ACT Exam Structure

The ACT (American College Testing) is another widely recognized standardized test used for college admissions in the United States.
It assesses a student's academic readiness for college and provides colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
Here’s a detailed look at the structure of the ACT exam:

### 1. Sections of the ACT
The ACT is divided into four mandatory sections, with an optional writing (essay) section:
#### English
- **Duration**: 45 minutes
- **Number of Questions**: 75
- **Content**: Measures standard written English and rhetorical skills. The test consists of several passages with underlined portions to be evaluated for grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and style.

#### Math
- **Duration**: 60 minutes
- **Number of Questions**: 60
- **Content**: Covers mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12. Topics include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and elementary statistics.

#### Reading
- **Duration**: 35 minutes
- **Number of Questions**: 40
- **Content**: Involves reading passages from various genres (fiction, humanities, social science, and natural science) and answering questions based on interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of the text.

#### Science
- **Duration**: 35 minutes
- **Number of Questions**: 40
- **Content**: Tests the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences. This includes questions on biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space sciences.

### 2. Optional Writing Section (Essay)
- **Duration**: 40 minutes
- **Content**: Provides one essay prompt that presents a complex issue and three different perspectives on it. Test takers are asked to provide their own perspective on the issue, analyze the relationship between their perspective and at least one of the other perspectives.

### 3. Scoring
- **Score Range for Each Section**: 1-36. Each of the four test sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) is scored on this scale.
- **Composite Score**: The average of the four section scores, also on a scale of 1-36.
- **Writing Score**: If taken, the essay is scored separately on a scale of 2-12 and does not affect the composite score.

### 4. Format
- **Question Types**: Mostly multiple-choice, with four answer choices per question (five for Math).
- **Strategy**: There is no penalty for guessing, so it’s advisable to answer every question.

### 5. General Test-Taking Tips
- **Practice Pacing**: Each section has a relatively strict time limit; practicing under timed conditions can help improve time management skills.
- **Familiarize with Question Types**: Knowing what types of questions to expect can help improve speed and accuracy.
- **Review All Subject Areas**: Comprehensive review across all subjects—English grammar, math concepts, reading comprehension, and scientific reasoning—is essential.
- **Take Practice Tests**: This can help build familiarity with the test layout and question formats, and identify areas where more study is needed.

The ACT is offered on seven test dates throughout the year in the United States and its territories, and at international testing locations.
Knowing the structure and preparing accordingly can help students maximize their performance on the ACT.