ACT: how to pass perfectly
ACT is a standardized test for admission to US colleges and universities. The exam checks the applicant's readiness to study at the university, the marks in each of the additional tests show the basic level of knowledge in English, mathematics, social sciences and humanities. The optional written test demonstrates the ability to correctly structure your speech and write short essays.
Exam structure
ACT consists of a series of multiple choice tests...It includes four subject tests: English, Math, Reading, and Scientific Thinking. Each of them is rated on a scale from 1 to 36 points. English, Math, and Reading also have additional scores of 1 to 18 (they have nothing to do with the overall subject test score). The "overall score" is the sum of all four tests. Additionally, you can write an essay, which is evaluated on a scale from 2 to 12 points.
English. The test consists of 75 questions and contains 5 text passages. The first part of the questions focuses on text formatting and punctuation, the other tests rhetorical abilities - the style and organization of the text. The test takes 45 minutes.
Mathematics. Consists of 60 test questions: 14 assess the initial knowledge of mathematics, 10 - knowledge of elementary algebra, 9 - knowledge of the intermediate level of algebra, 14 - knowledge of geometry, 9 - knowledge of analytical geometry, 4 - knowledge of elementary trigonometry. The tasks gradually become more difficult.They have 5 answer options. Non-programmable calculators allowed.The test lasts 60 minutes.
Reading. Consists of 40 comprehension questions for a passage from a literary work and texts related to the social sciences, humanities and natural sciences. In the test items, it is necessary to highlight the meaning of the passages, referring to the text and discussing its main ideas. The examinee needs to find and interpret significant details, understand the sequence of events, understand causal relationships, determine the meaning of context-sensitive words,phrases and statements. Duration - 35 minutes.
Scientific thinking. The test consists of 40 questions that test the ability to interpret, analyze, evaluate, reason and solve problems. 7 excerpts from scientific research are given, one of them includes the opposing points of view of several scientists on any phenomenon.It is necessary to answer 5-7 simple questions for each text.The section tests the ability to understand and evaluate information, analyze the object of research and evaluate several alternative points of view.The test takes 35 minutes.
Written part. This test always takes place at the end of the exam and lasts 30 minutes.Essays are usually written on a social topic. The score does not affect the overall result, instead there is a joint result with the English test.If a student does not write an essay well, then this mixed score will drop by a maximum of 2 points. The specific structure of the essay is not defined.Although this part is optional, many schools require it for admission and the grade for an essay can influence the admission decision.
How to register on ACT?
You need to register a month before testing on the official website :
You need to create a student accounton site ;
After that, log into your account and continue registration;
Then follow the instructions and enter the required data of the student in accordance with the passport;
Then you need to select the exam date and test center from the options provided;
The final stage of registration is the payment of the exam.You will be officially registered only after transferring the full amount to the organization's account;
Admission ticket in Pdf format will appear in your account.The location and time of the exam will be indicated there.It must be printed out and taken with you for admission to the exam.
Useful resources to prepare for ACT
TestVerbal- test items for all parts of the exam.
Ready4 is a modern online SAT and ACT tutor.
Number2 is a non-profit project dedicated to ACT and GRE exams.
PrepFactory- preparation for ACT and SAT in the form of a multilevel game.
KapkanTest- you can take a full-length ACT test in online format by appointment and get a competent review of the results with subsequent recommendations.
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