The English section tests students’ ability to analyze text for grammatical and rhetorical correctness. Many students rely on their “ear” to help determine which of four answer choices may be the correct answer. However, this leads students in the wrong direction - the way we speak is not always proper English. We emphasize the basic rules the ACT is testing, from subject-verb agreement to paragraph organization.

The English section is broken down into two major units: Usage/Mechanics (53% of this section, including punctuation, grammar and usage, and sentence structure) and Rhetorical Skills (47% of this section, including strategy, organization, and style/structure).

Known as the fastest section of the test, the Reading section is often mischaracterized as a speed reading test as opposed to a comprehension assessment. Most students think they need to finish every question of the test without regard to how that speed affects his or her ultimate score. We train students to effectively and efficiently read the passages and then spend ample time on the questions. Our training helps students determine patterns in question stems and answer choices. Rather than spending precious minutes debating over answer choices, we teach students how to quickly find the correct answer and to quickly eliminate incorrect answers.

The Reading section has four passages that are always presented in the same order: Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science.

The Science section is misinterpreted by most people. After taking the test, many students realize that they are not really being tested on their “science” knowledge, but, rather, their ability to understand scientific studies presented to them along with the charts and graphs provided. We teach our students the high school level scientific method along with experimental design techniques. We also help students become proficient at reading the various charts and graphs that are presented on the test.

This section is broken up into seven passages, in three formats: Data Representation (3 passages / 15 questions = 38%of the section), Experimental Research Summaries (3 passages / 18 questions = 45%), and Conflicting Viewpoints (1 passage / 7 questions = 17%)

The optional Writing section is recommended or required by many colleges throughout the country. If students know where they are applying, they can look up each school’s requirements. If not, it is best to take the writing portion just in case. The writing prompt asks students to consider multiple perspectives on a controversial issue in modern society and then take a position. Students are expected to use relevant examples from history, current events, and literature to support their position. Past prompts have included topics such as censorship, public health, and the automation of the work force.