Top 10 Tips for AC T Success
Published on: by SupertutorTV
- Introduction
- Top tips for maximizing your score on the ACT
- Watch your time on all sections
- For reading section, consider going out of order and doing what you're comfortable with last
- In the science section, prioritize graphs and charts for quicker answers
- Always read headings on graphs and charts for important information
- Actively read or skim passages in the reading section, focusing on main ideas over details
- Use the main idea of a passage to guide your answers in the reading section if time is tight
- Follow the 20-20-20 timing strategy for the math section to pace yourself effectively
- Leverage your calculator for advanced math questions in the math section
- When in doubt in the math section, make educated guesses, especially in geometry problems
- Focus on question stems in the English section to ensure you're answering the specific question being asked
- Review and understand the rules for commas, colons, dashes, and semicolons for the English section
- Highlights
- FAQ
- See Also
Introduction
Are you preparing to take the AC T exam and looking for ways to maximize your score? In this article, we will discuss ten top tips to help you succeed on the exam. Make sure to subscribe to our channel for more tips and resources!
Top tips for maximizing your score on the ACT
One of the top tips for maximizing your score on the ACT is to watch your time on all sections. The ACT is a time-intensive test, and it's essential to manage your time effectively to ensure you can answer all the questions within the given time frame. Having a watch without a loud alarm can help you keep track of time without causing distractions during the test. Additionally, going out of order on the reading section can be a useful strategy. By saving the sections you find most challenging for last, you can ensure that you have enough time to focus on them without feeling rushed.
For the science section of the ACT, it's recommended to tackle conflicting viewpoints passages last. These passages involve multiple perspectives that can be time-consuming to analyze. By saving them for last, you can ensure you have enough time to address them thoroughly. When it comes to reading charts and graphs on the science section, prioritize looking at graphs first before delving into the text. Graphs can often provide quick answers to science questions without the need for extensive reading. Always make sure to read the headings on graphs carefully to ensure you're interpreting them correctly and finding the information you need.
In the math section of the ACT, the 20-20-20 principle can help you pace yourself effectively. Aim to complete the first 30 questions in 20 minutes, the next 20 questions in the next 20 minutes, and the last 10 questions in the final 20 minutes. This pacing strategy can help you allocate your time efficiently and ensure you complete the section within the time limit. Additionally, make the most of your calculator by utilizing its advanced functions for trigonometry, graphing, and logarithms. Understanding the capabilities of your calculator can help you solve complex math problems more efficiently during the test.
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Try it nowWatch your time on all sections
Watching your time on all sections of the ACT is crucial to maximizing your score. The test is designed to be challenging within the time constraints provided, so time management is key to success. Ensure you have a watch on hand that will allow you to track your progress without causing distractions during the test. Going out of order on the reading section can be a helpful strategy, particularly if you struggle with certain sections. By saving the most challenging sections for last, you can focus on them when you have more time and avoid feeling rushed.
For the science section of the ACT, consider leaving conflicting viewpoints passages for last. These passages can be demanding in terms of time and comprehension, so it's best to address them when you have already completed other sections. When dealing with charts and graphs in the science section, prioritize looking at the graphs first before reading the accompanying text. Graphs often contain the necessary information to answer science questions quickly and accurately. Always remember to read the headings on graphs carefully to ensure you're interpreting the data correctly.
In the math section of the ACT, following the 20-20-20 principle can help you pace yourself effectively. By allocating your time strategically to different question sets, you can ensure you complete the math section within the time limit. Additionally, make use of your calculator's advanced functions for trigonometry, graphing, and logarithms. Understanding the capabilities of your calculator can help you solve complex math problems more efficiently and accurately during the test.
For reading section, consider going out of order and doing what you're comfortable with last
When tackling the reading section of the ACT, consider going out of order and saving what you're most comfortable with for last. This strategy can help you manage your time effectively and ensure that you have enough time to focus on the sections where you may struggle. By prioritizing the sections that require more attention, you can maximize your score potential on the reading section. Additionally, actively reading or skimming passages can be beneficial, with a focus on understanding the main ideas rather than getting caught up in details.
In the reading section, the main idea often informs detailed answers. If you find yourself running low on time or need to make an educated guess, consider aligning your answers with the main idea of the passage. Understanding the primary themes and concepts of the passage can guide you towards the correct answers, even if you're unsure of the specifics. Always prioritize main ideas over specific details when making decisions on answers. Lastly, building a passage map can help you navigate passages efficiently and identify key information for answering questions accurately.
In the science section, prioritize graphs and charts for quicker answers
When it comes to the science section of the ACT, one of the best strategies is to prioritize graphs and charts for quicker answers. Given the time constraints of the test, focusing on interpreting visual data can help you answer questions more efficiently. Instead of getting bogged down in lengthy paragraphs, look for graphs that can provide you with the information you need in a more concise manner.
