ACT Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/act/ Prep for Success Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:40:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon-85x85.png ACT Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/act/ 32 32 What To Expect on the ACT Writing Test (2026) /blog/act-writing/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:03:19 +0000 /?p=2191 The ACT Writing Test is the final, optional section of the ACT. If you decide to take it, you’ll have 40 minutes to write one essay. You’ll be given a description of a complex issue followed by three different perspectives on that issue. You’ll be asked to state your own perspective (you may adopt one […]

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The ACT Writing Test is the final, optional section of the ACT. If you decide to take it, you’ll have 40 minutes to write one essay.

You’ll be given a description of a complex issue followed by three different perspectives on that issue. You’ll be asked to state your own perspective (you may adopt one of the three provided or introduce one of your own) and analyze how it relates to at least one of the other perspectives offered.

There is no right or wrong answer. ACT is not evaluating you on which perspective you choose; it is evaluating you on how well you articulate and support your argument. Your goal is to produce a well-reasoned, clearly organized essay.

Unlike the other sections of the ACT, the Writing Test has not changed as part of the 2025/2026 enhancements.

Sample ACT writing prompt from 91ÁÔĆć' free sample test.
Example of an ACT Writing prompt from 91ÁÔĆć' free sample test.

How is the ACT Writing Test Scored?

The ACT Writing score is reported on a scale of 2–12, and is not part of the ACT Composite score. However, if you take the ACT Writing Test, you’ll also receive an English Language Arts (ELA) score that reflects your performance across English, Reading, and Writing. You can learn more about how the ELA score is calculated .

The Four Writing Domains

Your essay is scored across four writing domains, each on a scale of 2–12. Your overall writing score is the rounded average of the four.

Ideas and Analysis: You’ll be evaluated on how well you understood the issue in the prompt, how meaningfully you engaged with multiple perspectives, and whether your ideas were relevant to the topic.

Development and Support: You’ll be evaluated on how effectively you developed and supported your argument, backed your ideas with examples, and explored the implications of your thinking.

Organization: You’ll be evaluated on how clearly you structured your essay, whether the relationship between your ideas was easy to follow, and how effectively you guided the reader through your argument.

Language Use and Conventions: You’ll be evaluated on how effectively you used grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and mechanics to express your ideas and establish an appropriate style and tone.

ACT has published sample essays on their website to illustrate what strong and weak responses look like. Visit the to understand what they’re looking for.

How is the Writing Test Graded on the Paper ACT?

If you take the ACT Writing Test on paper, you’ll handwrite your essay. Two trained readers will read your essay and each assign a score from 1–6 for the four writing domains. The two scores for each domain are added together, giving you a domain score between 2–12. Your overall writing score is the rounded average of the four domain scores.

Note: If the two readers disagree by more than one point on any domain, a third reader will step in to resolve the discrepancy.

How is the Writing Test Graded on the Online ACT?

If you take the ACT Writing Test on the computer, you’ll type your essay, which will be scored by, ACT’s automated scoring engine. CRASE first evaluates your essay to determine whether it can assign a score with high confidence. If it can, it will assign a score of 2–12 for each domain. If it cannot, your essay will be sent to human readers. A random sample of all essays are also reviewed by human readers as part of ACT’s quality assurance process.

Note: State, district, and international ACT administrations pair one human reader with CRASE.

Do I Have to Take the ACT Writing Test?

No, unless you are required to for graduation or are applying to a school or program that requires it.

As of spring 2026, only a handful of colleges in the United States require or encourage ACT Writing. Requirements can change from year to year, so check directly with any schools, programs, or scholarships you’re applying to.

Some states, districts, or schools also require the ACT Writing Test for graduation. If you are taking the ACT through your school, check with your counselor to find out whether your test will include the Writing section.

If You Decide to Take It, Don't Take Science the Same Day

The enhanced ACT has two optional sections: Science and Writing. When you register, you can choose to add Science, Writing, or both.

If you decide to take both optional sections, we recommend doing them on separate test dates. The ACT is already a long test, and the Writing section comes last. The essay also requires a different kind of mental effort than the multiple-choice sections that precede it. After three multiple-choice sections, you’ll have more focus and energy for the essay than you would after four.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Enhanced ACT Practice

Get ready for the new ACT format with 10 full-length practice tests. Try a free sample test today.

Explore ACT Practice Options

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

Originally published on February 11, 2020. Updated on April 13, 2026.Ěý

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]]> The ACT Embedded Field Test, Explained /blog/act-field-test/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:36:35 +0000 /?p=19395 Most major standardized tests include unscored questions as part of the test development process. Depending on the test, these may be called experimental questions, pretest questions, or something else entirely. The ACT calls them field-test questions. Field-test questions are future test questions in their final stage of review. Before ACT can use a question on […]

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Most major standardized tests include unscored questions as part of the test development process. Depending on the test, these may be called experimental questions, pretest questions, or something else entirely. The ACT calls them field-test questions.

Field-test questions are future test questions in their final stage of review. Before ACT can use a question on an official test, it needs to verify that the question is fair, that it measures what it’s intended to measure, and that its difficulty is properly calibrated. The most reliable way to do that is to administer the question to real students under real testing conditions.

On the legacy ACT, the field test was its own standalone section at the end of the exam. Because students knew it didn’t count toward their scores, many students didn’t take it as seriously as the rest of the test. That made it difficult for ACT to collect reliable data on future questions.

