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ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized examination that is taken by high school students to secure admission to their desired colleges in the United States of America (USA) and some English-speaking countries. The test measures students’ readiness to enter college and provides colleges with the necessary data to evaluate undergraduate applicants. The ACT exam comprises four sections, namely English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional Writing test, which an aspirant may be required to take depending on the admission criteria set by the college/university.
Sections | English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing (Optional) |
Total number of questions | 215 |
Range of score | 1-36 |
Negative Marking | No |
Test Duration | 2 hours 55 minutes (without optional writing test), 3 hours 40 minutes (with writing test) |
Purpose of exam | Admission to colleges and ACT scholarships |
ACT score validity | 5 years |
Organizing body | ACT, Inc. |
Format | Computer-based test (for international students) |
Since the ACT test comprises four compulsory sections and one optional section, let us understand each of them in terms of the number of questions asked and time allotted:
Sub-categories | No of questions | Time allotted | Types of questions |
---|---|---|---|
English | 75 multiple-choice questions | 45 minutes | Tests sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, and rhetorical skills. |
Reading | 40 multiple-choice questions | 35 minutes | Science-based paragraphs are presented with research summaries, graphs, tables, and charts. |
Math | 60-multiple choice questions | 60 minutes | Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra I and II. |
Writing (Optional) | 1 essay prompt | 40 minutes | Complements the English and Reading tests. |
The English section of the exam tests two skills: Usage and Mechanics, and Rhetorical skills. The latter tests your comprehension, and ability to work on the passages’ style. Usage and Mechanics test understanding of the sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. The section contains five passages, having 15 questions each.
Critical reasoning and referring skills will be put to test under this section. The ACT Reading test will have five types of questions that will evaluate a candidate based on the following: Vocabulary, implied ideas, function and development, detail, and main idea. The reading section will include passages from natural science, social science, literary function, and humanities.
Around five to seven passages related to physics, chemistry, earth science, and biology may be given under this section. Interpretative questions will be asked based on graphs, charts, tables, and research summaries. Topics include conflicting viewpoints, data representation, high school-level biology, earth or physical science, and research summaries.
Questions based on trigonometry, pre-algebra, intermediate algebra, elementary algebra, coordinate geometry, and plane geometry carrying 20-25% weightage each will be asked in this section.
The section assesses a candidate’s ability to analyze arguments and put different opinions together in a coherent essay. A short passage along with three varying perspectives will be given. The test taker will be required to evaluate the three viewpoints and relate them to the original passage. Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure along with other English writing skills will be put to test in this section.
Studying abroad will ensure quality education and it will be more rewarding if taken up at the right stage of your career. The best time to make a decision regarding studying abroad should be after high school. To study in the most reputed international countries like America and Canada, students would need to pass one language exam along with a standardized test used for college admissions. Colleges and universities set an eligibility score for exams like ACT for high school pass outs to filter them for their bachelor’s programs. ACT stands for American College Test and is used by various colleges and universities to offer admission to undergraduate courses. ACT syllabus is a planned educational curriculum that tests a high school graduate on his/her readiness for college.
ACT is recognized by ACT Inc. – an American non-profit organization and basis that over 1.67 million high school graduates apply every year globally to study abroad. It is regarded as a standard examination, used to check the eligibility of high school graduates in the areas of Mathematics, Science, English, and Reading. The very first section is English, and the questions are based on usage, grammar, rhetoric and sentence construction. Mathematics includes elementary topics like algebra, geometry and trigonometry. The science structure is mainly based on problem-solving, interpretation and analytical skills. The test’s reading part focuses on ideas, knowledge, development and comprehension. The writing part of the examination is optional, and it depends upon the universities or colleges to decide that part. The ACT exam pattern is simple, and it is a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions. The ACT exam has no passing score, and the average score is 21, on a scale of 1-36. A high score will make admissions easier at prestigious and notable universities.
Name of the examination | ACT |
---|---|
ACT sections | English, Mathematics, Science and Reading, Writing (optional). |
Average and maximum score | 21-36 |
ACT duration | 2 hours 55 minutes (40 minutes more if writing is included) |
Number of attempts | USA: 7 times a year |
Canada: 7 times a year | |
Other countries: 5 times a year |
The ACT exam is a standard exam that assesses the readiness of high school graduates to get admission into undergraduate courses at various reputed and recognized American colleges. The ACT test syllabus focuses on four main sections-Mathematics, English, Science, Reading and Writing (optional). It is around three hours of examination, sans writing section, with a multiple-choice question pattern.