By prioritizing graphs and charts in the science section, you can save valuable time that can be used on more challenging questions. This approach allows you to quickly access key data points and figures that are essential for answering the science questions effectively. Additionally, developing skills in graph interpretation can be beneficial not only for the ACT but also for future academic and professional pursuits that involve data analysis.
Overall, prioritizing graphs and charts in the science section can be a game-changer in terms of maximizing your score on the ACT. By honing your ability to extract information from visual representations, you can improve your efficiency and accuracy in answering science-related questions, ultimately enhancing your overall performance on the test.
Always read headings on graphs and charts for important information
In addition to prioritizing graphs and charts in the science section, it is crucial to always read the headings on these visual aids for important information. Headings on graphs and charts provide essential context and guidance on the data presented, helping you understand the content more effectively. By skipping over the headings, you could miss out on key details that are necessary for answering questions correctly.
By taking the time to read the headings on graphs and charts, you can ensure that you are interpreting the visual data accurately and comprehensively. Headings often contain critical information such as units of measurement, variables being compared, and other pertinent details that can impact your understanding of the data. This habit of thoroughness can contribute to your success in the science section of the ACT.
Overall, reading headings on graphs and charts is a simple yet valuable practice that can enhance your performance on the ACT. By paying attention to these important details, you can improve your data interpretation skills and make more informed decisions when answering science questions based on visual representations.
Actively read or skim passages in the reading section, focusing on main ideas over details
When it comes to the reading section of the ACT, it is essential to strike a balance between actively reading and skimming passages. While some students may opt for a thorough reading of every word, others might find it more efficient to skim the passage and focus on main ideas over details. Understanding the main ideas of a passage can help you navigate through the questions more effectively.
By actively reading or skimming passages in the reading section, you can develop a strategy that suits your individual pace and comprehension style. Identifying key themes, arguments, and perspectives presented in the passage can guide your approach to answering questions and locating specific information when needed. This approach can save time and energy, allowing you to tackle the reading section with greater confidence.
In conclusion, whether you choose to actively read or skim passages in the reading section, the key is to prioritize main ideas over details. By focusing on overarching themes and concepts, you can streamline your reading process and improve your ability to extract relevant information for answering questions on the ACT. Developing a strategic approach to reading passages can lead to more efficient and effective performance on the test.
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Try it nowUse the main idea of a passage to guide your answers in the reading section if time is tight
When time is tight during the reading section of the ACT, it is essential to utilize the main idea of a passage to guide your answers. This strategy can help you stay focused and efficiently tackle the questions without wasting time on unnecessary details. By identifying the main idea, you can quickly pinpoint where to look for specific information within the passage, saving precious minutes on each question.
Focusing on the main idea also allows you to maintain a coherent understanding of the passage as a whole, even if you need to skim certain sections due to time constraints. This approach can help you answer questions correctly by ensuring that your responses align with the central theme or argument presented in the text. By prioritizing the main idea, you can maximize your reading comprehension performance under time pressure.
Overall, using the main idea of a passage as a guiding principle in the reading section of the ACT can be a valuable strategy for efficient and effective test-taking. By staying focused on the core message of the text, you can navigate the questions more easily, make informed choices, and optimize your time management during this critical section of the exam.
Follow the 20-20-20 timing strategy for the math section to pace yourself effectively
In the math section of the ACT, pacing is crucial to ensure that you have enough time to answer all the questions accurately. One effective timing strategy that can help you pace yourself is the 20-20-20 rule. This rule suggests allocating approximately 20 minutes to complete the first 30 questions, another 20 minutes for the next 20 questions, and the final 10 minutes for the remaining 10 questions. By following this balanced approach, you can distribute your time efficiently throughout the test and avoid rushing through the more challenging questions at the end.
The 20-20-20 timing strategy encourages you to prioritize speed and accuracy, especially in the initial phase of the math section where questions are generally more straightforward. By focusing on completing the first set of questions quickly, you can build momentum and gain confidence before tackling the more complex problems later in the test. This pacing technique can help you manage your time effectively and maximize your score potential on the math section.
Overall, adopting the 20-20-20 timing strategy for the math section of the ACT can be a valuable way to pace yourself and navigate the test with confidence. By setting clear time benchmarks for different question sets, you can optimize your performance, reduce test anxiety, and enhance your overall test-taking experience on exam day.
Leverage your calculator for advanced math questions in the math section
When facing advanced math questions in the ACT, your calculator can be a powerful tool to help you solve complex problems efficiently. Modern calculators offer various functions and features that can assist you in performing calculations, graphing equations, and finding trigonometric values. By leveraging your calculator's capabilities, you can simplify the process of solving advanced math problems and save time during the test.
