Improving ACT reading skills

I struggle a bit with the reading section on the ACT, especially when it comes to finishing on time. Any tips or strategies on how to improve my reading comprehension and pacing for the ACT?

Improving your ACT reading skills requires a combination of practice, strategy, and time management. Here are some tips to help you in this regard:

1. Familiarize yourself with the test format: Knowing the structure of the ACT reading section will help you better understand what to expect and ease any nerves. The section consists of 4 passages with 10 questions each, for a total of 40 questions in 35 minutes. Passages will typically cover prose fiction, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences topics.

2. Develop a passage reading strategy: Some students prefer to read the questions before the passage, while others prefer to read the passage first. Experiment to find which approach works best for you. Keep in mind that you should focus on understanding the main idea, the organizational structure, and the important details while reading.

3. Practice active reading: While reading the passages, underline or circle keywords, phrases, and ideas to help you stay focused and engaged. This method also makes it easier to refer back to the passage when answering questions.

4. Prioritize questions: Skim through the questions and answer those that you find easy first. This strategy helps ensure you don't waste time on difficult questions at the expense of easier ones. Moreover, answering easy questions might give you context for tackling more challenging ones.

5. Improve your reading speed: You can increase your reading speed by reading regularly, using tools like speed reading apps, and participating in focused practice sessions. Avoid the temptation to skim or skip parts of the passage, as you may miss crucial information needed for the questions.

6. Answer questions efficiently: After reading the passage, quickly review the questions and eliminate any answer choices that are clearly wrong. This process increases the likelihood of choosing the correct answer without spending too much time on each question.

7. Keep track of time: Allocate about 8-9 minutes per passage, including answering the questions. Practice using a timer and make a conscious effort to stay within your time limits. Be aware of your pace throughout the test and adjust if needed.

8. Take timed practice tests: Regular practice with real, timed ACT tests will help you become comfortable with the format, improve your reading skills, and sharpen your time management. Review your answers and examine both incorrect and correct responses to understand your thought process and identify areas for improvement.

Keep in mind that improvement takes time, so be patient with yourself. Stay consistent with your practice, analyze your weaknesses, and develop strategies to overcome them. With dedication and persistence, your reading skills and pacing will gradually improve, ultimately increasing your ACT reading score.