The ACT Reading section can feel like a race against time. With only 35 minutes to answer 40 questions, you have to move fast while making sure you understand what you’re reading. Many students find this section challenging, but reading ACT tips can make a huge difference.
Strong reading skills don’t just help you with the ACT—they’re useful for other standardized tests like the SAT, ISAT, and IELTS. Many students also seek support from reliable essay writing services to delegate tasks and have more time to boost their reading comprehension.
So, how can you get faster and more accurate when reading?
Understanding the ACT Reading Section
Before jumping into the best ACT reading tips, it’s important to know what you’re up against. The ACT Reading test consists of four passages: prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. Each passage comes with 10 questions, testing your ability to find details and make logical inferences.
If you’re also preparing for the SAT, mastering reading comprehension strategies will help you with both exams. That’s why focusing on strong ACT and SAT reading tips together is a smart move.
One of the biggest challenges is time management. You get less than nine minutes per passage, which isn’t much time if you read at a slow pace. If you’ve also practiced for the SAT, you might have noticed the ACT’s time pressure is more intense. That’s why combining ACT with SAT reading and writing tips can help you develop a flexible approach for different exams.
Tips for Reading Fast
Speed is everything for the ACT Reading section. But reading faster doesn’t mean skimming without understanding. Here’s how to balance both:
- Use the “Three-Pass Method” – First, skim the passage quickly to get the main idea. Second, go back and read topic sentences to catch key points. Third, answer the questions by scanning for specific details.
- Avoid getting stuck on details – Some students slow down when they try to understand every single word. Focus on the big picture first.
- Read actively – Use your finger or a pencil to guide your eyes across the text. You’ll read faster without losing focus.
Speed reading is a skill that also helps with exams like IELTS. Many IELTS reading tips focus on skimming and scanning, which are just as useful for the ACT.
Tips for Reading Comprehension and Retention
If speed is one side of the equation, comprehension is the other:
- Summarize as you go – After each paragraph, mentally summarize the main point in a few words.
- Look for transitions and keywords – Words like “however” and “therefore” signal important relationships between ideas.
- Use the question-first strategy – Read the questions before the passage so you know what to look for.
If you’re also preparing for the ISAT, these strategies can double as reading comprehension ISAT tips. The key is recognizing patterns—once you get used to common question types, you can spot answers faster.
In fact, many students find that using strong ISAT reading comprehension tips improves their ability to tackle complex texts efficiently.
Practicing Reading at Home for Better Performance
Daily reading makes a big difference. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Ask your parents for support – If you’re reading at home, they can quiz you on the main ideas or help you discuss what you’ve read. These reading at home tips for parents can make studying more interactive.
- Read a variety of materials – Don’t just stick to fiction. Mix in nonfiction, scientific articles, and opinion pieces to get comfortable with different writing styles.
- Try timed reading drills – Set a timer for 3-5 minutes and see how much you can read while still understanding the main ideas.
- Delegate less important tasks – You can ask EssayHub writers to handle your essays to get more time for exam prep.
Younger students also need reading practice, which is why there are many reading tips for parents to help kids build strong literacy skills early on.
Final Exam Day Strategies for ACT Success
When test day arrives, don’t panic. Here are some solid reading comprehension tips that can keep you on track:
- Don’t spend too long on one question – If a question is too hard, mark it and move on. Come back if you have time.
- Use elimination techniques – Cross out obviously wrong answers to narrow down your choices.
- Stay calm and confident – If you’ve practiced well, trust your skills. Overthinking leads to wasted time.
Additionally, reading SAT tips can prepare you for a variety of test formats, ensuring you’re ready for both exams.
Conclusion
The ACT Reading section doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using reading tips, improving comprehension, and practicing regularly, you can boost both your speed and accuracy. These strategies don’t just help with the ACT—they’re useful for the SAT, ISAT, and even general academic success.
Author Profile
Nicole Hardy, a renowned blog writer, is recognized for her in-depth and insightful journalism, particularly in education and the arts, with a strong emphasis on performing arts education. With over ten years of experience, Nicole Hardy has established a reputation as a leading voice in the field, known for her comprehensive analysis and engaging storytelling. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Arts, specializing in arts and culture journalism.