ACT Test Prep

Today’s Purpose…

• Encourage test preparation• Share basic strategies and tips• Know what to expect on test day

What is the ACT?

• 3 hour exam (+ 1/2 hour for writing)• Used for college admissions• Test of problem-solving skills• May be taken 12 times• Average PHS score – 23 • Highest PHS score – 34 of 36

General Strategies

• Pace yourself• Read directions and questions carefully• Answer easy questions first, use logic for

more difficult ones• Attempt every question. Score is based on

number of questions answered correctly.• Be precise in marking your answer document

Should I guess?

• Yes!• With “5 minutes remaining”, give it your best

logical guess.

Night Before the Test…

• Get plenty of rest• Gather the following:– Admission ticket– Photo ID - driver license, school ID, etc.– Watch w/o an alarm– Sharpened #2 pencils, eraser– Appropriate calculator– Snack for break - granola bar, apple, etc.

Day of the Test

• Dress in layers for room temperature• Eat a healthy breakfast• Test starts promptly at 8 am, arrive by 7:45• Come with a positive attitude• Relax

EnglishMath

ReadingScience

Writing (optional)

ACT Test Subjects

English Test45 minutes for 5 passages, 75 questions

Usage/Mechanics• Punctuation• Grammar and Usage• Sentence Structure

Rhetorical Skills• Strategy• Organization• Style

English Tips

• Be aware of the writing style used in each passage.• Examine the underlined portions carefully.• Note the differences in the answer choices, best one.• Reread the sentence inserting your selected answer.

Math60 minutes for 60 questions

• Knowledge of basic formulas & computational skills • Problems can be solved without a calculator• Answering half of the questions right will give you a

score of 20

Math Test Content

• Pre-algebra & elementary algebra – 40%• Intermediate algebra & coordinate geometry –

30% • Plane geometry – 23% • Trigonometry – 7%– Don’t know Trig? Don’t worry.– Use the time on other math problems.

Reading Test35 minutes for 4 passages, 40 questions

• Measures reading comprehension• Content of passages:– Social Studies – history, geography, psychology– Natural Sciences – astronomy, botany, medicine – Prose Fiction – short stories or novels– Humanities – music, art, language, film

• Start with your favorite. Score in the top 15% of test takers without looking at 4th passage.

Reading Skills Tested

Questions will ask you to:– Determine main ideas – Locate and interpret significant details– Understand sequences of events– Make comparisons– Comprehend cause-effect relationships– Draw generalizations– Analyze the author’s or narrator’s voice and method– Determine meaning of context-dependent words, phrases,

and statements.

Science Test35 minutes for 40 questions

• The test assumes you have completed courses in physical science, biology and chemistry

• It contains 7 sets of scientific information. The formats are:– Data representation (graphs, tables, etc.)– Research summaries (descriptions of experiments)– Conflicting viewpoints (views that don’t match)

Writing Test (optional)30 min. essay

Essay is evaluated on your ability to…

• Express judgment by taking a position• Maintain focus on the topic• Develop a position by using logical reasoning• Organize ideas in a logical way• Use language clearly and effectively

Writing Tips

• Jot down ideas/reasons that you wish to include in your essay (pros and cons)

• Formulate an opposing argument• Create an outline to determine the order

…..then start your essay

Finally……

• Keep track of time – work efficiently• Guess intelligently• Review Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geom.• Be careful with the answer grid• Take the practice tests at home

Practice Tests

• actstudent.org/sampletest/index/html

• wisconsinmentor.org

• TestPrepWI.org

• knowhow2gowisconsin.org

Additional Practice

• UW-BarabooSaturday, March & November 8:30 - 4:00$59 includes practice materials# 608-355-5220www.baraboo.uwc.edu

• Kampen’s Elite Tutoring # 608-697-6510