 The ACT is a college admissions test designed to measure students' readiness for university-level study. A high score helps students get admitted to their target schools and qualify for scholarships.
Because of the test's importance (and length - it takes nearly three hours to complete), preparing for the ACT can be daunting. Luckily, the test-makers let students and instructors know exactly which skills and concepts will show up on each section of the test. With this information and a detailed study plan, students can avoid cramming and walk into test day feeling confident and prepared. The ACT English Test The ACT consists of four portions: English, Math, Reading and Science. The English section tests students' knowledge of grammar, punctuation and writing standards. Here is a breakdown of the concepts included in each ACT English test: 1. Grammar, Usage and Mechanics (40 questions)
Perhaps the fastest way for a student to improve his or her English section score is to memorize punctuation rules. While the breakdown attributes only 10 questions to punctuation problems, the English section requires students to draw on punctuation rules frequently to rule out wrong answers and answer sentence structure problems. For example, the test-writers often rely on misused commas to generate the three incorrect answer options that students must eliminate. Check out this sample problem, for instance: As World War I began, the British navy blockaded the European continent, cutting off Chilean nitrate supplies. A. NO CHANGE B. continent C. continent: D. continent; While this is primarily a sentence structure problem, students must correctly apply punctuation rules in order to select the correct answer option. Ready to boost your ACT score in a few easy steps? Take a couple minutes to memorize these 13 punctuation rules, then complete some ACT practice problems to solidify your new skills. The 13 ACT Punctuation Rules Comma Rules: 1. Use a comma to separate three or more words in a list. Sam brought his bat, ball, and glove to the game on Sunday. 2. Use a comma to separate two equal adjectives. The violent, steely waves menaced the fishermen. 3. Use commas to offset non-essential words or phrases in a sentence. The sunset, glowing in the evening dusk, looked like a ball of fire. Teresa, my cousin, immigrated from France in 1998. 4. Use a comma to separate an introductory word or phrase from the rest of the sentence. Yes, Mary is planning to attend the dance this Friday. According to Dad, the car is fixed. 5. Use a comma to offset a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence. Although she was good at business, she chose the profession of a teacher. 6. Use a comma and coordinating conjunction to separate two independent clauses. I enjoyed watching the game, but my brother thought it was too long. Now, try a few practice problems: 1. A bright yellow shining light glowed from the lighthouse to warn travelers at sea. A. NO CHANGE B. bright, yellow, shining light C. bright, yellow, shining, light D. bright, yellow, shining, light, 2. We went to a great concert last night but the music was too loud. A. NO CHANGE B. concert last night, but the music C. concert, last night but, the music D. concert, last night, but the music 3. To open the door properly you must turn the knob while pressing in firmly. A. NO CHANGE B. properly you must turn the knob, C. properly, you must turn the knob D. properly you must turn, the knob Answers: B, B, C Apostrophe Rules: 1. Use apostrophes to show missing letters. I'm, They'd, It's raining outside, Who's coming? 2. Use apostrophes to show ownership. Juan's car, children's film, many flowers' stems 3. Do not use an apostrophe to make a noun plural or create a possessive pronoun. yours, ours, its muffler, Whose idea is it? Semicolon Rules: 1. Use semicolons to connect two related independent clauses. I called Jessica; she will arrive in 30 minutes. 2. When necessary, pair semicolons with a longer transition word or phrase (subordinating conjunction or conjunctive adverb) followed by a comma. Do not use a coordinating conjunction. I love cheese; however, I find milk disgusting. I missed the final exam; as a result, I failed the course. Colon Rules: 1. Use colons to set up a list of items. This recipe includes many ingredients: chicken, curry, onions, brown sugar, and sour cream. 2. Use colons to set up and deliver a salient point. That's when Walt Disney stumbled upon the character he would become known for: Mickey Mouse. Now, try a few practice problems: 1. Almost all areas on earth have been explored by modern scientists; as a result, they have begun research on the floors of the sea. A. NO CHANGE B. scientists; as a result they C. scientists, as a result, they D. scientists. As a result they 2. Don't you remember they're story about catching butterfly's? A. NO CHANGE B. Don't you remember their story about catching butterfly's? C. Don't you remember their story about catching butterflies? D. Don't you remember there story about catching butterflies? 3. The questions were tricky, but I did them. A. NO CHANGE B. question's were tricky, but I C. questions were tricky; but I D. questions were tricky, but: I Answers: A, C, A Preparing for the ACT English Section How did you do on the practice problems? The more time you spend answering practice questions in the ACT format, the easier the real test will be. Every ACT test features the same concepts, format and question types, so completing practice problems and practice tests is by far the best way to raise your score. Need assistance finding practice materials, creating a test preparation plan or mastering difficult concepts? A test prep tutor can help. The expert ACT tutors at iLearn Academy help students raise their scores by six points, on average. For more information, check out our test prep program page.
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