The enhanced ACT solved this by embedding field-test questions directly into each section of the test. This change helped shorten the overall test by eliminating the 5th section. More importantly, students now have no way of knowing which questions are part of the field test, so every question gets the same effort and attention, giving ACT more reliable data on new questions.

How Many Field-Test Questions Are There?

The core ACT includes 23 field-test questions overall. If you are taking the optional Science section, the total is 29.

The number of field-test questions varies by section. Here’s the breakdown:

  • English: 10 field-test questions (1–2 passages)
  • Math: 4 field-test questions
  • Reading: 9 field-test questions (1 passage)
  • Science: 6 field-test questions (1 passage)

Can I Tell Which Questions Are Part of the Field Test?

No. Field-test questions are designed to be indistinguishable from operational questions. There is no label, no formatting difference, and no other signal that a question is unscored. From a student’s perspective, every question looks the same.

It’s worth noting that although ACT initially indicated that field-test questions would not appear as the first or last question in a section, that guidance no longer appears in ACT’s published materials. Some older prep resources may still reference it and advise students to complete the first and last passage on the English, Reading, and Science sections first. There’s no harm in following this pattern, but students should still treat every question as operational and avoid skipping any passage entirely.

Can I Skip a Passage to Save Time?

No. It’s not worth the risk.

In theory, you could skip an entire passage on Reading or Science without affecting your score if you guessed the right passage to skip. But in practice, you have no way of knowing which passage to skip. Skipping a passage on the assumption that it might be the field test is a gamble that isn’t worth taking. If you guess wrong, you’ve left a significant portion of the questions that do count unanswered.

The safest approach is to treat every passage and every question as if it counts. Because as far as you know, it does.

How Should I Approach the ACT Field Test?

The embedded field test doesn’t change how you should approach the ACT. You can’t identify field-test questions, and trying to guess which questions are unscored isn’t a productive use of your time or energy. Just take the test.

On a test like the ACT, your goal is to answer as many questions correctly as possible. If you get stuck on a question, skip it and come back later. Time is better spent securing easier points first. To learn how to build pacing skills in practice, see our guide to improving your pacing.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Online ACT Prep

Get ready for the enhanced ACT with 10 full-length practice tests and 1,650+ targeted practice questions.

Start Practicing

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Science Test (2026) /blog/act-science/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:45:05 +0000 /?p=19155 The ACT Science Test is an optional section of the ACT. Students who choose to take it are assessed on their ability to interpret scientific information, reason with data, and apply scientific knowledge in context. The test is passage-based and draws on content from a range of scientific disciplines, including biology, and chemistry, physics. Students […]

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The ACT Science Test is an optional section of the ACT. Students who choose to take it are assessed on their ability to interpret scientific information, reason with data, and apply scientific knowledge in context. The test is passage-based and draws on content from a range of scientific disciplines, including biology, and chemistry, physics.

Students have 40 minutes to answer 40 total questions.

Example of an ACT Science question from 91ÁÔĆć' free sample practice test

ACT Science Passages

Passages Types and Formats

The ACT Science Test consists of six operational passages (scored) and one field test passage (unscored). There are three distinct passage formats, each of which emphasizes different aspects of scientific reasoning.

Passage Formats

  • Data Representation (DR) passages present scientific data primarily through tables, graphs, or charts.
  • Research Summaries (RS) passages describe one or more scientific investigations, including experimental design, hypotheses, and results.
  • Conflicting Viewpoints (CV) passages present a scientific topic alongside two or more competing explanations or models.

ACT Science Passage Format Breakdown

  • Total passages: 7
  • Operational (scored) passages: 6
    • 2 Data Representation | 10–12 questions total
    • 3 Research Summaries | 16–20 questions total
    • 1 Conflicting Viewpoints | 6–7 questions total
  • Field test (unscored) passages: 1
    • 1 passage from any of the 3 format categories | 6 questions total

ACT Scientific Content Areas

The ACT Science Test draws from four primary scientific disciplines. Students will always see at least one passage from each discipline on test day.

  • Biology and life science: 2 operational passages
  • Physics: 1–2 operational passages
  • Chemistry: 1–2 operational passages
  • Earth and space science: 1–2 operational passages

The field test passage can fall into any of these content categories. On test day, the maximum number of passages that students will see from a single discipline is three for life science and two for all other content areas.

In addition, up to 3 passages per test incorporate a focus onĚýEngineering and Design Thinking, meaning the passage centers on applying science to real-world problems. These passages can overlap with any of the primary disciplines above.

ACT Science Reporting Categories

ACT Science questions are organized into three reporting categories that reflect the transferable science skills students need for college and career readiness. The Science Test is designed to reward careful reading and reasoning, not memorization. Most questions can therefore be answered using only the information provided in the passage. A small number of questions (5–8 per test) do require some basic scientific background knowledge, but nothing beyond what students encounter in standard high school coursework.

Interpretation of Data (IOD)

Interpretation of Data questions assess students’ ability to read, analyze, and draw conclusions from scientific data presented in tables, graphs, and diagrams. Students can expect 13–17 operational questions in this category.

Data Representation passages are the primary home of Interpretation of Data questions, though students will also encounter these questions in Research Summaries passages.

