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Welcome to
McGraw-Hill’s
ACT
C
ongratulations!You’ve chosen the ACT guide from America’s leading educational
publisher. You probably know us from many of the textbooks you used in school. Now we’re
ready to help you take the next step – and get into the college or university of your choice.
This book/CD package gives you everything you need to succeed on the test. You’ll get in-depth
instruction and review of every topic tested, tips and strategies for every question type, and plenty of
practice exams to boost your test-taking confidence.
In addition, in the following pages you’ll find:
(cid:2) How to Use This Book/CD package: Step-by-step instructions to help you get the most out
of your test-prep program.
(cid:2) How to Use the Practice Tests: Tips and strategies to guide your test-taking practice and
to help you understand ACT scoring.
(cid:2) Your ACT Training Schedule and ACT Emergency Plan: How to make the best use of your
time, even if the test is just days away.
(cid:2) 50 Top Strategies for Test Day: Use this list to check your knowledge, or as a last-minute
refresher before the exam.
(cid:2) Calculator and Speed Reading Tips: These hints can help you earn higher scores.
(cid:2) Scoring the ACT Writing Test: What the graders are looking for in your ACT essay.
(cid:2) Getting the Most from the CD and the Free Online Practice Tests and Problem-Solving
Videos: Sharpen your skills with interactive, on-screen practice tests on the CD. Then log
on to the companion website for more test-taking practice and to view videos demonstra -
ting the use of problem-solving strategies to answer ACT questions.
ABOUT McGRAW-HILL EDUCATION
This book has been created by McGraw-Hill Education. McGraw-Hill Education is a leading global provider
of instructional, assessment, and reference materials in both print and digital form. McGraw-Hill Education
has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 65 languages. With a broad range of products and
services — from traditional textbooks to the latest in online and multimedia learning — we engage,
stimulate, and empower students and professionals of all ages, helping them meet the increasing
challenges of the 21st century knowledge economy.
Learn more. Do more.
How to Use This Book/CD Package
This book/CD package contains general information about the ACT and chapters on each
of the test sections. It also contains a Diagnostic Assessment and practice tests. At the end
of the book you’ll find a discussion of related topics such as choosing a college and an ACT
vocabulary list.
Count backward from your ACT test day to determine how much time you have. If you have at
least three weeks but preferably twelve to eighteen weeks before test day, you should work through
this entire book. You can follow the five-step program shown below. If you have less than three
weeks, go to the ACT Emergency Plan on page 5A.
1
Start with the Diagnostic Assessment
The Diagnostic Assessment in Part II of this book is a simulated full-length ACT. Take it as the
first step in your test-preparation program. It will help you to pinpoint areas of strength and
weakness in your knowledge base and your skill set. After you have scored the Diagnostic Assess-
ment, you should review the parts of the chapters that cover any content areas you found difficult.
2
Learn Test-taking Strategies
Chapter 2 describes important test-taking strategies that can help you earn extra points.
You’ll learn about strategic thinking, relaxation techniques, and when to guess if you don’t
know the answer to a question.
3
Prepare for Each Test Section
Chapters 3–6 cover the four individual sections of the ACT: English, Mathematics, Reading,
and Science Reasoning. Each chapter offers concept reviews and specific strategies for
answering the given question type, along with plenty of practice exercises with answers. As you
work through these chapters, pay close attention to topics and question types that were particularly
difficult for you on the Diagnostic Assessment. To learn more, view the problem-solving videos on
the companion website at MHPracticePlus.com.
4
Get Ready for the ACT Essay
Chapter 7 provides tips and strategies for the ACT Writing Test, along with information about
how your essay will be scored. You’ll find typical writing prompts as well as sample student
responses to show you what makes a high-scoring ACT essay.
5
Take the Practice Tests
Part IV of this book contains full-length practice ACT tests with complete explanations.
Additional practice tests are available online at MHPracticePlus.com. Use these tests to check
your progress, to gain experience with the ACT format, and to learn to pace yourself to get your
highest score.
2A
How to Use the Practice Tests
(cid:2)
Take the Diagnostic Assessment Under Realistic Testing Conditions
Time yourself strictly. You need to have an accurate picture of what your performance would be
like if test day were today. A good place to take the test is a library; it will be relatively quiet, just
like a testing center.
(cid:2)
After Your Review, Tackle the Practice Tests
When you have finished your review of the instructional material in Chapters 2–7, start tackling
the practice tests in Part IV of this book, on the CD, and on the companion website. Each one is
a full-length simulated ACT. These tests contain some variations in style and mix of question types.
This approach is intentional so that you can get a taste of all the various formats and styles that can
appear on an ACT exam. If you work through all of the material provided, you won’t have any sur-
prises on test day.
