ACT 101Test-Taking StrategiesBy: Ms. Myers & Ms. BLenoir-Rhyne University

By this point….

You all know how to take standardized tests! You know how to:

-Rest well the night before-Bring #2 pencils (with good erasers)-How to answer multiple choice questions-Bring your own calculator-Bring a snack / lunch

However…

• The ACT is a different type of test, with different structures and point values. So how can you prepare?

MOST IMPORTANTLY

• Answer every question! This is the biggest difference from the ACT- your scores on the multiple-choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.

English• Content:

http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/engcontent.html

• You will have 45 minutes for five English passages- that’s 9 minutes per passage. Pace yourself!

• Eliminate wrong answers first.• Some passages focus on portions that are underlined or

not- be aware of which portion fits the context of the question.

• Some answer choices include a “No Change” option. Don’t be afraid to choose it; it is typically as correct as other options.

Math

• Content: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/mathcontent.html

• You will have 60 minutes for 60 questions- but be aware that questions increase in difficulty throughout the test. Pace yourself!

• Work backwards by plugging in answer choices back into the problem to find the correct answer.

• On long word problems, identify the question first to make sure you are answering the actual question.

Reading• Content:

http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/readcontent.html

• You will have 35 minutes for four reading passages- that's also about 9 minutes per passage. Pace yourself!

• Questions usually focus on the passage’s main idea- look for this first!

• Be careful of questions with specific line references. When looking back in the text, make sure you read a few of the lines before and after the given line for context.

Science

• Content: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/scicontent.html

• You will have seven passages in 35 minutes, so that’s about 5 minutes per passage; however, some will take a minute less while others make take a minute more. Pace yourself!

• Your first step should be to look at the CHARTS and DATA.

• Use the charts’ headings and data to help you! • Look for patterns, trends, and directions.

Writing

You will have 30 minutes to plan and write a persuasive essay in response to a prompt. Higher scoring essays tend to consist of four or five paragraphs that take up about two pages of writing. • BOW method:• Brainstorm and create a thesis• Organize your ideas in order• Write the paper!

Practice:• Practice Questions:

- www.actstudent.org/sampletest/• Question of the day:

- www.act.org/qotd/

Don’t be overwhelmed. You are more than prepared to take this test!

Reminders:-Report to Homeroom on 3/3/15-Juniors will be called to the bus

parking lot.-You will be taken to the Metro

Trade Center for testing.-You will return around 2:30 and

report to 4th block.

QUESTIONS?