Try both. Some students do better reading the passage first; others prefer to skim and use questions to guide a second pass.
ACT Reading Tips
Written by Ascend Academic mentors—students from top universities helping others succeed.
ACT Reading is fast-paced. These tips help you maintain speed without sacrificing comprehension.
Pacing Is Key
You have about 8–9 minutes per passage. Practice so you can read and answer without running out of time. Some students skim first, then tackle questions; others read closely once.
Evidence and Main Idea
Many questions ask for the main idea or supporting detail. Match the answer to the passage—don’t choose something that “sounds right” but isn’t stated or implied.
Practice Under Time
Do timed Reading sections regularly. For a plan that includes practice and review, ACT tutoring can help.
FAQ
Practice with a timer. Focus on comprehension first; speed often improves as you get better at spotting what’s being asked.
Written by Ascend Academic mentors
Our resources are written by Ascend Academic mentors—students from top universities helping others succeed. Learn more on our team page.
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