(cid:2)
Review the Explanations as Necessary
There is an explanation for each of the practice questions in this book. You will probably not
need to read all of them. Sometimes you can tell right away why you answered a particular
question wrong. We have seen countless students smack themselves on the forehead and say, “stupid
mistake.” We try to refer to these errors as “concentration errors.” Everyone makes them from time
to time, and you should not worry when they occur. You are likely to focus better on the real test as
long as you train properly with the aid of this book. Try to distinguish between concentration errors
and any actual holes in your knowledge base. If you have time, read the explanations for any ques-
tions that were challenging for you. Sometimes, students answer questions correctly but for the
wrong reason, or because they guessed correctly.
(cid:2)
Keep Your Score Results in Perspective
ACT scores are sensitive to factors such as fatigue and stress. So don’t get worried if you see
some variations due to an off day or because the practice test exposed a weakness in your
knowledge base or skill set. Just use the information that you gather as a tool to help you improve.
(cid:2)
A Note on Scoring the Practice Tests
The scoring worksheets provided for each test are guides to computing approximate scores.
Actual ACT exams are scored from tables that are unique to each test. The actual scaled scores
depend on factors such as the number of students who take the test, the difficulty level of the items,
and the performance of all test-takers. This means that “your mileage may vary.” Do not get too
hung up on your test scores; the idea is to learn something from each practice session and to get
used to the “look and feel” of the ACT.
The scoring worksheets have formulas that allow you to work out an approximate scaled score
for each section, as well as an overall Composite Score. Each computation includes a “correction
factor,” which is an average correction derived from analysis of recent ACT exams. Your actual ACT
score report will include a “band” around each score. ACT, Inc. puts it there deliberately to highlight
the fact that all test scores are just estimates.
3A
w1eek ACT Training Schedule
At least eight weeks before your ACT
(cid:2) Find a quiet place, such as a library, and take the Diagnostic Assessment under actual test
conditions. Time yourself strictly. Evaluate your results and pinpoint your areas of strength
and weakness. Register for the ACT exam following the procedures described at www.act.org.
The first four to six weeks of training
(cid:2) Don’t worry about timing. At your leisure, work through the first two ACT practice tests in
this book or on the companion website. Think about how the questions and passages are put
together and study whatever other sources you need to so that you can fill any holes in your
knowledge base. Read chapters 2–7 in this book.
Two or three weeks before your ACT
(cid:2) Using another practice test, take your first “dress rehearsal” exam on a Saturday morning at
8:00 A.M. Time yourself strictly. Use the results to fine-tune the last part of your training.
Review relevant chapters in this book.
One or two weeks before your ACT
(cid:2) Take your second “dress rehearsal” exam. If it doesn’t go well, don’t get too worried. Try to
figure out what went wrong and review the explanations provided and the other relevant
portions of this book. There is still time to consolidate your gains and continue to improve.
Start planning a fun event for after your ACT exam!
Two to five days before your ACT
(cid:2) Make a practice run to the testing center. Figure out what you are going to wear on test day.
Gather your materials together (ticket, ID, pencils, calculator). Adjust your sleep schedule, if
necessary, so that you are able to wake up by 7:00 A.M. and be thinking clearly by 8:00 A.M.
Confirm your plans for fun after the exam!
The day before your ACT
(cid:2) Rest and relaxation are the order of the day. Do little or no practice or studying. Get some
physical activity so that you are better able to sleep and because the endorphins that you
release in your brain will help with stress management. Make sure that you take care of your
transportation issues and wake-up plan.
Test Day!
(cid:2) Get up early. Eat breakfast. Read something to get you “warmed up.” Bring your materials.
Be on time. Avoid any fellow test-takers who are “stress monsters.” Remember your game
plan for each section. Don’t forget to breathe evenly and deeply, and don’t tire yourself out
with needless physical exertion like tensing up your muscles while taking your ACT. When the
test is finished, try not to think about it until you get your score report.
4A
ACT Emergency Plan
If you have only a day or two before your ACT exam, you should take the following steps. They
are listed in order of priority so you should do as many of them as you can before your test.
1. Seriously consider rescheduling
The ACT is given several times each year at various locations. Rather than taking your exam with
little or no preparation, you should look at the calendar and the ACT website and wait to take
your ACT if you can do so and still get the information to your schools of choice before their
deadlines.
2. Relax
Even if you don’t have enough time to reschedule, you can get some useful information out of
this book that will help you to pick up a few points that you might not have gotten otherwise.
3. Take the Diagnostic Assessment
There is a psychological theory called “Test Re-Test” that says that you should do a little bit
better on a second ACT than a first ACT, even if you don’t do any preparation in between. So
make the Diagnostic Assessment your first ACT. Time yourself strictly and do it all in one sitting.
Take a 10-minute break after the Mathematics Test.
