@CCSenioritis It is rare, but it happens. I went from a 29 to a 35 in math.
what r some last minute tips to study for act, especially english, reading and science? I went through grammer rules and took several practice tests although still dont get more than a 31! Help…please
@CCSenioritis The first time I took a practice test, I got a 29 for math. I was kind of devastated because of the fact that I was/am somewhat a math person. Then I realized why I didn’t do as well as I hoped to: all of the math topics were topics I’d learnt few years ago. So then I went on Sparknotes and reviewed my school math class notes from previous years like there was no tomorrow. After all of the practice, on the September ACT, I got a 33 on math (I know, this isn’t really jaw-dropping; I’m hoping to improve). So to make this already long response short, I would go on Sparknotes and review all of the math topics and do as many practice problems as you can. I feel like for the math section, the only transparent way of going about it is just to practice and do a lot of problems.
@indillin I can help you with english and science but not reading, since I get 32-33s
for english, separate the passage (every 15 questions), and understand the gist–its usually in the title.
It all flows, and pick the choice that sounds right. I know this is not the best advice, but I did it and got a high score on my last 2 tests. Dont focus on vocab, but be good with grammar. I’m pretty good at grammar, and I highly advise you to study any prep book. For specific questions, such as the yes yes no no ones, you need to understand the context and have an answer (yes or no) ready. Once you do, if you already understood the context and question, the answer’s right in your face. I think ACT is generous with those questions. Be careful, because they love testing you on repetition.
For science, understand the passage as quickly as you can.
I dont mean to brag, but I read the whole passage and finish the science section with 5-6 minutes left. This is because I understand everything about the concept, and the questions that dont deal with looking directly at the graph come naturally. Be careful, because they like to trick you on trends. If you have more questions, ask me.
@ikim16 Thanks a lot! Yeah…tbh my biggest constraint is time on these sections…I often run out of time and go over 1-5 minutes. I know from everyone that English is easiest to finish/ improve. but that´s my weakest part. I did some tests from red book and for english i also got Barron´s. Still I only get 28-31. I get confused often on english. What else would you recommend specifically for English?
Here is a sample outline you can use for ACT writing
Sample Outline
X= First Perspective you DISAGREE with
Y= Second Perspective you DISAGREE with
Z= Perspective you AGREE with
- Introduction
Hook- Start with a question. Asking your readers to think about the topic. Use descriptive words. Create a picture in the reader’s mind. Can you imagine a world without….
Background information- One line defining the concept. What background information, if any, do the readers need to know in order to understand your claim?
Thesis- An argumentative essay must begin with a debatable thesis. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. Agree with ONE of the THREE perspectives offered. Restate perspective Z your own words in a sentence and make sure to include the word “because” in your thesis statement. Example: Cats are better than dogs because they are more intelligent and easier to keep inside.
Recognize that there are other perspectives (However, there are people who disagree) and restate perspective X and perspective Y in your own words.
Transition: Perspective Z is correct, but it’s important to consider other perspectives.
- Body Paragraphs: Analyze and evaluate the THREE perspectives given.
Body Paragraph 1 - Compare the perspective X with perspective Z (your perspective).
Some people believe that perspective X is correct because… and list one/two reasons why Perspective X may be correct.
However, they have not considered this general reason why it is flawed. A recent example proves this: list an example.
Transition While perspective X has some merits, perspective Z is more comprehensive/logical/ makes more sense. There is still another perspective to consider.
Body Paragraph 2 - Compare the perspective Y with perspective Z (your perspective). Let us now consider perspective Y.
However, believers of perspective Y have not considered this general reason why it is flawed. A recent example: list an example.
Transition: This brings me back to perspective Z. My perspective is stronger than both perspectives X and Y.
Body Paragraph 3 - Why perspective Z (your perspective) is the strongest/ most comprehensive/ addresses the issue best.
Perspective Z is clearly the most logical/complete of the three perspectives offered.