Skill Areas:

  • Locating and Understanding (LU): Questions ask students to identify specific data points and interpret features of scientific graphs (such as units, legends, axes, and table headings).
  • Inferring and Translating (IT): Questions ask students to look across one or more graphs and make sense of what the data show, whether that means spotting a relationship, making a comparison, or reframing the information in a new visual format.
  • Extending and Reevaluating (ER): Questions ask students to use trends in data to make predictions beyond what is directly shown.

Scientific Investigation (SIN)

Scientific Investigation questions assess students’ understanding of how scientific experiments and studies are designed and conducted. Students will see 6–11 operational questions in this category.

Research Summaries passages are the primary home of Scientific Investigation questions.

Skill Areas:

  • Locating and Comparing (LC): Questions ask students to find and compare information across one or more experiments.
  • Designing and Implementing (DI): Questions ask students to evaluate how an experiment was set up, including the choice of methods, tools, variables, and controls.
  • Extending and Implementing (EI): Questions ask students to think beyond the experiment at hand, predicting results of future experiments or identifying steps that could improve an experiment.
  • Engineering and Design (ED): Questions ask students to consider the practical challenges, goals, and tradeoffs involved in a scientific experiment or design problem. This is a new skill area on the enhanced ACT as of 2025.

Evaluating Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence (EMI)

Evaluating Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence questions assess students’ ability to judge the validity of scientific claims, evaluate competing models, and draw conclusions supported by evidence. Students will see 8–13 operational questions in this category.

Conflicting Viewpoints passages are the primary home of Evaluating Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence questions, though students will also encounter these questions in both Research Summaries and Data Representation passages.

Skill Areas:

  • Inferences and Results: Evaluating and Extending (IE): Questions ask students to evaluate the strength of a scientific claim and support their conclusions with evidence.
  • Models: Understanding and Comparing (MU): Questions ask students to compare and contrast two or more scientific models. These questions only appear in Conflicting Viewpoints passages.
  • Models: Evaluating and Extending (ME): Questions ask students to evaluate competing models and use evidence to form predictions or hypotheses. These questions only appear in Conflicting Viewpoints passages.
  • Engineering and Design Thinking (ED): Questions ask students to evaluate whether a proposed solution works, consider alternatives, and identify what evidence supports or undermines a design’s effectiveness. This is a new skill area on the enhanced ACT as of 2025.

Should I Take the ACT Science Test?

Yes. We recommend taking the Science section at least once.

Check with your target schools first. Colleges and universities set their own policies on whether they require or consider the Science score. Since policies can change — especially in the years following a major update like the shift to the enhanced ACT — it is better to be prepared now than to have to retake the test later just to add the Science section.

A strong Science score is another data point in your favor. If you are applying to a STEM program, it is a meaningful way to demonstrate readiness. But even if you are not, it is a chance to show well-roundedness. The ACT Science Test rewards strong reading skills, so it may play to your strengths even if science is not your strongest subject.Ěý

Students who take the Science section will receive a STEM score, which is an average of their Science and Math scores. The Science section does not affect the composite score, which remains an average of English, Math, and Reading.

It builds on skills you are already developing. The Science Test rewards careful reading and logical reasoning, the same skills you are strengthening as you prepare for the Reading Test. Preparing for one naturally supports the other.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Sources

ACT. . February 2026.

ACT Science Practice

Get ready for the enhanced ACT Science Test with full-length practice tests and targeted practice questions.

Explore ACT Practice Options

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Science Test (2026) appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> What to Do the Night Before the SAT or ACT /blog/night-before-sat-act/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:22:10 +0000 /?p=19122 The night before the SAT or ACT is not a time for studying. Your preparation is behind you. What you do tonight won’t change what you know, but it can absolutely affect how you feel and perform tomorrow. Here’s how to spend the evening well. Don’t Try to Cram The SAT and ACT reward skills […]

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The night before the SAT or ACT is not a time for studying. Your preparation is behind you. What you do tonight won’t change what you know, but it can absolutely affect how you feel and perform tomorrow.

Here’s how to spend the evening well.

Don't Try to Cram

The SAT and ACT reward skills built over time, not last-minute memorization. A late-night cramming session is more likely to leave you tired and anxious than it is to boost your score.

If you’ve been studying consistently, trust the work you’ve already done. If you feel like you need to do something, a short, focused review of one or two question types is fine. Avoid taking a full-length practice test or any attempt to rework your approach to an entire section.

You are much better off completing a few practice problems in an area where you feel confident and then stepping away. That way you’ll wrap up your prep feeling sharp rather than overwhelmed.

Pack Your Bag Tonight

Don’t leave this for the morning. Gather everything you need now.

For the SAT, make sure you have:

  • Your photo ID
  • Your SAT admission ticket from Bluebook (printed)
  • Your fully charged testing device (laptop or tablet with the Bluebook app installed)
  • Your College Board login information
  • A charger for your testing device (bring it just in case)
  • Pencils or pens
  • A permitted calculator with fresh batteries
  • Snacks and water for the break

See the College Board’s for the complete and current list of what to bring.

For the ACT, make sure you have:

  • Your photo ID
  • Your ACT admission ticket (printed)
  • Several sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers
  • If you’re taking the computer-based ACT, your fully charged laptop, charger, and any required login information
  • A permitted calculator with fresh batteries
  • Snacks and water for the break
  • A simple analog watch (no smartwatches, no watches with alarms)

See ACT’s for the complete and current list of what to bring.

Plan Your Morning

Look up your test center address tonight and figure out how long it will take to get there. Build in extra time, just in case you encounter weekend traffic or construction delays.

Set your alarm (and a backup), lay out your clothes, and decide what you’re having for breakfast. Stick with something familiar. Tomorrow is not the morning to try a new food or skip a meal.

It's Normal to Feel Nervous

Some nervousness before a big test is completely normal. It means the test matters to you, and a little adrenaline can actually help you stay focused and sharp once you sit down.

If anxiety is making it hard to settle down tonight, try stepping away from screens, taking a few slow deep breaths, or doing something that you enjoy. You don’t need to feel perfectly calm to perform well tomorrow. You just need to rest.

For more on managing test anxiety in the moment (including what to do when nerves show up once the test begins), read our guide to managing test anxiety on test day.

Relax

You’ve put in the work, and you’ve earned a relaxing evening.

Do something you genuinely enjoy that has nothing to do with the SAT or ACT. Watch a favorite show, take a short walk, cook a good dinner, or call a friend. You’ll approach the test feeling more refreshed and ready.

A note for parents: The way you approach tonight matters too. If your student picks up on your stress or feels pressure to perform, it can make it harder for them to relax. The most helpful thing you can do is keep the evening normal and calm. A good meal, a calm house, and an early bedtime go a long way.

Go to Bed Early

A rested brain reads faster, retains information better, and makes fewer careless errors than a tired one. No amount of last-minute studying can make up for a poor night’s sleep.

Wind down, put your phone away, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. You’ve worked hard to get here. Tomorrow is about showing what you already know. Good luck!

Taking the test again, or preparing for a future date?

91ÁÔĆć has full-length practice tests and thousands of additional targeted practice questions to help you put your best foot forward.Ěý

Explore SAT Practice
Explore ACT Practice

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Math Test (2026) /blog/act-math/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:50:17 +0000 /?p=18755 The ACT Math section is the second required section of the enhanced ACT, immediately following English. Example of an ACT Math question from 91ÁÔĆć’ free sample practice test The ACT Math Section at a Glance You’ll have 50 minutes to answer 45 multiple-choice questions. The test is arranged by difficulty, meaning you’ll find the […]

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The ACT Math section is the second required section of the enhanced ACT, immediately following English.

Example of an ACT Math question from 91ÁÔĆć' free sample test.
Example of an ACT Math question from 91ÁÔĆć' free sample practice test

The ACT Math Section at a Glance

You’ll have 50 minutes to answer 45 multiple-choice questions. The test is arranged by difficulty, meaning you’ll find the more straightforward questions at the beginning and the most complex problems toward the end.

Calculators are permitted as long as they adhere to the official . If you’re taking the ACT online, you’ll also have access to a built-in calculator within the testing platform.

Scored vs. Unscored Questions: While you’ll see 45 questions total, only 41 count toward your score. The remaining four are part of the Embedded Field Test, unscored questions that ACT is trying out for future exams. These questions are woven into the section and are impossible to spot. Because you won’t know which is which, you should approach every problem as if it were scored.

ACT Math Topics and Skills Tested

The enhanced ACT Math section tests the same content and skills as the legacy version, but the distribution of questions has shifted. The test is split into two primary reporting categories:

  • Preparing for Higher Mathematics (80%): This category covers the more advanced math typically taught in high school.
  • Integrating Essential Skills (20%): This category focuses on foundational concepts like ratios, percentages, and basic area or volume. These questions often require you to pull from multiple skill sets to solve a single problem.

Modeling: In addition to the categories above, at least 20% of the questions are also classified as Modeling. This isn’t a separate list of topics. It’s a secondary label for questions involving mathematical models.

Preparing for Higher Mathematics (PHM)

This category represents the bulk of the test, accounting for 80% of your scored questions. It is broken down into five subcategories that cover typical high school math topics:

  • Algebra: 17–20% (approximately 7-8 questions)
  • Functions: 17–20% (approximately 7-8 questions)
  • Geometry: 17–20% (approximately 7-8 questions)Ěý
  • Statistics and Probability: 12–15% (approximately 5-6 questions)Ěý
  • Number and Quantity: 10–12% (approximately 4-5 questions)Ěý

Integrating Essential Skills (IES)

This category focuses on foundational mathematics and accounts for 20% of your scored questions. These questions are designed to test your problem-solving depth rather than simple recall.

Modeling (MDL)

Modeling is a secondary classification that applies to at least 20% of the questions in the Math section. These items are woven into the categories above and involve mathematical representations of real-world scenarios. Because these questions are cross-coded, a single problem can belong to both PHM and MDL, or both IES and MDL.

What’s New on the Enhanced ACT Math Test?

The enhanced ACT Math section includes several structural updates designed to reduce the pacing pressure of the exam. The goal of these changes is to ensure the test measures your mathematical reasoning rather than your test-taking speed:

  • Fewer questions to answer, more time to think: By reducing the section to 45 questions in 50 minutes, you now have an average of 67 seconds per question (up from 60 seconds).Ěý
  • Fewer answer choices: Each math question now has 4 answer choices instead of 5 answer choices.
  • Fewer real-world context questions: The ACT has significantly reduced the number of word problems. You will see more questions that allow you to jump right into calculations, further reducing the reading burden on the section.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Sources

ACT. . February 2026.