Students need to check the eligibility and requirements shared by every college and university to find out if they have been asked for the writing exam scores too. There will be a total of 215 questions with no negative marking. The average score is 21, and the recognized ranked universities always have a high score requirement. To prepare better, students should have the ACT exam pattern at their fingertips:
SECTION | TYPES OF QUESTIONS | SUB-SECTIONS | TIME ALLOTTED |
---|---|---|---|
ENGLISH | 75 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) | Usage of language Grammar Usage Punctuation Sentence structure Rhetorical Language Skill Organization Style Strategy |
45 Minutes |
MATHEMATICS | 60 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) | Intermediate Algebra Coordinate Geometry Trigonometry Plane Geometry Pre- Algebra Algebra Elementary |
60 Minutes |
Break | Break | Break | Break |
READING | 40 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) | There will be a total of four passages. Each passage will be given from various sections like fiction, humanities, social studies and science. | 30 Minutes |
SCIENCE | 40 Multiple-Choice Question (MCQs) | Conflicting viewpoints Data representations Graphs and tables Research methodology and summary |
35 Minutes |
WRITING | 1 Essay | One writing topic | 40 Minutes |
Total time allotted: 3 hours 35 minutes (excluding the breaks) | 215 Questions | 4 compulsory Sections (Writing optional) | 3.35 Hours |
It is very important for ACT aspirants to be aware of the complete ACT exam syllabus, as it will help them to avoid any surprises on the day of the examination.
This is the very first and compulsory section of the ACT exam. This section will have 75 MCQs from five passages. The questions are based on a big and detailed picture of the passages. The idea of these questions is to test an aspirant’s grammar usage and rhetorical skills. The usage test will focus on sentence formulation, punctuation and the usage of the right words in a sentence. The rhetorical skills section will be based on comprehension and understanding of the provided passage. Punctuation-related questions are important as they assess the skills of a student to use periods, question marks, commas and colons at the right place. Sentence structure is very important in evaluating clauses, phrases, modifiers and construction. The section will test the ability of the examinees to modify and improve the given passage with appropriate sentences and words. The style of writing is very important to maintain the structure, tone, format, and flow of a passage.
A basic calculator is allowed for this section of the ACT examination. The main topics are percentage, multiples, factors, ratio, profit and loss, exponents, statistics, series, mean/median and mode, linear equations, inequalities, multiplying binomials, quadratic equations, functions, circles, polygons, triangle, geometry, graphs, complex numbers, trigonometry, 3-D Geometry, slope calculations, number lines, midpoints and conic sections. It will include the entire elementary mathematics syllabus for classes 11 and 12.
The reading test in ACT will have a total of four long paragraphs of four different genres. It will be from sections like prose English, natural science, social science, and the arts. Each of the passages will have 10 questions. It will test the ability to understand and analyse the tone, format and flow of sentences, locate small details in the passage and comprehend the main characters and central ideas. There will be questions based on the description, implied ideas, vocabulary, functional and central idea questions. The best tip to cracking this part will be to solve the easy passages first and then give time to the difficult ones.
The science section will have 40 multiple-choice questions and seven passages in total. The topics will be earth science, chemistry, physics, and biology. Reasoning, scientific ability, analytics, evaluation and knowledge of theories are important. Data, hypothesis, analysing skills and interpretations are some of the topics that will be covered under the ACT exam’s science section.
The cogency of good essay writing is always essential for the ACT exam. This section will have a short passage along with three different viewpoints. The students writing the test need to analyse the viewpoints, note the drawbacks and merits of the viewpoints and give proper reasoning for the comments.
ACT is a recognized test for high school students moving out to pursue a college degree. The difficulty level is minimal for the students with regular updates, practice and planning.Are you also taking the upcoming ACT exam? If yes, you can seek any kind of guidance and information by visiting the AESPL website.The academic counselor will guide you to getting the best ACT scores.
ACT is a standardized examination required to get admission to an undergraduate course in various countries. The list includes America, Canada, Germany, Europe, Puerto Rico, Australia and Singapore. There is no need for ACT exam scores in the United Kingdom.