State the general reason why. It is common knowledge that perspective Z….
List two specific examples why: 1. Historically, 2. A more recent example:
This brings us to the crux of the argument… state why the perspective Z is important. Without perspective Z the world/system/ planet would be in chaos/decline/disarray. Many people/places/things would suffer/die/fall into economic dispair.
- Conclusion
Restate the importance of the position you support by painting a picture of the world depicting what would happen if your perspective is (or is not) implemented.
Some people agree with the perspective X, but the evidence does not bear this out.
Others agree with perspective Y, but it too is incomplete.
Only perspective Z addresses all aspects of this important issue.
Just know what type of questions they ask. Every 15 questions, they ask the same questions. Always. Get used to seeing those wuestions and honestly, be hard on yourself. I purposefully told myself to only miss 1 one question per section, so 5 in total. Then, I started to try being perfect, since getting 5-7 is still a 29-30. Even though missing 5-7 sounds good, ACT is mean. I think my best practice test was getting 73/75 and then, I was satisfied. Even though this tactic may not work for you, understand this: english is hard to get a hard score, so expect to struggle. I used to get stuff wrong due to error, and I hated it. Be free or errrors, and simply do better. If you take it seriously and try your hardest, theres nothing more you can possibly do.
Does anyone know whether it is possible to push one’s registration back to a later test date? I am signed up for Saturday but do not feel totally prepared. If this is possible, by when would I have to choose to push back the test?
@HereToHelpYou How much time do you recommend I spend planning, writing intro, writing body paragraphs, writing conclusion, revising, etc?
@dv2585 I’m almost sure that you’re not allowed to change your test date. If you really feel unprepared, you can just not show up (this isn’t really recommended though, lol). Just do your best on Saturday, like me haha (I also feel unprepared)
I feel really well prepared for the English and math sections of the act but feel really unprepared for the science and reading sections. For those sections I feel rushed and panick. I usually end up guessing on the last 6-10 questions. I have big time management issues for those two sections. I’m maybe even considering not taking the test this Saturday. Any last minute strategies/tips for the reading and science sections would be greatly appreciated.
Here is a list of topics to brush up on for Science. Just a basic understanding of these concepts will help you.
Biology
Cell Biology
DNA, RNA, and Ribosomes
Genetics
Chemistry
Basic Molecule Structure
Freezing/Boiling Point of Water
pH
Molar Mass Concepts
How Charges Interact
Phase Changes
Physics
Gravity
Density vs Mass
Density vs Volume.
@CheckMate123
5 minutes planning
5 minutes intro /Thesis
20 minutes for body paragraphs
5 minutes Conclusion
@HereToHelpYou How much in depth should I learn about those topics?
Hey guys. I’m aiming for a 33+ and I’m having trouble with the English Section. I always make at least 3 or 4 mistakes and that drops me down all the way to a 31/32. Any ideas on how to avoid sill mistakes in English?
Also, what’s the best way to approach Natural Science Passages in the ACT?
On english, do you struggle with time? For me, I do one passage (15) in about 6 minutes when recommended is 9. On test day, i utilize all 9 minutes. Take your time, English is the least stressful in terms of time. If you get 3-4 wring because you dont get the questions or understand the passage, take your time. If theyre becuase of mistakes, youre good. Just be relaxed on test day.
For natural science, theres usually a lot of info. I assume youre referring to the reading section. For me, i lovethis passage. I look at the questions and look for them as i read. Since most of them referto details in the passage, i answer as i read.
Yeah try not to stress about the English section. I mean, I guess I shouldn’t be saying a whole lot because tomorrow will be the first time I take the ACT but from what I’ve done in the ACT official test book, it should be similar to the SAT (just easier and faster). It’s really about time, so try not to linger too long, and keep your endurance up.
This is super late, but does anyone else think the Barron’s practice tests are really hard (like especially the science section)
Cant believe this test is tomorrow.
Good luck! I’m taking it in February… May the curve be with you (: