Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Frequently Asked Questions About the ACT 1
Overcoming Mistaken Thoughts About the ACT: Four Big Ideas 7
Attaining an Optimal, Balanced Mindset for the ACT 14
Self-Reflection 20
Diagnostic Test 21
Answer Key 102
ACT Scoring Guide 104
ACT Writing Rubric 105
Answer Explanations 106
Diagnostic Test Analysis Guide 133
Diagnostic Self-Assessment 134
Subject Review
1 English 137
Grammar Review 137
Sentence Basics 139
Number Agreement 140
Punctuation 144
Possession and Apostrophes 159
Parentheses 161
Tense 162
Parallelism 164
Transitions 166
Wordiness 168
Word Order 171
Illogical Comparisons 172
Proper Wording 173
Adjectives vs. Adverbs 174
Comparative and Superlative 175
Commonly Confused Words 175
More Proper Wording 178
ACT English Strategies 179
Sample English Passage 191
ACT-Style English Practice Questions 198
English Grammar Summary 214
English Strategy Summary 215
2 Mathematics 217
Math Strategies 217
Math Review 231
Pre-Algebra 233
ACT-Style Pre-Algebra Practice Questions 249
Elementary Algebra 251
ACT-Style Elementary Algebra Practice Questions 261
Intermediate Algebra 264
ACT-Style Intermediate Algebra Practice Questions 274
Plane Geometry 278
ACT-Style Plane Geometry Practice Questions 300
Coordinate Geometry 306
ACT-Style Coordinate Geometry Practice Questions 323
Trigonometry 328
ACT-Style Trigonometry Practice Questions 333
Statistics and Probability 339
ACT-Style Statistics and Probability Practice Questions 350
Math Formulas Summary 354
Math Strategy Summary 358
3 Reading 359
Methodology for Reading the Passages 360
How to Read Different Types of Passages 361
Methodology for Answering Questions 368
Options for Your Personal Situation 371
Practice Reading Passages 375
ACT-Style Reading Comprehension Practice Questions 390
Reading Strategy Summary 427
4 Science 429
Types of Source Material on the Act 430
Strategies for Reading Science Passages 436
Practice Science Questions 439
ACT-Style Science Practice Questions 451
Science Strategy Summary 481
5 Writing 483
Sample ACT Writing Prompt 484
Prewriting 490
The Thesis 496
Examples and Descriptions 498
Evaluating Complexity and Other Viewpoints 501
Wording and Sentence Structure 503
ACT Essay Strategies 505
Full Essay Samples and Evaluations 507
ACT-Style Writing Practice 513
Writing Strategy Summary 524
Practice Tests
Practice Test 1 527
Answer Key 603
ACT Scoring Guide 605
ACT Writing Rubric 606
Answer Explanations 607
Practice Test 2 637
Answer Key 712
ACT Scoring Guide 714
ACT Writing Rubric 715
Answer Explanations 716
Practice Test 3 743
Answer Key 820
ACT Scoring Guide 822
ACT Writing Rubric 823
Answer Explanations 824
Appendix
Frequently Asked Questions About Accommodations and Extended Time 853
Index 857