4. Review the strategies in Chapter 2
Those are the high-yield test-taking strategies that will get you the most extra points on test day.
5. Read through the content chapters
The order should be:
a. Reading (These are the least intuitive strategies.)
b. English (This is the weirdest format of the ACT tests.)
c. Mathematics (Skim through the stuff that you already know. Focus on the material that tends
to confuse you. Don’t worry about trig at all if you haven’t had it in school yet.)
d. Do the Science Reasoning chapter last.
6. Do as many practice questions as you can in your weakest area
Look at the explanations to gain a better understanding of how to approach the questions.
7. Get some sleep
Being well rested will have a bigger impact on your score than staying up all night “cramming.”
There is a significant skill component on this test. It is not all about knowledge. So you can’t
learn enough information to guarantee a higher score.
5A
50 Top Strategies for Test Day
W
hen it’s almost test day and you’ve read this book and taken
the Practice Tests, make sure you review this page and
the pages that follow. Here you’ll find 50 essential
strategies that can definitely help you earn more points on the ACT.
You’ll see longer explanations of each strategy, along with examples,
in the review portions of this book. The purpose of these pages is to
provide a handy, all-in-one, last-minute reminder of these valuable concepts. Use this review to check
your test readiness and make sure you’re prepared to do your best—and get your best score.
Before The Test
1 Be prepared. Study and practice consistently during your training period. Be organized.
2 Know yourself. Understand your strengths and weaknesses on the ACT.
3 Change bad habits. If you have poor study habits, it took you a while to develop them. Identify
these bad habits early so you can make the necessary adjustments.
4 Rest. Get plenty of sleep between practice sessions. Go to bed early the night before the test.
On Test Day
5 Dress comfortably. Wear loose, comfortable, layered clothing. Don’t forget your watch.
6 Eat something. Breakfast should not contain anything with too much sugar. Get your normal
dose of caffeine, if any.
7 Bring stuff. You need your driver’s license, admission ticket, number 2 pencils,
a good eraser, and your calculator.
8 Read something. Warm up your brain by reading the newspaper or something similar. Review
some practice material.
General Test-Taking Strategies
9 Relax. Don’t panic if you are having trouble answering the questions! You do not have to answer
all the questions correctly to get a good score.Take a few moments to relax if you are stressed.
Put your pencil down, close your eyes, take deep breaths, and clear your mind. When you get
back to the test you will feel better.
10 Do the easy stuff first. You do not have to answer the questions from each section in order. It is
better to skip the hard ones in each test section and come back to them later. Keep moving so
that you don’t waste valuable time. If you get stuck, move on!
11 Manage the grid. Do not fill in your “bubble sheet” after every question. Mark your answers in
the book and transfer them every one to two pages. Make sure to pay attention to question
numbers, especially if you skip a question. Your score depends on what is filled in on the answer
sheet.
6A
12 Use the test booklet. The booklet is the only scrap paper you will get. Circle your answer choices,
cross out answers you eliminate, and mark questions that you need to come back to later. If you
think the answer choice might work, underline it. Do the math! Draw pictures to help you figure
out problems and use the space available to write down your calculations. Make notes and marks
in the margins of the reading passages.
13 Be aware of time. Pace yourself. Read and work actively through the test. You learned during
practice which questions you should focus on and which questions you should come back to
later. Use a watch to time yourself. Stay focused. Ignore the environment around you.
14 Guess wisely. There is no scoring penalty on the ACT! Never leave a bubble blank. Eliminate
answer choices that you know are wrong. The more you can eliminate, the better your chance of
correctly answering the question.
15 Stick with it. Do not second-guess yourself. Your first answer choice is most likely to be correct. If
you are not completely comfortable with your first choice, place a question mark next to your
answer and come back to it later if you have time. Only change your answer when you are sure
that it’s wrong.
English Test Strategies
16 Listen to your brain. Read aloud silently. If it sounds right to you, it probably is.
17 Avoid redundancy. Wordiness and redundancy are never rewarded. Usually, the fewer the words
that you use, the better.
18 Take DELETE and NO CHANGE seriously. DELETE is a viable answer choice when it eliminates
redundant or irrelevant statements. Don’t forget to consider the NO CHANGE answer choice.
Just because a portion of the passage is underlined does not mean that there is something wrong
with it.
19 Try the answer choices. Read each of the choices back into the sentence and then select the one
that is grammatically correct and/or clearly expresses the idea.
20 Simplify answer choices. If one part of the answer
choice is wrong, the whole answer choice is
wrong!
21 Don’t make new mistakes. Do not select an
answer choice that introduces a new error to the
sentence.
22 Match the author. When choosing answer
choices, make sure they match the author’s
strategy and style.
23 Stay organized. Ideas within each essay should
flow in a logical sequence.
7A
