

Best Way to Approach ACT English Passages

Skimming is a strategic method for effectively analyzing ACT English passages. It involves identifying main idea questions, using passage titles and blurbs, focusing on paragraphs' first sentences, and paying attention to paragraph breaks and transitional words. Experimenting with different methods, such as reading the entire passage first, skimming for answers, or reading question stems, can help you understand the content.

Syllabus

The ACT English test assesses candidates across three skills, each dedicated to evaluating different aspects of their abilities. The skills and their weightage of the test are as follows.

• Production of Writing – 29 to 32%
• Knowledge of Language – 15-17%
• Conventions of Standard English – 52-55%

Section 1, focussing on the production of writing evaluates candidates understanding of the purpose of a written piece. This section requires candidates to  determine if the text effectively communicates its message and to ensure that the passage flows cohesively with its intended focus.

In the subsequent section of the ACT English test, the examiners formulate questions to assess candidates' ability to express ideas clearly and concisely. This section also evaluates their consistent style and tone.

Section 3 has the most weightage and assess fundamental grammatical knowledge and its application. candidates can expect questions on punctuation, sentence structure, formation, and English usage.

Grammar & Usage

Parts of Speech

Parts of speech are the building blocks of sentences. Each word in a sentence plays a specific role:

• Nouns: Name people, places, things, or ideas.
• Pronouns: These replace nouns to avoid repetition.
• Verbs: Express actions, occurrences, or states of being.
• Adjectives: Describe or modify nouns.
• Adverbs: Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
• Prepositions: Reflect relationships between nouns (or pronouns) and other words in a sentence.
• Conjunctions: Connect words, phrases, or clauses.
• Interjections: Express emotions or reactions.

Understanding the role of each part of speech is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences.

Run-on Sentences and Fragments

A complete sentence contains a subject, a predicate verb, and a complete thought. The sentence is considered a fragment if any of these components are missing. For example, “While running to the store.” lacks a complete thought and is a fragment.

On the other hand, run-on sentences contain too much information, usually because two independent clauses are improperly combined. For example, “I went to the store, I bought some milk.” can be corrected by adding a conjunction and punctuation: “I went to the store, and I bought some milk.”

Commas

Commas indicate pauses, separate items in a list, or set off non-essential information. Key rules for using commas include:

• Separating items in a list: For example, we bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
• Before conjunctions in compound sentences: For instance, I wanted to go, but I had to stay home.
• Setting off introductory elements: “After the show, we went to dinner.”
• Setting off non-essential information: “My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.”

Other Punctuation

In addition to commas, other punctuation marks are essential for clarity and meaning. These include:

• Periods: Indicate the end of a sentence.
• Semicolons: Link closely related independent clauses or separate items in a complex list.
• Colons: Introduce lists, quotes, or explanations.
• Dashes: Indicate breaks in thought or add emphasis.
• Apostrophes: Indicate possession or are a part of contractions.
• Question marks: Indicate questions.
• Exclamation points: Show strong emotion or emphasis.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement ensures that subjects and verbs match in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example, “The dog barks” (singular) versus “The dogs bark” (plural). This rule holds even when other words or clauses separate the subject and verb.

Verb Tenses and Forms

The ACT tests knowledge of verb tenses, including past, present, and future, as well as perfect tenses (past perfect, present perfect, and future perfect). Consistency in verb tenses is crucial for clarity:

• Past tense: Describes actions that occurred in the past (e.g., “I walked”).
• Present tense: Describes current actions (e.g., “I walk”).
• Future tense: Describes actions that will happen (e.g., “I will walk”).
• Perfect tenses: Describe actions that were completed at some point (e.g., “I had walked,” “I have walked,” “I will have walked”).

Pronoun Agreement

Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender. For example, “Each student must bring his or her own book” (singular) versus “All students must bring their own books” (plural). Additionally, the antecedent should be clear to avoid ambiguity.

Pronoun Case

Pronouns change form depending on their function in a sentence. Subjective pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) refer to subjects, while objective pronouns (me, you, him, her, it, us, them) refer to objects. For example, “She gave the book to him” (correct) versus “Her gave the book to he” (incorrect).

Idioms

Idioms are expressions that do not always follow standard grammar rules but are understood by native speakers. Common idiomatic expressions include two-part idioms like “neither…nor” and “not only…but also,” as well as prepositional idioms like “opposed to” and “participate in.” Practice and exposure are key to mastering idioms.

Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) introduce dependent clauses and relate them to the rest of the sentence. For example, “The book that you lent me was fascinating” or “The person who called you is my friend.” Correct usage depends on whether the relative pronoun refers to people or things and whether the clause is essential or non-essential to the sentence.

Adjectives vs Adverbs

Adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. For example, “The quick (adjective) fox jumped quickly (adverb).” Be wary of incorrect pairings, such as “He ran quick” (should be “He ran quickly”). Also, ensure modifying phrases are correctly placed to avoid confusion, such as “Running quickly, the dog caught the ball” versus “Running quickly, the ball was caught by the dog.”

Question Types

The questions are usually in the form of underlined portions to assess the candidate's language knowledge. Each type of question will have a different passage dedicated to it. Here is a list of all question types and examples to help you understand them better.

• Choose the alternatives for the underlined parts: In these questions, candidates are provided a passage, along with certain underlined parts. 

The questions are MCQs with four different options. In some passages, applicants may encounter an option called 'NO CHANGE,' which is to be chosen if none of the alternatives seem correct.

Here is an ACT English test sample question to help you understand it better.

 Passage excerpt: 

As a ten-year-old, I was supremely unenthusiastic

about swinging a hoe in the garden when I could be out

playing with my friends. Having tried and failed [4], 

my father was unable to make a gardener of me.

