Boosting ACT Success: 4 Test-Taking Strategies Teachers Can Use Today

  • J. Kelly
  • November 22, 2024
Preparing students for the ACT is an all-hands-on-deck effort, especially when balancing the need to teach rigorous academic content with equipping students for a fast-paced, high-stakes test. But here’s the good news: incorporating a few key strategies can make all the difference in helping your students succeed. Strategies, like those taught in MasteryPrep’s Boot Camp for the ACT, are designed to complement the content you already teach while addressing the test’s unique challenges.
  • ACT Test-Taking Strategies
Drawing on insights from the MasteryPrep Boot Camp for the ACT, we’ve outlined four easy-to-implement test-taking strategies for the ACT that will empower your students and build their confidence as test day approaches.

1. Pacing and Time Management

One of the biggest challenges students face on the ACT is time. Each section is strictly timed, and many students find themselves rushing to finish—or running out of time altogether. Help them develop a sense of control with these simple pacing strategies:
  • Set Time Goals: The length of the test section can be broken down into time goals for each question or passage. For example, in the Reading section, students have 35 minutes for four passages. Teach them to spend 8–9 minutes per passage, leaving time to review tough questions. Similarly, for the Math section’s 60 questions in 60 minutes, aim for 1 minute per question on average, with a buffer for tougher problems.
  • Never Leave an Answer Blank (Mark and Move): Because the time limits in each section can be challenging, students often “skip” items or run out of time before answering all questions. Encourage students to quickly determine if they can answer a question within the time goals. If they cannot, students should make their best guess and place a “mark” next to the item and move on to the next. If time permits after completing the section, students can return to the marked items for further consideration.
  • Simulate Timed Conditions: Regular practice under timed conditions helps students internalize the pace of the test and build stamina. When giving students classroom tests or quizzes, provide time limits that will encourage them to practice pacing strategies and build their comfort and confidence when facing timed standardized exams.

By practicing these skills regularly, students will feel more in control of their time and less rushed.

2. English: Master Grammar Rules and the Process of Elimination

The ACT English section tests students on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. It’s fast-paced but also highly predictable, making strategic preparation especially valuable.
  • Focus on Common Grammar Rules Students don’t need to master every grammar concept to succeed. Instead, focus on these high-priority rules:

    • Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure singular subjects pair with singular verbs and plural subjects with plural verbs.
    • Pronoun Clarity: Pronouns like “it,” “they,” or “this” must clearly refer to a specific noun.
    • Comma Usage: Comma content accounts for about 20% of the ACT English section. Teach students when to use commas correctly—for example, in lists, after introductory phrases, and to separate independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

  • The Process of Elimination
    For questions with multiple-choice options, encourage students to:
    • Read the Sentence in Context: Students should read at least one sentence before and after to ensure their answer fits logically and grammatically.
    • Eliminate Wordy Options: The ACT often includes unnecessarily long or redundant answer choices. The simplest, most concise option is usually correct.
    • Prioritize Consistency: Answers must match the tone and style of the surrounding text. Teach students to avoid overly casual or formal choices unless the passage warrants it.
Students should approach the ACT English passages as if they are editing a friend’s paper. By focusing on common grammar patterns and using elimination techniques, students can quickly improve their accuracy on the English section.

3. Math: Formulas and "Eliminate the Outliers"

The ACT Math section is known for testing students’ understanding of concepts in Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Data Analysis. Success on the Math section requires not just content knowledge but also sharp test-taking strategies.

Here are two highly effective approaches:

  • Memorize and Apply Essential Formulas The ACT does not provide a formula sheet, so students must memorize key formulas. Here are some examples they should know by heart.

ACT Test-Taking Strategies: Formulas to Know

  • Slope formula: (y2−y1)/(x2−x1)
  • Area of a circle: πr2
  • Pythagorean theorem: a2+b2=c2

    • TIP: Encourage students to create flashcards or dedicate time to formula review in the weeks leading up to the test.

    • Eliminate the Outliers Multiple-choice math questions often include distractor answers designed to catch common errors. Teach students to:
      • Look for Extreme Answers: Outlier answer choices—such as those that are unusually large, small, or negative—are often incorrect.
      • Eliminate Obvious Misfits: For instance, if a question involves adding small numbers, and one of the choices is in the thousands, it’s likely wrong.
      • Cross-Check Units: If the question asks for an area and some options are linear measurements, they can be eliminated immediately.

    Using this strategy, students can narrow down their options, increasing the chances of choosing the correct answer even if they’re unsure.

     
    • Plug and Chug When solving multiple-choice questions, students can often plug the answer choices into the problem to see which one works. Similarly, substituting simple numbers for variables can simplify complex-looking algebra questions.

    By combining formula mastery, elimination techniques, and plugging in numbers, students are better equipped to tackle the math section with confidence.

    4. Reading: Skim Smart, Don’t Read Every Word

    Many students struggle with the Reading section because they try to read every passage in detail, which leaves little time for answering questions. Instead, teach them to read strategically:

    • Skim for Structure: Encourage students to spend the first 2–3 minutes skimming the passage for structure and main ideas rather than reading every word. Look for the thesis, topic sentences, and key transitions.
    • Use Keywords in Questions: Teach students to spot keywords or phrases in the questions and use those to locate answers in the passage. For example, if a question mentions “melting glaciers,” students should scan the passage for that term or synonyms.
    • Tackle Questions in a Logical Order: Save time by identifying and answering “detail” questions that are easier to locate and answer, leaving more time for the more challenging inference or author’s tone questions.

    By shifting their focus to smart skimming and keyword searches, students can save time and gain confidence in answering questions accurately.

    • ACT Test-Taking Strategies to Foster a Positive Student Experience
    These are just some of the strategies that can be game changers for your students. They complement the deep content knowledge you already teach and address the challenges of a timed, multiple-choice test like the ACT. Here’s why they work so well:

    • They’re Manageable: These techniques are simple, actionable, and easy for students to practice with just a bit of guidance.
    • They Reduce Test Anxiety: When students feel they have tools to tackle the test strategically, they approach it with greater confidence.
    • They Maximize Results: Strategic guessing, pacing, and formula memorization help students make the most of every minute—and every question.

    By combining these strategies with your content instruction, you’re not only preparing your students for the ACT—you’re giving them tools they can use for success in other standardized tests and in life. And isn’t that what great teaching is all about?

    Happy teaching, and best of luck to your students on test day!

    Picture of About the Author: J. Kelly
    About the Author: J. Kelly

    Jim “J.” Kelly is a dedicated education professional and thought leader whose multifaceted career has spanned roles such as teacher, coach, district school board member, business manager, and EdTech executive. As MasteryPrep’s VP of Instructional Operations, he oversees all instructional quality and delivery, customer implementations, internal and external trainings, and executional logistics. J.’s team is responsible for driving initiatives that directly impact hundreds of thousands of students, helping them to achieve their college and career readiness goals.

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