Overview: ACT English Section

The ACT English section is often considered one of the more challenging parts of the exam due to the need to answer 75 questions in just 45 minutes. This breaks down to about 36 seconds per question, including the time to fill in your answer sheet. However, with the right strategies and preparation, you can approach this section with confidence.

The English section is divided into several categories that test various aspects of the English language:

• Production of Writing (29-32%)
  • Topic Development
  • Organization, Unity, and Cohesion
• Knowledge of Language (15-17%)
• Conventions of Standard English (52-55%)

Understanding the breakdown of these categories is crucial because it helps you prioritize your study time. Production of Writing (POW) accounts for roughly 21-24 questions out of the 75, making it a significant portion of the test. POW is further divided into two parts, but this guide focuses on Organization, Unity, and Cohesion. These elements are the backbone of a well-written essay. You’ll need to ensure that transitions between ideas are smooth, that paragraphs are logically organized, and that introductions and conclusions effectively frame the passage.

Types of Questions

Here are some common types of questions you will encounter in the Organization, Unity, and Cohesion portion of the ACT English section:

Sequencing

Sequencing questions ask you to determine where a specific sentence belongs within a paragraph or to reorganize the entire paragraph. These questions test your ability to recognize logical flow and organization in writing. You’ll need to understand how different sentences connect and support each other to create a coherent narrative or argument.

Transition Phrases

These questions focus on whether a transition phrase is used correctly in context. Transition phrases are essential for linking ideas and ensuring that the passage flows smoothly from one point to the next. You may also be asked to select the best sentence that transitions from one idea to another.

Effective Introductions and Conclusions

These questions ask you to choose the best introductory or concluding sentence for either a paragraph or the entire passage. The goal is to ensure that the introduction sets up the topic effectively and that the conclusion wraps up the discussion in a satisfying way.

Primary Purpose

Although primary purpose questions are more closely associated with the Topic Development portion of the POW category, they are still relevant here. These questions test your comprehension skills by asking whether the writer effectively achieves the intended purpose of the passage.

While these are some of the main types of questions you’ll see, mastering these skills will help you tackle all the questions in this category.

Tips and Tricks

1. Read Everything

One of the most critical strategies for this section is to read the entire passage, not just the underlined portions. Context is key to understanding the relationship between different parts of the text. Test writers often include questions that seem correct when viewed in isolation but are incorrect in the context of the entire passage. Especially with sequencing questions, you have no choice but to read everything, sometimes more than once. It’s normal to feel pressured by the time constraints, but reading the passage thoroughly will increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.

2. Prioritize

Time management is crucial in the ACT English section. If you find yourself stuck on a question, move on and come back to it later if you have time. Sequencing questions, in particular, can be time-consuming, so try to limit the time you spend on them to around 30 seconds. If necessary, skip the entire passage and return to it later. Prioritizing easier questions first can help you maximize your time and reduce stress.

3. Eliminate

Mark up your test booklet by crossing out clearly incorrect answers. This technique is especially useful when you return to skipped questions, as it reduces the number of options you need to consider. Eliminating wrong answers can also help you focus on the remaining choices, making it easier to find the correct answer. Always consider “NO CHANGE” as a possible correct answer, as this is how many students are tricked into making unnecessary changes.

4. Find Resources

ACT-specific resources are somewhat limited compared to those for the SAT, but several options can help you prepare. Investing in an official ACT textbook is a good idea if you can afford it, but there are also free resources available. Reading books or official publications can help you naturally pick up on grammar rules, transitions, and organization. The official ACT website offers a free practice test that you should take to gauge your skill level. Additionally, the SAT Writing and Language section is similar to the ACT English section, so practicing SAT questions on Khan Academy can be beneficial. Social media accounts focused on ACT prep can also provide helpful tips and strategies.

5. Practice Under Test Conditions

When preparing for the ACT, practice under timed conditions using a printed bubble sheet. This will help you account for the time it takes to fill in your answers and build your test-taking stamina. The official ACT website offers a printable scantron sheet that you can use to simulate the test-day experience.

6. Stay Calm

The testing environment can be stressful, but it’s important to stay calm. High levels of stress can negatively impact your performance, so take deep breaths and focus on staying relaxed. Make sure to eat a good meal before the test to avoid distractions like hunger. Staying calm and focused will help you perform at your best.

Practice Questions

Let’s apply these strategies to some sample questions from the official ACT website.

Sequencing Question

[1] Every Saturday morning, I help my father at the farmer’s market. [2] We set up our booth before the market opens, arranging the fresh produce in neat rows. [3] After everything is ready, I usually take a walk around the market to see what the other vendors have brought.

