ACT Powerpoint Info

8/12/2019 ACT Powerpoint Info

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THE ACT ASSESSMENT

This test is used by colleges

to predict students success incollege courses.


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What types of questions are on the

ACT?

Based on subjects studied in high

school

Emphasizes thinking skills

Does not ask you to recall facts or

memorize information

Questions require students to solveproblems, draw conclusions, make

inferences, think analytically


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How long does the test take?

The test takes 2 hours and 55minutes to complete

It consists of 215 multiple-choice

questions in 4 areas:English

Math

ReadingScience reasoning

OPTIONAL: 30-minute writing test


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Should everyone take the optional

writing portion?

Not all institutions require or

recommend taking the writing portion

Check directly with the institutions you

are considering to find out their

requirements (www.actstudent.org)

SDSU- NOT NEEDED

UCSD- REQUIRED

UCLA- REQUIRED
http://www.actstudent.org/http://www.actstudent.org/


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How long will it take for me to get

my scores?

Three to seven weeks after your test

date

What is the highest possible score?

36

The national average score for 2007was 21.2.


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Is it OK to guess?

Your score on the test will be based

on the number of questions that you

answer correctly

THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR

GUESSING!

Answer every question, even if you

have to guess


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May I use a calculator on the math

portion of the test?

You may use a calculator on the

approved list, but its not required

You may use any four-function,

scientific, or graphing calculator

unless it has features described on

the prohibited list www.actstudent.org

Testing staff will not supply

calculators or batteries; no sharing
http://www.actstudent.org/http://www.actstudent.org/


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How many questions are on the

English test?

TOTAL OF 75 questions, 45 minutes

Usage and MechanicsPunctuation

Grammar and Usage

Sentence Structure

10

12

18

40 TOTAL

Rhetorical SkillsWriting Strategy

Organization

Style

12

11

12

35 TOTAL


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What are some tips for taking the

English test?

Be aware of time and pace yourself. You have 45 minutes toanswer 75 questions. Spend 1 minutes skimming eachpassage and 30 seconds to answer each question.

Be aware of the writing style used in each passage.

Carefully examine the underlined portions of the passage.

Note the differences in the answer choices.Two choices might look identical except for a small changein punctuation.

Do not select an answer that corrects one error but causes

a different error.

To determine the best answer to an underlined portion,

reread the sentence substituting each of the possible answerchoices for the underlined portion.

Reread the sentence using your selected answer to makesure your answer fits smoothly within the context of thepassage.


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math test?


Pre-algebra

Elementary algebraIntermediate algebra

Coordinate geometry

Plane geometryTrigonometry

14

109

9

144


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math test?

You have 60 minutes to answer 60 questions. Youhave an average of 1 minute per question.

If you use a calculator, use it wisely. Remember,all the problems can be solved without using acalculator.

Use your booklet or scratch paper to work outsolutions. Dont try to do them in your head ifthere are a lot of steps. Write down all the steps incase your answer is not a choice and you have togo back.

Dont work backwards from the answer choicesbecause that takes too much time.

If your answer is not one of the choices, reread theproblem to see if you misunderstood it or look atthe choices and see if your answer can be written

in another way.


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reading test?


Prose fiction: novels, short stories

Social studies

Humanities

Natural Science

10

10

10

10


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reading test?

You have 35 minuets to answer 40questions. Spend 2-3 minutes readingeach passage and 35 seconds to answereach question.

Read the entire passage carefully- do notskim the text.

Refer back to the passage when answeringquestions.

If a question asks about a specific linenumber, make sure you carefully rereadthat line before reading the choices.


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science reasoning test?


Data representation:

graphs, tables

Research summaries:

experiments

Conflicting viewpoints:inconsistent hypotheses

15

18

7


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science reasoning test?

You have 35 minutes to answer 40questions. Spend 2 minutes reading eachpassage and 30 seconds to answer eachquestion.

Carefully read the scientific materialprovided, including any tables, graphs, orfigures.

If the text is about an experiment, consider

the experimental design, including thecontrols and variables.

If the material presents conflictingviewpoints, summarize each viewpoint in

your booklet or on scratch paper.


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Tips for the ACT Writing TestYou have 30 minutes to write the essay.

The prompt will define an issue and describe 2points of view. You will take a position andexplain/defend your point of view.

Your essay will be evaluated on your ability to dothe following:

Express judgments by taking a position on theissue in the writing prompt

Maintain a focus on the topic throughout theessay

Develop a position by using logical reasoning

and by supporting your ideasOrganize ideas in a logical way

Use language clearly and effectively accordingto the conventions of standard written English.

Pre-write before you begin writing and review your

essay after you have written it.

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