The ACT test is a three-hour multiple choice examination of English, mathematics, reading, and science. Including the instruction and break times, this test will last approximately 4 hours. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. The Writing test adds an additional 30 minutes to the testing time.
The ACT is scored on the number of correct answers--there is no penalty for guessing. The scores for each test are converted to scaled scores from 1-36. The test consists of the following:
Test
Time
Questions
Subscores (no. of questions)
English
45 min
75
Usage/Mechanics (40)
Rhetorical Skills (35)
Mathematics
60 min
60
Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra (24)
Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry (18)
Plane Geometry/Trigonometry (18)
Reading
35 min
40
Reading comprehension in:
Social Studies/Sciences (20)
Arts/Literature (20)
Science
Science (40)
To register for the ACT, go to www.actstudent.org