1. ACT 101 Test-Taking Strategies By: Ms. Myers & Ms. B Lenoir-Rhyne University

2. By this point…. You all know how to take standardized tests! You know how to: -Rest well the night before -Bring #2 pencils (with good erasers) -How to answer multiple choice questions -Bring your own calculator -Bring a snack / lunch

3. However… The ACT is a different type of test, with different structures and point values. So how can you prepare?

4. MOST IMPORTANTLY Answer every question! This is the biggest difference from the ACT- your scores on the multiple- choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.

5. English Content: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/engcon tent.html http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/engcon tent.html You will have 45 minutes for five English passages- that’s 9 minutes per passage. Pace yourself! Eliminate wrong answers first. Some passages focus on portions that are underlined or not- be aware of which portion fits the context of the question. Some answer choices include a “No Change” option. Don’t be afraid to choose it; it is typically as correct as other options.

6. Math Content: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/m athcontent.html http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/m athcontent.html You will have 60 minutes for 60 questions- but be aware that questions increase in difficulty throughout the test. Pace yourself! Work backwards by plugging in answer choices back into the problem to find the correct answer. On long word problems, identify the question first to make sure you are answering the actual question.

7. Reading Content: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/readco ntent.html http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/readco ntent.html You will have 35 minutes for four reading passages- that's also about 9 minutes per passage. Pace yourself! Questions usually focus on the passage’s main idea- look for this first! Be careful of questions with specific line references. When looking back in the text, make sure you read a few of the lines before and after the given line for context.

8. Science Content: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/scicont ent.html http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/scicont ent.html You will have seven passages in 35 minutes, so that’s about 5 minutes per passage; however, some will take a minute less while others make take a minute more. Pace yourself! Your first step should be to look at the CHARTS and DATA. Use the charts’ headings and data to help you! Look for patterns, trends, and directions.

9. Writing You will have 30 minutes to plan and write a persuasive essay in response to a prompt. Higher scoring essays tend to consist of four or five paragraphs that take up about two pages of writing. BOW method: Brainstorm and create a thesis Organize your ideas in order Write the paper!

10. Practice: Practice Questions: - www.actstudent.org/sampletest/www.actstudent.org/sampletest/ Question of the day: - www.act.org/qotd/www.act.org/qotd/ Don’t be overwhelmed. You are more than prepared to take this test!

11. Reminders: -Report to Homeroom on 3/3/15 -Juniors will be called to the bus parking lot. -You will be taken to the Metro Trade Center for testing. -You will return around 2:30 and report to 4 th block.

12. QUESTIONS?