Timing of ACT Test Sections

Hello! I'm preparing for the ACT test and I want to work on my pacing. Could someone please tell me the official timing for each section of the test and any strategies to manage my time effectively during the exam?

Hello! Mastering pacing for the ACT is a crucial skill. Here's the official timing for each section:

1. English: 75 questions in 45 minutes

2. Mathematics: 60 questions in 60 minutes

3. Reading: 40 questions in 35 minutes

4. Science: 40 questions in 35 minutes

If you choose to take the optional Writing section, you'll have 40 minutes to write your essay.

Now, let's discuss some time management strategies for each section:

English:

- Allocate about 36 seconds per question

- Read and answer quickly, as the questions are designed to test your grasp of grammar and style

- If you're unsure about an answer, make a best guess and mark it to review later if time allows

Mathematics:

- Allocate about 1 minute per question

- Focus on understanding the question before trying to solve it

- Use mental math and estimation when possible

- Don't spend too much time on a single problem; if stuck, move on and return to it later if time allows

Reading:

- Allocate about 8 minutes and 45 seconds per passage (4 passages total)

- Skim passages for main ideas and structure first (spend about 2 minutes on this)

- Use the remaining 6-7 minutes to answer the questions for each passage

- If a question requires more detailed analysis, mark it to return to later if time allows

Science:

- Allocate about 8 minutes and 45 seconds per passage (4 passages total)

- Quickly scan each passage to get a general idea of the content; focus on data and graphs

- Answer questions related to the data and graphs first, as these usually take less time

- Tackle questions that require more comprehension of the passage last, and return to them later if time allows

General tips:

- Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll be with the test format and timing.

- Track your pacing with a watch or timer during practice tests. This will help train your internal clock.

- For all sections, answer the questions you're most confident about first. This ensures you get those points and helps build your confidence as you progress through the test.

Best of luck with your ACT prep and on test day! Remember that maintaining a calm and focused mindset is equally important when managing your time efficiently.