Hi there! I'm taking the ACT soon and was wondering how long the test will be including breaks. How much time should I plan for the entire test experience?
The ACT test's duration, including breaks, depends on whether you're taking it with the optional Writing section or not. Here's a breakdown of the test timings:
Without Writing section:
- English: 45 minutes
- Math: 60 minutes
- Reading: 35 minutes
- Science: 35 minutes
With Writing section:
- English: 45 minutes
- Math: 60 minutes
- Reading: 35 minutes
- Science: 35 minutes
- Writing: 40 minutes
In addition to the test sections, you'll get a 10-minute break after the Math section and a 5-minute break before the Writing section if you're taking the Writing portion of the ACT test. So, with breaks, the total time for the ACT test is as follows:
- Without Writing: 2 hours and 55 minutes (175 minutes) + 10-minute break = 3 hours and 5 minutes (185 minutes)
- With Writing: 3 hours and 35 minutes (215 minutes) + 10-minute break + 5-minute break = 3 hours and 50 minutes (230 minutes)
Keep in mind that you should also plan some extra time for the pre-test activities such as checking-in, collecting materials, and listening to instructions. Depending on your testing center, you may want to add around 30 minutes for these activities. Therefore, I would recommend planning for about 3 hours and 35 minutes in total for the ACT without Writing and around 4 hours and 20 minutes for the ACT with Writing.
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