Which of the following sequences of sentences makes this paragraph most logical?

A. NO CHANGE
B. 2, 1, 3
C. 3, 1, 2
D. 1, 3, 2

Explanation: The correct answer is A. NO CHANGE. The current sequence flows logically: first, the narrator helps set up the booth (sentence 1), then they arrange the produce (sentence 2), and finally, they take a walk around the market (sentence 3). Changing the order would disrupt the logical progression of events.

Transition Phrases Question

[4] Solar panels are becoming more affordable and efficient. [5] Moreover, they are a renewable energy source that can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be most effective?

A. NO CHANGE
B. In contrast,
C. Nevertheless,
D. For example,

Explanation: The correct answer is A. NO CHANGE. The transition “Moreover” is appropriate here because it adds information that supports the previous sentence. The other options either introduce a contrast or an example, which do not fit the context.

Effective Introduction Question

[6] The city park is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. [7] It offers a variety of activities, from hiking trails to picnic areas.

Which of the following true statements, if added here, would most effectively introduce the topic of the paragraph?

A. Many cities around the world have parks that offer various activities.
B. Parks provide important green spaces in urban areas.
C. This particular city park is known for its beautiful scenery and diverse activities.
D. The city park was established over a century ago.

Explanation: The correct answer is C. This particular city park is known for its beautiful scenery and diverse activities. This sentence effectively introduces the specific topic of the paragraph and sets up the information that follows.

Answers, Explanations, and Strategies

1. Sequencing

Correct Answer: A. NO CHANGE

For sequencing questions, it’s important to first identify where each sentence logically belongs within the paragraph. In this example, consider the last sentence, which begins with “sometimes.” This word usually signals a contrast with other times, meaning context is necessary to understand why “sometimes” is different from the usual. This immediately eliminates options C and D because placing the sentence anywhere else disrupts the logical flow.

When tackling sequencing questions, always think about the paragraph’s flow and organization. Typically, a paragraph starts with a general idea before moving into more specific details. The first sentence here introduces the general activity of going to tidal lands, while the second sentence dives into specifics about what happens there. Therefore, all three sentences are best left in their original order to maintain the flow.

If you have extra time after finishing the section, it’s wise to revisit these questions. Try rearranging the sentences in your mind or on paper to ensure the other options truly don’t make sense. Double-checking can help solidify your understanding and improve your accuracy.

2. Transition Phrases

Correct Answer: D. DELETE the underlined portion

Conciseness is key in the ACT English section. Many questions, including this one, test your ability to choose the most concise and effective answer. In this case, the transition phrase is unnecessary because the sentence doesn’t actually need a transition to make sense. The sentence is structured in a way that the information flows naturally without any additional words.

For instance, the sentence “Woodland and Silver created a system of lines that could encode data because they were inspired by the dots and dashes of Morse code” can be rewritten without the transition word and still retain its meaning. In fact, removing the transition makes the sentence clearer and more direct. Always consider whether a transition is needed based on the relationship between the two parts of the sentence. If the sentence can stand on its own without it, then it’s best to delete the transition phrase.

3. Effective Introduction

Correct Answer: D. Bar codes themselves have advanced as well.

This question might be a bit tricky, as it requires you to choose the best introductory sentence for a paragraph. While you may have learned in English class that an interesting fact can serve as a good hook, in this context, it’s crucial to choose an option that aligns with the paragraph’s topic and flows smoothly into the next sentence.

The following sentence after the introduction states, “Today, there are one- and two-dimensional bar codes using numeric and alphanumeric symbologies.” The word “today” indicates a shift from the past to the present, suggesting that the correct introductory sentence should highlight this change. The best choice is Option D, which mentions that “Bar codes themselves have advanced as well.” This option sets up the paragraph to discuss how bar codes have evolved over time, fitting perfectly with the subsequent details.

A useful strategy for maintaining flow within a paragraph is to ensure parallelism, particularly in lists. Parallelism means using a consistent grammatical structure. For example, the sentence “He rode his bike, played with friends, and did his homework” is effective because all the verbs are in the same tense. In contrast, “He was riding his bike, played with friends, and then did his homework” disrupts the flow because “was riding” breaks the parallel structure. Ensuring parallelism makes sentences smoother and easier to read, contributing to the overall cohesion of the paragraph.

Conclusion

You’ve now covered the essential skills needed for the Organization, Unity, and Cohesion portion of the ACT English section. Remember, the key to success is to choose answers that are concise and flow smoothly with the rest of the passage. Practice pacing yourself and use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices. With these strategies in mind, you’re well on your way to achieving your desired score on the ACT. Good luck!

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