ACT Math Practice

Get ready for the enhanced ACT Math Test with full-length practice tests and hundreds of dedicated ACT Math practice questions.

Explore ACT Practice Options

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Math Test (2026) appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> Test Prep Tips: How to Improve Your Pacing /blog/how-to-improve-test-pacing/ Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:37:57 +0000 /?p=18595 Have you ever felt the stomach-dropping realization that you have five questions left and only two minutes on the clock? For some students, time is the biggest challenge on tests like the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT. Perhaps you’ve studied the content, and you understand all of the concepts. But the moment the clock starts […]

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Have you ever felt the stomach-dropping realization that you have five questions left and only two minutes on the clock?

For some students, time is the biggest challenge on tests like the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT.

Perhaps you’ve studied the content, and you understand all of the concepts. But the moment the clock starts ticking down in the testing room, your pacing falls apart and anxiety kicks in. Maybe you didn’t finish a section, but you’re confident you could have answered those last few questions correctly with just a few more minutes. If this sounds familiar, time may be the ceiling on your score.

The good news is that pacing is a skill. It’s something you can improve with the right strategies and deliberate practice. Simply telling yourself to “go faster” isn’t a strategy that holds up under pressure.

To help you break through your own scoring ceiling, let’s look at practical ways to take control of the clock.

Study Your Timing Patterns

You can’t fix what you haven’t measured. Before you try to speed up, you need to understand where and how you’re spending your time.

After every practice test, look past the number of correct and incorrect questions and pay attention to how long you spent on each question.

If you’re using the 91ÁÔĆć platform, you can review the timing graph at the bottom of each section summary. You can also see how long you spent on each individual question compared to the average response time in the question-by-question results.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Any Long Bars on the Timing Graph

These are the questions that took significantly longer than average. Even if you answered correctly, ask yourself why it took so long.ĚýĚý

  • Did you reread the prompt multiple times?
  • Did you try a method that required extra steps?
  • Did you get stuck before switching strategies?
  • Did you freeze or blank out for a moment?

2. Performance Trends

Are you consistently slow on specific question types or content areas, like geometry or reading inference questions? Do certain types of reading passages slow you down? A consistent pattern may indicate that you need to do some focused content review.

A quick note: some question types naturally take longer than others. That’s why comparing your time to the average response time is helpful. It gives you context.

Ultimately, even if you got a question right, taking too long may still cost you points elsewhere in the section. Accuracy without efficiency can hold you back.

If you notice that certain problem types consistently slow you down, look for alternative methods. For example, could you:

  • Plug in numbers instead of solving algebraically?
  • Eliminate answer choices more strategically?
  • Answer some questions while reading a passage instead of waiting until the end?

When you practice new methods, don’t worry about speed at first. Focus on learning the process correctly. Efficiency comes with familiarity.

Don’t Be Afraid to Skip Questions

Your fundamental goal is simple: answer as many questions correctly as possible.Ěý

This goal sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re mid-test, especially when you’re staring at a question you feel like you should be able to solve. That pressure can keep you stuck longer than you realize.Ěý

If you hit a wall, make a decision. Flag the question and move on. You can always return to it later if time allows.

Spending five minutes wrestling with one problem while three or four other questions sit unanswered is a losing trade. Even if you eventually solve the hard question, the opportunity cost may lower your overall score. (And yes, this basic principle is still true for an adaptive test like the SAT, even though scoring is more complex).Ěý

Remove the Pressure of the Clock

It sounds counterintuitive, but if you’re struggling with time management, one of the best things you can do is temporarily remove the clock.Ěý

Try this experiment: take a full practice test section untimed. Instead of setting a countdown timer, use a stopwatch and track how long it takes you to complete every question carefully and accurately.

If you’re using 91ÁÔĆć, you can also try extended time (1.5x) or double time (2.0x) accommodations. That way, you’ll still collect timing data for each individual question. You can adjust timing accommodations by clicking your name in the upper-right corner and selecting “My Profile.” We’ve outlined the steps in this if you need additional guidance.

This exercise will help you diagnose what’s really happening:

  • If you struggle to answer questions or fully understand what they’re asking even with unlimited time, your primary issue may be content, not pacing. You may need to review concepts or become more familiar with certain question types.
  • If you lose focus or find your mind wandering, you may be dealing with an endurance issue. In that case, gradually build up to longer practice sessions until you can sustain focus for a full section or test.
  • If you finish comfortably when the clock isn’t pressuring you, test anxiety may be playing a significant role. The ticking clock can create stress that disrupts an otherwise strong performance. You can find more information and practical strategies in our Test Anxiety Resources Center.
  • If you could answer most questions correctly with just 10–15 extra minutes, pacing is likely the main issue. The good news is that this gives you a clear, measurable gap to close.

Close the Gap Gradually

Once you know how much extra time you need to comfortably finish a section, you can begin closing the gap. Instead of forcing yourself to jump immediately to official timing, reduce your buffer gradually until you can complete the section within the allotted time.

For example, let’s say you currently need 10 extra minutes to complete a section accurately:

  • Practice Test 1: Give yourself 10 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 2: Reduce the buffer to 8 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 3: Reduce it to 5 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 4: Reduce it to 2 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 5: Complete the section under official time constraints.