 Related question:

Choose the best answer.

Q) Which of the choices best emphasizes how much the father wanted his son to share his avid interest in gardening?

1. NO CHANGE
2. Because of my indifference to his hobby,
3. Contrary to this thinking,
4. Despite his repeated attempts,

Answer:

Option 4, despite his repeated attempts.

•  Direct questions: The ACT English test can also pose questions that check how well candidates have read the passages. For example, consider the following ACT English test sample.

 Sample 1:

Surrounded by the ancient city of

Rome, Vatican City is an independent nation on the west bank of the Tiber River. This tiny country—about one-sixth of a square mile in all—is also home to a disproportionately large number of sites with great historical, artistic, and which have religious significance.

The Vatican Museums house a great many valuable paintings, sculptures, pieces of jewelry, and tapestries, as well as the world’s most extensive collections of ancient manuscripts. Scholars often probe the museums’ archives of early written works for insights into lives led long ago.

Q) Given that all of the choices are true, which one best supports the claim about Vatican City's status as an independent nation?

1. NO CHANGE
2. with an interesting past.
3. with its own government, banking system, postal service, and army.
4. that has to import most of its supplies, even such necessities as food and water.

 Answer:

 Option 3, with its own government, banking system, postal service and army.

Scoring

The scores of different sections of the ACT English test are converted into composite scores. The composite scores range from 1 to 36 and display the candidate's performance in the overall test. Fortunately, there is no negative marking.

Here is a more detailed scoring process:

• Count the correct questions on the ACT English test. For a candidate with 60 correct answers, the raw score is 60.
• This raw score is then converted to a scale score for the subject.
• The examination committee uses scale scores to determine the composite score, an average of all four subjects.

ACT English Test Tips & Strategies

Among the four subjects in the standardized examination, the ACT English test carries the most weightage, comprising 75 questions. Preparing well for this section can help a candidate's application to a prestigious university.

Here are 5 ACT English test tips to improve your preparation.

• The examination checks for the clarity and conciseness of ideas. Ensure a consistent approach to the answers and stick to a particular writing style to express ideas.
• Refresh basic grammar concepts like subject-work agreement, punctuations, conjunctions, comparisons, and other concepts required for the ACT English test.
• Cross-check answers to spot potential errors. Sometimes, candidates may brush over common mistakes and lose valuable points. Spend extra time after completing the paper to focus on rechecking the answers.
• Don't be lured into thinking that the 'NO CHANGE' option is merely for confusion. Candidates should trust their judgment and choose the option if all alternative options do not match the underlined text.
• Take classes and help from experienced teachers to understand the requirements and expectations of the examination committee and receive a better score.

Disclaimer - ACT® is a registered trademark belonging to ACT, Inc. ACT, Inc. is not involved with or affiliated with upgradabroad.com, nor does ACT, Inc. endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by upgradabroad.com.

8 Most Common Mistakes You Make on ACT English

The ACT English section requires more than content knowledge—it demands strategic awareness and good preparation. Here are the 8 most common mistakes students make on the ACT English, along with strategies to avoid them:

Not Preparing

Many students assume high school knowledge suffices for the ACT. However, mastering test-taking strategies is essential for improving your score. Start by taking a practice test to identify your weaknesses and set a target score. Utilize resources like books, courses, and tutoring to build your skills.

Following ACT’s Advice: 

The ACT suggests reading the entire passage before answering questions, which is inefficient given the time constraints. Instead, try different approaches, such as reading questions first or skimming passages to find your best strategy.

Ignoring Time: 

Each section of the ACT is timed, with limited seconds per question. Have a pacing plan, and remember that it’s better to focus on accuracy over attempting every question. Guess if needed, as there’s no penalty for wrong answers.

Doing Questions in Order: 

Tackle the easier questions first to ensure you score points. Use your Personal Order of Difficulty (POOD) to prioritize questions and avoid getting stuck on harder ones early in the section.

Doing the Work in Your Head: 

Avoid the temptation to skip writing notes or steps. Using scrap paper and marking passages helps maintain focus and improves accuracy. It might seem time-consuming, but it ultimately saves time by preventing errors.

Looking for the Correct Answer Only: 

Instead of hunting for the correct answer, use the Process of Elimination (POE) strategy. This method helps identify and discard incorrect options, increasing your chances of choosing the best answer from the remaining choices.

Misunderstanding Grammar and Usage Rules: 

The ACT English section heavily tests grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Ensure you understand these rules thoroughly, including subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage, and proper placement of modifiers.

Overlooking Rhetorical Skills: 

Beyond grammar, the ACT assesses your ability to improve sentences and paragraphs for clarity and effectiveness. Practice identifying the main ideas, improving transitions, and ensuring coherence and style consistency.

Best Resources for ACT English Practice

Finding reliable sources for ACT English practice is crucial for improving your skills and confidence before the exam. Here are some of the best sources you can use:

• Official ACT Practice Tests: The most authentic practice material comes from the makers of the ACT themselves. Utilize official practice tests on the ACT website or in official ACT prep books.
• ACT Prep Books: Books specifically designed for ACT preparation often include multiple practice tests, detailed explanations of answers, and strategies for each section, including English. Look for reputable publishers when selecting your prep books.
• Online Platforms: Websites and apps offer interactive practice questions and full-length practice tests. Search for platforms that provide detailed feedback and score reports.
• Test Prep Courses: Online or in-person ACT prep courses provide structured learning environments with expert instructors. They offer comprehensive coverage of all ACT sections, including English, and often include personalized study plans and additional resources.