THE ACT ASSESSMENT

This test is used by colleges to predict students success in college courses.

What types of questions are on the ACT?

Based on subjects studied in high school Emphasizes thinking skills Does not ask you to recall facts or memorize information Questions require students to solve problems, draw conclusions, make inferences, think analytically

How long does the test take?

The test takes 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete It consists of 215 multiple-choice questions in 4 areas:
English Math Reading Science reasoning OPTIONAL: 30-minute writing test

Should everyone take the optional writing portion?

Not all institutions require or recommend taking the writing portion Check directly with the institutions you are considering to find out their requirements (www.actstudent.org) SDSU- NOT NEEDED UCSD- REQUIRED UCLA- REQUIRED

How long will it take for me to get my scores?

Three to seven weeks after your test date

What is the highest possible score?

36 The national average score for 2007 was 21.2.

Is it OK to guess?
Your score on the test will be based on the number of questions that you answer correctly THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR GUESSING! Answer every question, even if you have to guess

May I use a calculator on the math portion of the test?

You may use a calculator on the approved list, but its not required You may use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator unless it has features described on the prohibited list www.actstudent.org Testing staff will not supply calculators or batteries; no sharing

How many questions are on the English test?

TOTAL OF 75 questions, 45 minutes Usage and Mechanics
Punctuation Grammar and Usage Sentence Structure 10 12 18 40 TOTAL 12 11 12 35 TOTAL

Rhetorical Skills
Writing Strategy Organization Style

What are some tips for taking the English test?

Be aware of time and pace yourself. You have 45 minutes to answer 75 questions. Spend 1 minutes skimming each passage and 30 seconds to answer each question. Be aware of the writing style used in each passage. Carefully examine the underlined portions of the passage. Note the differences in the answer choices.
Two choices might look identical except for a small change in punctuation. Do not select an answer that corrects one error but causes a different error.

To determine the best answer to an underlined portion, reread the sentence substituting each of the possible answer choices for the underlined portion. Reread the sentence using your selected answer to make sure your answer fits smoothly within the context of the passage.

How many questions are on the math test?

TOTAL OF 60 questions, 60 minutes Pre-algebra Elementary algebra Intermediate algebra Coordinate geometry Plane geometry Trigonometry 14 10 9 9 14 4

What are some tips for taking the math test?

You have 60 minutes to answer 60 questions. You have an average of 1 minute per question. If you use a calculator, use it wisely. Remember, all the problems can be solved without using a calculator. Use your booklet or scratch paper to work out solutions. Dont try to do them in your head if there are a lot of steps. Write down all the steps in case your answer is not a choice and you have to go back. Dont work backwards from the answer choices because that takes too much time. If your answer is not one of the choices, reread the problem to see if you misunderstood it or look at the choices and see if your answer can be written in another way.

How many questions are on the reading test?

TOTAL OF 40 questions, 40 minutes Prose fiction: novels, short stories 10

Social studies
Humanities Natural Science

10
10 10

What are some tips for taking the reading test?

You have 35 minuets to answer 40 questions. Spend 2-3 minutes reading each passage and 35 seconds to answer each question. Read the entire passage carefully- do not skim the text. Refer back to the passage when answering questions. If a question asks about a specific line number, make sure you carefully reread that line before reading the choices.

How many questions are on the science reasoning test?

TOTAL OF 40 questions, 35 minutes Data representation: 15 graphs, tables Research summaries: 18 experiments Conflicting viewpoints: 7 inconsistent hypotheses

What are some tips for taking the science reasoning test?
You have 35 minutes to answer 40 questions. Spend 2 minutes reading each passage and 30 seconds to answer each question. Carefully read the scientific material provided, including any tables, graphs, or figures. If the text is about an experiment, consider the experimental design, including the controls and variables. If the material presents conflicting viewpoints, summarize each viewpoint in your booklet or on scratch paper.

Tips for the ACT Writing Test

You have 30 minutes to write the essay. The prompt will define an issue and describe 2 points of view. You will take a position and explain/defend your point of view. Your essay will be evaluated on your ability to do the following: Express judgments by taking a position on the issue in the writing prompt Maintain a focus on the topic throughout the essay Develop a position by using logical reasoning and by supporting your ideas Organize ideas in a logical way Use language clearly and effectively according to the conventions of standard written English. Pre-write before you begin writing and review your essay after you have written it.