This gradual tapering allows you to build speed incrementally. Just as you would if you were training for an athletic event, increase intensity in controlled steps so your performance improves without breaking down.

By analyzing your performance data, experimenting without time pressure, and gradually tightening your timing, you shift from reacting to the clock to managing it.

Ready to Improve Your Pacing? Start Practicing Today.

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Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post Test Prep Tips: How to Improve Your Pacing appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Reading Test (2026) /blog/act-reading/ Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:53:04 +0000 /?p=18556 The ACT Reading Test is the third and final required section of the enhanced ACT. It is designed to assess students’ ability to read and understand complex texts drawn from a range of subject areas. Students have 40 minutes to answer 36 questions based on excerpts from published texts. The test presents passages followed by […]

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The ACT Reading Test is the third and final required section of the enhanced ACT. It is designed to assess students’ ability to read and understand complex texts drawn from a range of subject areas. Students have 40 minutes to answer 36 questions based on excerpts from published texts.

The test presents passages followed by sets of nine questions that ask students to demonstrate comprehension of key ideas, relationships between details, and the author’s purpose. To be successful on the Reading Test, students must read closely, draw logical inferences, and support their answers with evidence from the passage.

Example of an ACT Reading Test question from 91ÁÔĆć' free sample test.
Example of an ACT Reading question from 91ÁÔĆć' free sample practice test

ACT Reading Passages

Number, Format, and Length of Passages

The ACT Reading Test includes three operational passages (scored) and one Field Test Passage (unscored). The Field Test Passage is indistinguishable from the operational passages.Ěý

The Three Types of ACT Reading Passages

Passages appear in one of three formats:

  • Single Passages: A standalone passage drawn from a single published source.
  • Paired Passages: Two shorter, related passages presented together, allowing students to consider ideas across texts.
  • VQI Passages: A passage that incorporates visual or quantitative information, such as a chart or table, alongside the text. Students must interpret the visual data in the context of the written passages.

What Is the Passage Mix on Test Day?

Students won’t know the mix or order of the passages until they start the Reading section. However, all tests will have:

  • 2 Single Passages (scored)
  • 1 Paired Passage or 1 VQI Passage (scored)
  • 1 Field Test Passage (unscored). This passage could be a Single, Paired, or VQI Passage (depending on which formats appear among the operational passages).

As a result, students will see one of the following passage format combinations on their test:

  • Option 1: 3 Single Passages and 1 Paired Passage
  • Option 2: 3 Single Passages and 1 VQI Passage
  • Option 3: 2 Single Passages, 1 Paired Passage, and 1 VQI Passage

How Long Are ACT Passages?

Reading passages on the enhanced ACT are approximately 650 to 750 words with nine corresponding questions. Enhanced ACT passages are slightly shorter than they were on the legacy version of the test to allow for a more focused reading experience.

Here is the breakdown:

  • 2 operational passages are approximately 750 words
  • 1 operational passage is approximately 650 words
  • Each passage is accompanied by 9 questions

ACT Passage Types and Genres

The ACT Reading Test includes a mix of literary and informational passages excerpted from published texts. These passages reflect a range of subjects, styles, and perspectives, and do not require prior subject-matter knowledge.

The operational passages include:

  • 1 literary narrative passage, typically drawn from fiction or memoir
  • 2 informational passages drawn from subject areas such as the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences

The Field Test Passage may fall into either category.

ACT Reading Question Types and Skills Tested

There are 36 total questions on the ACT Reading Test, 27 of which are operational (scored) questions and 9 of which are unscored Field Test questions. ACT Reading questions fall into three broad reporting categories:

Key Ideas and Details

Key Ideas and Details questions assess a student’s ability to understand what a text says, make supported inferences, and identify important ideas developed throughout the passage. Students can expect to see 12–14 operational questions (44–52% of the Reading Test) in this category.

Skill Categories

  • Close Reading: Questions in this area focus on careful attention to the text. Students may be asked to determine what a passage states explicitly or to draw conclusions that are supported by evidence from the text.
  • Relationships: Questions in this area focus on identifying and understanding relationships within a passage, including relationships between individuals, events, ideas, themes, and patterns developed throughout the text.
  • Central Ideas, Themes, and Summaries: Questions in this area focus on synthesizing information presented throughout the passage. Students may be asked to identify a central idea or theme, distinguish key ideas from less important details, or determine which summary best reflects the passage as a whole.

Craft and Structure

Craft and Structure questions focus on how authors use language and structure to shape meaning. Students can expect to see 7–9 operational questions (26–33% of the Reading Test) in this category.

Skill Categories

  • Word Meanings and Word Choice: Questions in this area focus on determining the meaning of words and phrases based on context. Students may be asked to parse academic, technical, or figurative language as it is used within the passage.
  • Text Structure: Questions in this area focus on how a text is organized and constructed. Students may be asked to analyze how an author’s structural or rhetorical choices contribute to the development of ideas or create an effect.

Purpose and Point of View: Questions in this area focus on understanding an author’s purpose and perspective. This includes analyzing stated or implied intentions, point of view, and narrative or rhetorical techniques.

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas questions focus on how ideas are developed and supported within a text and, in some cases, how ideas connect across multiple texts. Students can expect to see 5–7 operational questions (19–26% of the Reading Test) in this category.

