ACT Reading: Comprehension and Passage Review
ACT Reading measures how you understand passages, interpret ideas, and support answers with details from the text. It contributes to the core Composite calculation alongside English and mathematics. When you review practice questions, identify the precise sentence that supports each answer and record the passage types that need another focused session.
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ACT Reading is the section of the ACT that evaluates close comprehension, textual interpretation, and the ability to interpret passage details. Along with ACT English and mathematics, it forms the foundation of the official Composite score and also feeds into the combined ELA reporting measure when you complete the writing test.
As you work through a practice passage, mark the main claim of each paragraph and pay attention to shifts in tone or perspective. When a question asks about an author’s argument or a character’s motivation, point directly to the sentence in the text that confirms your choice before moving forward.
ACT uses your highest eligible Reading result across test dates when calculating your Superscore. Keep a reading log that tracks which passage types and questions need further review. Check each answer against the relevant sentence so your next study session targets the reasoning step you missed.
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Frequently asked questions
What does the ACT Reading section assess?
ACT Reading assesses your ability to comprehend complex texts, interpret central ideas and relationships, and locate direct supporting details across diverse passages.
How does ACT Reading fit into official score reports?
ACT averages your reading scale score with English and mathematics for the Composite score and includes it in the ELA measure when writing is taken.
What is the best way to review a reading passage?
Locate the exact lines in the passage that support the correct answer and note why the remaining options diverge from the author's stated meaning.
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