So I just got my scores back and did extremely bad on reading… I know that they’re adding the new double passage so any tips from anyone who got a good score on reading this September test on how to do those? I guess this is the same for everyone but my timing is really bad on the reading section, and when I take practice tests I usually score a lot higher than what I do on the real test. I guess it also depends on which tests I’m taking but I have no idea how to prepare for the reading section! Any prep books or sites I could use to help improve my score? Really appreciate it!
For me, it was practice. Also, I take a breathe, encourage myself that I can do it, fake that I’m actually super interested in the passage if I’m not (but usually, they’re pretty interesting). I used to always run out of time on practice tests, so I kind of rush myself in the beginning, but I know some people don’t like doing that. It works great for me though!
For the actual test, I read the entire passage first and then answer the questions. The double passage generally asks you to compare the two, so keep that in mind as you read.
Another way is to skim over the questions first and make note in the passage (for example, if the question says “in lines 34-36” just put a star next to lines 34 to 36 so you know that those lines are important
Good luck!!
I also practice a lot! I used the official ACT practice book and my reading score went from a 26 to a 31. I usually do better on the arts/literature passages since they are easier to comprehend so I skim through those that way I have more time to carefully read the social studies/sciences passages. Hope this helps!
I got a prep book which is specifically for ACT reading, and it’s called: “IES Reading Practice Book”. It has 10 complete reading sections and has thorough answer explanations. I recommend it!
I actually used the book and practiced over the summer and took my first ACT this Sept 12 ACT. I think I did well, but my score hasn’t come out yet so we’ll see how I actually did.
If you have the time, just read. Seriously. I didn’t do any prep for the reading test except reading novels and stuff. If you can get your reading speed up, the time issue pretty much solves itself.
Give yourself 8 minutes for the single passages and 10 for the double. If you’re slightly over that after 2 passages, try to speed up a little bit more and refrain from looking back at the passage. Doing this helped me go from a 28 to a 34.
@clichescreenname let me know what your score is!
Thank you all for the tips! I will definitely use them for the October test 