Skill Categories

  • Arguments: Questions in this area focus on analyzing arguments presented in a passage. Students may be asked to evaluate claims and counterclaims, consider how evidence is used to support an argument, and determine whether the reasoning presented effectively supports the claim.
  • Synthesis of Multiple Texts: Questions in this area focus on making connections across two related texts. Students may be asked to compare ideas, themes, or rhetorical structures, as well as synthesize information from both texts.

ACT Reading vs SAT Reading: Key Differences

The primary difference between the ACT Reading and the SAT Reading and Writing sections is passage length. The ACT Reading Test includes four longer passages (approximately 650–750 words), each followed by nine questions. In contrast, the SAT Reading and Writing section contains 54 short passages (approximately 25–150 words), each with one question.

The ACT’s longer passages make it possible to evaluate how ideas develop across multiple paragraphs, how structure contributes to meaning, and how individuals, events, or arguments interact over the course of a text. This format reflects the type of extended reading students encounter in upper-level high school and college coursework.

The SAT’s shorter passages allow the test makers to narrowly target specific reading and writing skills in isolation. Many students find the shorter format more approachable. Because each question is tied to a brief excerpt, students can move on quickly if a passage feels confusing.Ěý

At the same time, switching contexts between each question is its own challenge. Some students prefer staying within one passage for multiple questions, since working through the set can build understanding of the text as a whole. If they are unsure about one question, answering others in the same passage may provide helpful context.

Which test is better? Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference. Try taking a full-length ACT practice test and a full-length SAT practice test to see which feels more natural. For a visual overview of the differences between the two tests, check out our side-by-side comparison of the Enhanced ACT and Digital SAT.Ěý

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Sources

ACT. . March 2025.

ACT Reading Pracitce

Explore ACT Practice Options

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Reading Test (2026) appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT English Test (2026) /blog/act-english/ Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:04:33 +0000 /?p=18361 The ACT English Test is the first section of the ACT and is designed to assess students’ ability to revise and edit written texts. Students have 45 minutes to answer 50 questions.Ěý Rather than testing isolated grammar rules, the section is passage-based and asks students to step into the role of an editor and select […]

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The ACT English Test is the first section of the ACT and is designed to assess students’ ability to revise and edit written texts. Students have 45 minutes to answer 50 questions.Ěý

Rather than testing isolated grammar rules, the section is passage-based and asks students to step into the role of an editor and select revisions that improve clarity, organization, and tone, or that correct errors in grammar and punctuation.

Each passage is presented as a draft in need of revision, with underlined words, sentences, or larger sections embedded throughout the text. Questions refer to these underlined portions and ask students to evaluate proposed revisions or decide whether the original wording should be retained. To be successful on the English Test, students must consider sentence-level issues, such as grammar and punctuation, as well as broader questions of organization, coherence, and rhetorical effectiveness within the passage as a whole.

A sample ACT English question from a 91ÁÔĆć practice test showing a passage and multiple-choice revision question.
Example of an ACT English question from a 91ÁÔĆć practice test

ACT English Passages

Number and Length of Passages

The ACT English Test consists of 6 or 7 passages, each presented as a draft with 5 or 10 embedded questions. Passage length varies, with a mix of longer passages of approximately 340 words and shorter passages of approximately 185 words.Ěý

On test day, 5 of the passages are operational and count toward students’ scores. The remaining 1 or 2 passages are part of an embedded field test and do not count toward the score. There is no way to distinguish field test passages from operational passages.Ěý

ACT English Passage Length Breakdown

  • Total passages: 6–7
  • Operational (scored) passages: 5
    • 3 longer passages (~340 words) with 10 questions each
    • 2 shorter passages (~185 words) with 5 questions each
  • Field test (unscored) passages: 1–2
    • 1 longer passage (~340 words) with 10 questions, or
    • 2 shorter passages (~185 words) with 5 questions per passage

Passage Types and Genres

The passages on the ACT English Test represent a mix of writing styles and genres and include informational, argumentative, and narrative passages. Any of these passage types may be longer or shorter in length.

ACT English Passage Type Breakdown

  • Informational passages (2–3 operational passages): these passages present topics drawn from a wide range of subject areas, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
  • Argumentative passages (1–2 operational passages): argumentative passages take a clear position on a focused issue and are written to be approachable for all test takers. While they present a point of view, they avoid highly technical subject matter or charged political topics, instead relying on examples and reasoning that do not require prior background knowledge.
  • Narrative passage (1 operational passage): the narrative passage is typically a literary text drawn from fiction or memoir and often features a first-person perspective. These passages focus on personal experiences or events and are written to be engaging and straightforward in content.

The 1 or 2 field test passages may fall into any of these categories.

Questions and Reporting Categories

There are 50 total questions on the ACT English Test, of which 40 are operational and 10 are unscored field test questions. These questions fall into three broad categories, each representing a different set of writing and language skills assessed throughout the section.

Production of Writing

The Production of Writing category accounts for approximately 38–43% of the ACT English Test, with 15–17 operational questions in this area. Questions in this category focus on how content and organization work together to support a passage’s purpose and meaning. Students are asked to evaluate revisions that affect the development of ideas, the logical flow of the text, and the overall clarity of the passage.

Rather than focusing on sentence-level correctness, these questions require students to consider how changes influence the structure and coherence of the passage as a whole.

