Strategies for Success on the ACT Part II Ms. Sharon Jaeschke Prairie Valley Sources: Cracking the ACT by The Princeton Review and “Zapping the ACT” by the ZAPS Learning Company

Strategies for the English Exam

On Every ACT English Exam… There are always five reading passages with errors in punctuation, grammar, usage, or sentence structure Most of the test items consist of underlined words, phrases, or sentences; you need to pick the correct way to write the underlined choice. (Why did I use a semicolon in this?) Questions focus either on mechanics or understanding of the passage

English Test Tip #1 Remember if you can’t use a period, you can’t substitute a semicolon Watch out for sentence fragments The ACT will never present a sentence fragment as the correct choice Check for fragments in these two situations: when you see a period in the underlined part When you see a period in the choices Example: Sentence Structure Drill Questions (6 min.)

English Test Tip #2 Say the choices to yourself to choose “by ear” If something sounds wrong or awkward, it probably is wrong Review when to use “who” vs. “whom” Use “who” if you could replace with “he” Use “whom” if you could replace with “him” Example: Grammar Drill Questions Time: 6 minutes

English Test Tip #3 Review when to use comma or semicolon Review when to use a dash Example: Punctuation Drill Questions Time: 6 minutes

English Test Tip #4 Watch and look out for redundancy. If it can be said with one single word, two words should not be used and applied. There are 3 places in the comment above in which there is redundancy – can you find them? Example: Rhetorical Skills Drill Question Time: 5 minutes

English Test Tip #5 How to handle it when the question number is in a little box If it refers to one paragraph, you should re-read the paragraph and answer by eliminating wrong choices If it requires re-reading the entire passage, guess by eliminating answers if you can, and then circle the question number to come back to it if there is time left Example: Rhetorical Skills Drill Questions Time: 4 minutes

Strategies for the Math Exam

On Every ACT Math Exam… There will be 60 problems to do in 60 minutes If you studied in your algebra I and geometry classes, you will recognize most of the questions since they are written at that level Apply the Two Pass Strategy with “Now, later, never”.

Math Test Tip #1 The Two Pass Strategy First pass: Decide “Now, later, or never” for each problem “Now” - Problems that you are sure you can get correct “Later” - Problems that you can do, but they will take more work and/or time “Never” Problems that you know you can’t do

During the First Pass… READ every problem carefully! “Now” – work the problem and mark the correct answer “Never” – choose a “Guess Letter of the Day” and use that letter on every problem that you guess at that day “Later” – circle the problem number with the intent of coming back to it.

During the second pass… Read the “Later” problems again Use more time to do work necessary Use POE (“process of elimination”) Some choices may be obviously incorrect Completely cross out incorrect choices Still may need a guess, but with better chance of being correct

Last Step: 5 Minute Warning During every test it is announced when there is 5 minutes remaining Stop working on any remaining “Later” problems and use the guess letter on them Fill in the remaining bubbles on the score sheet for the test without any further consideration of how to do the problems Focus on filling in the score sheet correctly!

Math Test Tip #2 Using your calculator is not always the best approach – sometimes a sketch, table, equation, graph, or other notes drawn or written near the problem will help you more

Math Test Tip #3 Underline “key” words as you read the problem Verbs such as “is” indicate equality or an equals sign “of” usually indicates a multiplication “less than” is subtraction with the quantities switched around

Math Test Tip #4 Always consider whether it would save time to just plug in the possible answers to see which one works Try most likely choices first to save time since there is only one correct answer to each question.

Math Test Tip #5 Almost every test will have at least one or two problems involving averages Go over the basic equation for an average and what each spot represents Go over how to solve for each missing spot

Math Test Tip #6 In regard to the 4 trig questions on every ACT exam… Remember SOH CAH TOA Use the reciprocals to find csc, sec, and cot If you didn’t take trigonometry – guess right away on the rest – it is only four of the sixty total questions

Do the Drills for Math & Discuss Basics Drill (10 min.) Arithmetic Drill (5 min.) Algebra Drill (6 min.) Geometry Drill (5 min.) Graphing and Coordinate Geometry Drill (5 min.) Trigonometry Drill (3 min.)

Math Test Tip #7 Important math formulas show up on most ACT exams These can be programmed into your calculator for you to use during the exam Handout: How to program the Quadratic Formula, Midpoint Formula, and Distance Formula into your TI-83 or 84 calculator

Strategies for the Reading Exam

On Every ACT Reading Exam… There will be four passages with ten questions each and you will have 35 minutes. The four passages will involve a social studies topic a natural sciences topic an excerpt from a short story or novel an area of the arts and humanities

Reading Test Tips #1. Choose the type of passage you are best at reading to do first. #2. Skim the entire passage before looking at the questions. #3. Answer all 10 questions before you begin reading the next passage. #4. Underline main ideas as you read. #5. Make notes in the margins if needed.

Another Reading Test Tip: Circle or underline key words Reversal Words Supporting Words Result Words “on the other hand” “additionally” “because” “however” “since” “so” “yet” “moreover” “when” “rather” “besides” “therefore” “although” “in fact” “consequently” “in spite of” “furthermore” “thus” “nevertheless” “accordingly” “despite” “even though” “instead” “not withstanding”

Another Reading Tip Look at each choice as a True-False statement The one that is true will be the correct choice Words used often in false statements: all, always, every, must , no, never, none (they are absolute) Words used often in true statements: some, often, may, seem, most, usually, many (they are vague)

Which one of the following seem most like it could be a true statement? A. Every piece of art is equally worthy of praise. B. Art and society always influence each other. C. All innovative art is attractive to the general public. D. Art is an activity that supercedes most others. Examples: Do the Reading Passage Drills

Strategies for the Science Exam

On Every ACT Science Exam… The test will be 35 minutes and will contain: 3 Graphs and Charts Passages (5 items each) 3 Experiments Passages (6 items each) 1 reading passage (conflicting viewpoints) (7 items) Test does not require a strong science background, but having one will give you more speed and familiarity with the terms Good performance depends upon strategy and technical reading skills

Science Test Tips #1. Identify each passage as “Chart,” “Experiment,” or “Reading” #2. Charts are usually the easiest so do them first #3. Spend only 60-90 seconds on the passage before starting the questions – the information may make more sense after you read the questions. #4. Most questions will be one of 3 types: Why? What-If? Or Look It Up

More Science Test Tips #4. Pay close attention to the labeling of graphs and tables, and their horizontal and vertical axes. #5. Underline key words (just as in the Reading Test) #6. Be more aware of the time and when running out of time, eliminate choices to make a better guess. Make sure you answer every question! #7. Underline or circle negative words in questions and mark each choice with “yes” or “no” as you read them. Example: Do the Science Drills

Realize when you go to take the ACT: You have probably prepared more than 90% of the students in the room. If you apply what you have practiced, you will do well. You have worked too hard to have a low score. You need to trust the tips and work hard the entire morning. You can earn an ACT score that will get you accepted into any college and may help you earn scholarships. You have the opportunity to make your parents proud!