ACT score ranges on a scale from 1-36, where 21 is an average score. A good score is above 24 and for the best colleges and universities, the cut-off is always very high. Try for a score above 30 for admission to good-ranked colleges and universities.
There are a total of four compulsory sections, out of which the mathematics section is the most difficult. However, with the right planning and daily practice, students can easily score better.
The following items are allowed in the ACT exam center-printed exam ticket, basic calculator, identity proof, a watch, snacks, pencils, pens and erasers. Don’t bring a scientific calculator as it is not allowed.
The ACT is a widely accepted and standardized examination in the U.S. and several other countries. It is used majorly for undergraduate admissions into several colleges and universities. Learning about the ACT exam pattern is important since many foreign institutions ask for SAT/ACT scores as a part of the application package. All universities in the U.S. accept the same with only a few exceptions. The examination is run by a non-profit organization by the same name, i.e. ACT. It is a computer-based examination and comprises four primary portions, i.e. Math, English, Science and Reading. It also comes with an optional Writing (Essay) section.
The ACT exam structure offers passages which evaluate punctuation, grammar, persuasive abilities, and sentence structure. The reading test has four passages from social studies, prose fiction, natural sciences, and humanities. Major math test topics include Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis and Trigonometry. The science test evaluates data interpretation and comprehension based on science passages. No prior knowledge of science is needed for this test. The examination takes 3 hours and if the optional writing section is chosen, then it will take up to 4 hours. The score range is 1-36 for all the four skills and the optional writing section is called the ACT Plus Writing section with multiple choice questions. There is no negative marking and a total of 215 questions are present in the test.
Here is a brief look at the ACT exam format
Total Time- 2 hours and 55 minutes | |
---|---|
ACT Test 2021 Format | Two formats- ACT (no writing) ACT (with writing) |
Number of Questions | 215 or 216 (One extra essay question for ACT with writing) |
Type of Questions | Multiple-choice questions (MCQ) |
Subjects asked in ACT® Test | English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science |
Additional time | Additional 40 minutes is given to those choosing ACT(with optional essay writing) |
Subjects | Time (minutes) | Number of Questions | Answer Options |
---|---|---|---|
Mathematics | 60 | 60 | Multiple-choice questions with four or five choices |
Reading | 35 | 40 | Multiple-choice referring and reasoning questions with four or five choices |
Science | 35 | 40 | Four-choices for one question, multiple-choice data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints questions |
English | 45 | 75 | Four-choice, multiple-choice usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills questions |
Writing (optional essay) | 40 | 1 | One writing prompt |
Number of Answer Choices (Reading, Science, English) | 4 |
Number of Answer Choices (Math) | 5 |
Odd-Numbered Questions | A-D/E Labeling |
Even-Numbered Questions | F-J/K (I is excluded) |
Correct Answer Marking | Raw point for each correct answer without negative marking/penalties |
Score Range for Every Test | 1-36 |
Composite Score Generation | Averaging English + Math + Reading + Science Scores |
Writing Test Scores | 2-12 without impacting Composite Score |
Essay Scores | 4 Writing Domain Scores (Development and Support, Ideas and Analysis, Language Use and Conventions and Organization). Each one is scored on a 2-12 scale. Writing domain scores ranging from 2-12 are sums of scores given by two readers on the 1-6 scale for every domain. The essay score is combined with the Reading and English score to generate separate ELA (English Language Arts) score between 1-36. |
STEM Score | Provided by ACT Test and sub-score range for each of the four subject-based scores |
English | Math | Reading | >Writing (Optional) | Science |
---|---|---|---|---|
Usage Mechanics- 40 Questions | Pre-Algebra (14 questions) | Prose Fiction Passage (10 questions) | 3 Perspectives on any Debatable Topic/Issue | 2-3 Charts and Graphs Passages (5-7 questions) |
a. Punctuation (10 questions) | Elementary Algebra (10 questions) | Humanities Passage (10 questions) | 2-3 Science Experiment Passages (5-7 questions) | |
b. Grammar Usage (12 questions) | Intermediate Algebra (9 questions) | Social Sciences Passage (10 questions) | 1/2 Fighting Scientists Passages (5-7 questions | |
c. Sentence Structure (18 questions) | Coordinate Geometry (9 questions) | Natural Sciences Passage (10 questions) | ||
Rhetorical Skills- 35 Questions | Plane Geometry (14 questions) | |||
a. Strategy (12 questions) | Trigonometry (4 questions) | |||
b. Organization (11 questions) | ||||
c. Style (12 questions) |
Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered for each of the two ACT exam dates.
Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Fee Required | Photo Upload Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
8-9 October 2021 | 10 September | 24 September | 1 October |
10-11 December 2021 | 12 November | 29 November | 3 December |
11-12 February 2022 | 14 January | 28 January | 4 February |
1-2 April 2022 | 4 March | 18 March | 25 March |
10-11 June 2022v | 13 May | 27 May | 3 June |
15-16 July 2022 | 17 June | 1 July | 8 July |
Each ACT test has a different raw score to scale the score conversion chart, depending on the level of the examination.
Find below the sample ACT scoring chart, as available on the testing agency’s website:
Scale Score | Raw Scores | Scale Score | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
English | Mathematics | Reading | Science | ||
1 | 0-2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
2 | 3-4 | - | 1 | - | 2 |
3 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
4 | 6-8 | - | - | 2 | 4 |
5 | 9-10 | 2 | 3 | - | 5 |
6 | 11-13 | - | 4 | 3 | 6 |
7 | 14-15 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 7 |
8 | 17-19 | - | 6 | 5 | 8 |
9 | 20-22 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 9 |
10 | 23-24 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 10 |
11 | 25-26 | 6-7 | 9-10 | 8 | 11 |
12 | 27-28 | 8-9 | 11-12 | 9 | 12 |
13 | 29 | 10-11 | 13 | 10 | 13 |
14 | 30-32 | 12-14 | 14-15 | 11 | 14 |
15 | 33-34 | 15-18 | 16-17 | 12 | 15 |
16 | 35-37 | 19-23 | 18 | 13 | 16 |
17 | 38-39 | 24-26 | 19 | 14-15 | 17 |
18 | 40-41 | 27-28 | 20-21 | 16 | 18 |
19 | 42-44 | 29-30 | 22 | 17-18 | 19 |
20 | 45-47 | 31-32 | 23-24 | 19-20 | 20 |
21 | 48-50 | 33 | 25 | 21-22 | 21 |
22 | 51-52 | 34-35 | 26 | 23 | 22 |
23 | 53-55 | 36-37 | 27-28 | 24-25 | 23 |
24 | 56-57 | 38-40 | 29 | 26-27 | 24 |
25 | 58-59 | 41-42 | 30 | 28-29 | 25 |
26 | 60-61 | 43-44 | 31 | 30 | 26 |
27 | 62-63 | 45-46 | 32 | 31-32 | 27 |
28 | 64-65 | 47-48 | 33 | 33 | 28 |
29 | 66 | 49 | 34 | 34 | 29 |
30 | 67 | 50-51 | 35 | 35 | 30 |
31 | 68 | 52 | 36 | 36 | 31 |
32 | 69 | 53 | 37 | - | 32 |
33 | 70 | 54 | - | 37 | 33 |
34 | 71-72 | 55-56 | 38 | 38 | 34 |
35 | 73-74 | 57-58 | 39 | 39 | 35 |
36 | 75 | 59-60 | 40 | 40 | 36 |
Scoring ACT Writing test: The ACT Writing test is scored on a scale of 2 (lowest) to 12 (highest). The average writing score ranges between 6 to 7.
Once the scores are revealed, aspirants can check them using their MyACT account.Steps to check the scores:
Read below to find out how to register for the ACT exam in India and other non-US territories: A candidate will have to register for the test online, and it will approximately take him/her 30 minutes to complete the process. All you will need is a credit card/voucher, a list of grades and courses, and an email address.
There is no age limit or requirement for the ACT test-takers. However, it is mostly taken by high school graduates to enter college. It can also be taken by students from grades 6 to 9.
The ACT test fee is non-refundable, except for the optional writing test fee which is refundable if requested through a written document.
ACT fee with no writing option | $168.50 (INR 12, 310) |
ACT fee with writing option | $188.50 (INR 13,771) |
The fee is inclusive of a report for the candidate, his/her school, and four colleges of choice, only if codes were provided for them during the registration.
The additional fee is added to the test charge.
Late registration fee | $36 (INR 2,630) |
Test date or center change | $36 (INR 2,922) |
Score reports for 5th and 6th colleges | $16 (INR 1,169) |
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