Skill Categories

  • Topic Development — Purpose and Focus: questions in this area address whether a passage’s ideas are clearly developed and aligned with its intended purpose. Students may be asked to evaluate revisions that strengthen focus, add or refine supporting details, or remove information that distracts from the main point of the passage.
  • Organization, Unity, and Cohesion: questions in this area focus on how ideas are arranged and connected within a passage, including the logical ordering of sentences and paragraphs, the effective use of transitions, and the placement of introductions and conclusions to help the passage read smoothly and coherently.

Knowledge of Language

The Knowledge of Language category makes up approximately 18–22% of the ACT English Test. Students should expect to see 7–9 operational questions in this area. Questions in this category focus on clarity, precision, and stylistic effectiveness at the sentence and passage level.

Skill Categories

  • Expressing Ideas Clearly: questions in this area focus on clarity and precision in language use. Students may be asked to evaluate revisions that eliminate redundancy or wordiness, refine phrasing, or choose vocabulary that conveys meaning more accurately.
  • Style: questions in this area address how language choices contribute to a consistent and appropriate style within a passage. Students may be asked to consider tone, word choice, and sentence construction to ensure that revisions align with the purpose of the passage and remain consistent throughout the text.

Conventions of Standard English

The Conventions of Standard English category makes up approximately 38–43% of the ACT English Test, with 15–17 operational questions in this area. Questions in this category focus on grammar, usage, and punctuation as they appear in sentences and, at times, across multiple sentences.

Skill Categories

  • Sentence Structure and Formation: questions in this area focus on grammar. Students may be asked to recognize and correct grammatical issues in complex sentences, sometimes requiring consideration of the surrounding context.
  • Usage Conventions: questions in this area focus on standard English usage, including evaluating word choice and grammatical relationships in sentences where relevant elements may not appear next to one another.
  • Punctuation Conventions: questions in this area ask students to identify and correct punctuation errors in sentences.

Recent Changes to the English Test

For educators and students familiar with the legacy ACT (discontinued in 2025), the enhanced ACT introduces several updates to how questions are presented on the English Test.

  • All questions now include explicit directions. On the legacy ACT, some English questions relied on section-level instructions rather than individual question prompts. On the enhanced ACT, every question includes a clear question stem that specifies the task students are being asked to complete.
  • Idiomatic language is no longer explicitly tested. Questions that required students to identify or correct idioms have been removed. The Conventions of Standard English category continues to assess grammar and usage without relying on familiarity with idiomatic expressions.
  • Questions framed around identifying what is not correct have been eliminated. Sentence-level questions are now framed positively, asking students to select the best option rather than identify an incorrect one. This reduces unnecessary complexity and aligns more closely with typical revision tasks.
  • Paragraph-level organization is assessed differently. Students are no longer asked to reorder entire paragraphs within a passage. Instead, paragraph-level skills are evaluated through more targeted revision tasks, such as:
    • selecting the most effective introduction or conclusion for a paragraph
    • determining where a sentence should be placed within a paragraph
    • deciding whether and where a paragraph should be divided

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Sources

ACT. . March 2025.

ACT English Practice

Explore ACT Practice Options

Originally published on January 5, 2026. Updated on February 12, 2026.Ěý

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT English Test (2026) appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> SAT and ACT Informational Packet /blog/sat-act-informational-packet/ Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:16:07 +0000 /?p=9631 91ÁÔĆć can help students manage the SAT and ACT testing process by providing resources about the tests. We recommend creating an informational packet that you can give to your families as they start the testing process. Here’s a sample packet for inspiration. Please feel free to download and use it. Get a PDF of the […]

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91ÁÔĆć can help students manage the SAT and ACT testing process by providing resources about the tests. We recommend creating an informational packet that you can give to your families as they start the testing process. Here’s a sample packet for inspiration. Please feel free to download and use it.

Originally published on August 23, 2023. Updated on January 27, 2026.Ěý

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]]> How is the ACT Changing? Which Version Will You Take? /blog/enhanced-act-vs-legacy-act/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:10:56 +0000 /?p=15564 The ACT is changing this year. The new version of the test is shorter and offers students more choice and flexibility. The infographic below compares the new version (“Enhanced ACT”) to the old version (“Legacy ACT”), so you can see what’s changing and what’s staying the same.

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How is the ACT Changing?

The ACT has changed. The new version of the test is shorter and offers students more choice and flexibility. The infographic below compares the new version (“Enhanced ACT”) to the old version (“Legacy ACT”), so you can see what’s changing and what’s staying the same.

Click here to download

When can I take the new, enhanced ACT?

It depends on how you’re taking the test.

  • If you’re a U.S. student taking the online test on a standard national test date, you’ll see the new version starting in April 2025.
  • If you’re a U.S. student taking the paper test on a standard national test date, you’ll see the new version starting in September 2025.
  • If you’re an international student, you’ll see the new version starting in September 2025.
  • If you’re taking the test during the school day, you’ll see the new version starting in February 2026.

Check out our flowchart to see which version of the ACT you’ll see on test day.

Click here to download

Practice for the Enhanced ACT

Our team has updated our practice materials to reflect the changes to the ACT. We now have 8 full-length enhanced ACT practice tests, as well as 1,100+ targeted practice questions.Ěý

Explore ACT Practice from 91ÁÔĆć

Originally published on January 15, 2025. Updated on January 7, 2026.Ěý

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