<p>Hi, I've been preparing ACT for the last two months or so and I really cannot get out of the low 20 range for the reading. I've tried tons of reading strategies e.g read passage first, draw notes...
I just can't get out of this range no matter how, and my test date is on September. So can anyone recommend me some more strategies I could try?</p>
<p>ACT Reading is super difficult because the time restraint is crazy. That being said, maybe the ACT isn’t really for you. Maybe try the SAT?</p>
<p>Or, with the ACT, use the following tips:
- Don’t slowly read the whole passage. Instead, try to figure out the plot, character mood, and the author’s tone by reading a few paragraphs. Also, the questions from the test can give you subtle hints about what the passage is really about.
- Don’t read the questions first. It slows you down; you’re just reading questions that you have no idea about since you don’t even know what the passage is about yet. Some people might disagree with me, but this works for me.
- Lastly, keep a positive mind! If you believe that you can’t do this anymore, you’ll be discouraged. Approach the passages as if you’ve been dying to read them! </p>
<p>Hope these helped! Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks ill try tip 3 and see if I can reach the 30 range. Because I got 36 on both math and science and I want to boost it :)</p>
<p>Wow, a 36 on both math and science is impressive :)</p>
<p>What always helps me is that if the answer isn’t explicitly in the passage, it is not correct. An answer could seem right, but one small word could invalidate the answer. I normally skim the passage, then read the questions and refer back to the part of the passage the question is about. This normally gets me about a 33-34 on the reading section. Also, be sure to pace yourself carefully. I divide the time evenly between the passages, leaving 3 minutes left over to go back to answers I was unsure about. Good luck!</p>
<p>In the meantime you should read more difficult books in your leisure time. Those who usually score high in the reading are good readers.</p>
<p>I usually read a paragraph, then quickly glance thru the questions to see if I can answer any based on what I have just read. Save the “main idea” questions for last. This helped me get a 34 on the reading section</p>
<p>Hi, thanks for all the tips you guys gave me and ill try to do as much as possible. I’ve tried some of the methods that Barron’s gave me and I found one to be quite useful.
I tried reading the questions first and make notes on the passage of where i need to refer to. E.g is question is asking line 7-10, I will underline line 7-10 and read it carefully and slowly, then I will speed back up. It worked out quite well got a 25 for 18-22, but now I feel that I need to rush more than before at the last passage.</p>
<p>So do you guys think it’s a good reading method?</p>
<p>Read an article on how to read most effectively. Don’t take any drugs like caffeine before the test, and think about testing situation. I’m sure I would have done worse on a practice ACT at home because my parents’ home is just so boring.</p>