One useful tip for utilizing your calculator in the math section is to familiarize yourself with its functions, such as trigonometric calculations, graphing capabilities, and logarithmic operations. By understanding how to access and use these features effectively, you can streamline your problem-solving process and increase your speed and accuracy on challenging questions. Additionally, practicing with your calculator beforehand can help you become more proficient in applying its functions to different types of math problems.
In conclusion, incorporating your calculator into your test-taking strategy for the math section of the ACT can enhance your problem-solving skills and boost your performance on advanced math questions. By mastering the use of your calculator's advanced functions and features, you can tackle complex problems with confidence, improve your efficiency, and ultimately achieve a higher score on the exam.
When in doubt in the math section, make educated guesses, especially in geometry problems
When you come across a math problem that stumps you, it's better to make an educated guess rather than leaving it blank. This is especially true in geometry problems, where visualizing the shapes and applying basic principles can help you eliminate some answer choices. Remember, it's better to take a shot at the question than to leave it unanswered, as you won't lose points for incorrect answers on the ACT.
In geometry problems, if you're unsure how to approach a specific question, look for clues within the diagram or figures provided. Sometimes, even if you don't know the exact solution, you can make an educated guess based on the given information. Remember, practice with various geometry problems can help you develop a stronger intuition for these types of questions and improve your guessing accuracy.
Educated guessing can be a valuable strategy not only in geometry but also in other math sections of the ACT. By narrowing down the answer choices and making an informed decision, you increase your chances of selecting the correct answer. Don't let uncertainty paralyze you during the test – use your best judgment and reasoning skills to make educated guesses when needed.
Focus on question stems in the English section to ensure you're answering the specific question being asked
In the English section of the ACT, it's crucial to pay close attention to the question stems, which are the components of the questions that ask you to perform a specific task. By focusing on the question stems, you ensure that you address the exact requirements of the question and avoid making common mistakes related to misinterpretation. Understanding what the question is asking for can help you choose the most appropriate answer.
Question stems often contain key details or instructions that guide you in selecting the correct answer choice. By carefully analyzing the question stem, you can identify the grammar, punctuation, or content-related aspects that need to be addressed in your response. This targeted approach can help you avoid overlooking important elements of the question and increase your accuracy on the English section of the ACT.
One effective strategy is to underline or highlight the question stems before reading the answer choices. This can help you stay focused on the specific task at hand and prevent distractions from irrelevant information. By honing in on the question stem, you can streamline your thought process and improve your efficiency in selecting the most suitable answer option.
Review and understand the rules for commas, colons, dashes, and semicolons for the English section
Knowing the rules for punctuation marks like commas, colons, dashes, and semicolons is essential for success in the English section of the ACT. These punctuation marks play a crucial role in conveying meaning, organization, and clarity in written language. By reviewing and understanding the specific rules governing each type of punctuation, you can enhance your ability to identify errors and make sound editing choices.
Commas are used to separate elements in a sentence, indicate pauses, and clarify the structure of a sentence. Understanding the rules for comma usage can prevent run-on sentences, improve sentence clarity, and ensure grammatical correctness. Colons and semicolons are used to separate independent clauses and items in a list, respectively, and mastering their usage can help you avoid punctuation errors in your writing.
Dashes can be used to emphasize information, set off parenthetical elements, or indicate a sudden change in thought. By familiarizing yourself with the appropriate contexts for using dashes, you can refine your writing style and effectively convey your ideas. Overall, a solid grasp of punctuation rules for commas, colons, dashes, and semicolons can boost your confidence and accuracy on the English section of the ACT.
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Try it nowHighlights
- Timing is crucial in the AC T exam. Learn to manage your time effectively to ensure you can answer all questions.
- In the science section, graphs are your best friends. Refer to them first to find answers quickly.
- Main ideas are key in the reading section. Focus on understanding the main idea of each passage to guide your answers.
- Use your calculator wisely in the math section. It can help you solve complex problems and save time.
- Pay attention to question stems in the English section. Make sure you understand what each question is asking before selecting an answer.
FAQ
A: One effective strategy is to go out of order when doing passages. Save the most challenging sections for last to avoid rushing through them.
A: Prioritize understanding the main ideas of the passages and where to find details. Summaries are more important than memorizing every word.
A: Utilize the advanced functions of your calculator, such as trigonometric values and graphing capabilities, to solve complex math problems more efficiently.
A: Focus on graphs and charts first, as they often contain key information needed to answer science questions accurately.
A: Pay close attention to question stems and make sure you fully understand what each question is asking before selecting an answer choice.
See Also
Must-Know Formulas for the ACT Exam
Top 10 Strategies for SAT Prep
Tips for Writing University of California Application Essays