<p>I find it very difficult for me to read the passages on the ACT. I just can't concentrate. The passages are very long and boring. You have to read 4 passages and answer 40 questions within the alloted time of 35 minutes. I know doing practice tests would most likely improve my score, but I just can't concentrate when reading these passages. My mind drifts off. I'm aiming for at least a 26 on the reading section of the ACT. How can I improve my ability to focus? Medications?</p>
<p>I am completely with you on this. I took the ACT last April, and my scores were 31C;34E;34M;26R;31S. All I want is a boost in my reading to possibly a 28. It’s only 2 points, but I just cannot seem to get my score up even one point. I just took a practice test in the 1296 PR book, and I got a 26 in reading AGAIN. Needless to say, I’m very frustrated. Please help us out!</p>
<p>Trick yourself into thinking you love the topic. Get involved, but remember it’s timed.</p>
<p>The 1296 book is much harder than the actual act, so you might be there!</p>
<p>What I did was read a paragraph, answer any questions pertaining to that paragraph then do the same for the other paragraphs. Just take it one paragraph at a time. That way, you don’t get confused with distracting info in other parts of the passage. Save the questions that ask about the whole passage for last</p>
<p>I always read the questions first. Then I read the first and last paragraph, scan the middle for answers. I got a 32 on the reading section.
It really does help if you pretend you’re interested. I always think to myself “wow, I’ve never read anything like this before so let’s just take in the information!” </p>
<p>Disclaimer: I am an extremely fast reader and comprehend well, so my tips may be construed</p>
<p>If the passages were a bit more interesting, I’d be able to do it for sure. I guess tricking myself into thinking they are interesting will be the only key.</p>
<p>I just took a practice test on the reading today. I noticed I was running out of time for the last two passages. I had 12 minutes for the last two. So I didn’t read the passages. The reading always takes the longest for me. I ended up getting a 32 on the reading, not my best, but I only got one question wrong on the ones that I didn’t read, and two on the ones that I did. So for me especially the two science passages it really isn’t important to read. Just read the intro and conclusion. Then for the questions that ask about details, most give you the line numbers and you will have plenty of time for the ones that don’t.</p>
<p>I find that I do significantly better on the prose and humanities sections which is weird since I hate stuff like that. Also, I took another practice test today, but this time from one of the booklets they hand out to you and I got a 26 for reading AGAIN. This time I only missed 10 compared to 15 last time, so I guess the curve was harsher? But at least I’m consistent on being consistent. </p>
<p>I have been trying to read the questions first because every time I read the passage, I end up forgetting 90% of it. But it just appears that both strategies don’t work at all for me. I seriously don’t know what to do. I’m stressing out!</p>