ACT Assessment

Master the ACT and get into the college you want... Our ACT test experts show you the right way to prepare for this important test and score higher. REA's new and fully expanded 5th edition examines all ACT assessment subject areas including in-depth coverage of the ACT's new Writing Test. The comprehensive review covers every possible exam topic: Reading, English, Math, and Science. Features 5 full-length practice exams. Each practice exam question is fully explained to help you better understand the subject material. Use the book's appendix and index for speedy look-ups and smarter searches.

Follow up your study with REA's proven test-taking strategies, powerhouse drills and study schedule that get you ready to master the ACT.

DETAILS
- Comprehensive review of every subject to appear on the ACT assessment: Reading, Math, English, and Science
- Contains the ACT's latest change - the all-new Writing Test
- Dynamic diagnostic exam pinpoints your exam strengths and weaknesses
- Flexible study schedule tailored to your needs
- Packed with proven test tips, strategies and advice to help you master the ACT
- 5 full-length practice ACT assessment exams. Each exam question is answered in complete detail with easy-to-follow, easy-to-grasp explanations.
- Fully indexed for quicker and smarter searches.
- Bonus College Guide on how to choose your college wisely

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACT INDEPENDENT STUDY SCHEDULE
Chapter 1: SCORING HIGH ON THE ACT ASSESSMENT
About Our Book
About the ACT
How to Use this Book
Format of the ACT
About the Review Sections
Scoring the English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning TestsScoring the Optional Writing Test
Studying for the ACT
Test-Taking Tips
The Day of the Exam
Chapter 2: CHOOSING A COLLEGE
How Do I Find College Information?
Types of Institutions
What Am I Looking for in a College?
What Do Colleges Look for?
Visiting Colleges
Athletics
How to Apply
Chapter 3: ACT ASSESSMENT DIAGNOSTIC EXAM
ACT Assessment Diagnostic Exam
Answer Key
Detailed Explanations of Answers
Chapter 4: ATTACKING THE ACT ENGLISH TEST
Description of the ACT English Test
About the Directions
Strategies for the English Section
Skills Tested
Standard Written English Review
Rhetorical Skills Review
Answer Key for Drills
Chapter 5: ATTACKING THE ACT MATHEMATICS TEST
Description of the ACT Mathematics Test
About the Directions
Strategies for the Mathematics Section
Skills Tested
Arithmetic Review
Algebra Review
Geometry and Trigonometry Review
Answer Key for Drills
Chapter 6: ATTACKING THE ACT READING TEST
Description of the ACT Reading Test
About the Directions
Strategies for the Reading Section
Skills Tested
Reading Review
Answer Key for Drill
Chapter 7: ATTACKING THE ACT SCIENCE REASONING TEST
Description of the ACT Science Reasoning Test
About the Directions
Strategies for the Science Reasoning Section
Skills Tested
Sample Passages and Questions
Biology Review
Chemistry Review
Physics Review
Earth Science Review
Geology Review
Astronomy Review
Meteorology Review
Answer Key for Drills
PRACTICE EXAM I
Answer Key
Detailed Explanations of Answers
PRACTICE EXAM II
Answer Key
Detailed Explanations of Answers
PRACTICE EXAM III
Answer Key
Detailed Explanations of Answers
PRACTICE EXAM IV
Answer Key
Detailed Explanations of Answers
ANSWER SHEETS (WITH SUBSCORE-AREA CODING)
ATTACKING THE ACT WRITING TEST
APPENDIX
INDEX SCORING WORKSHEETRAW SCORE CONVERSION CHARTSUBSCORE CONVERSION CHART: RAW SCORE TO SCALED SCORE

EXCERPT

About Research & Education Association
Research & Education Association (REA) is an organization of educators, scientists, and engineers specializing in various academic fields. Founded in 1959 with the purpose of disseminating the most recently developed scientific information to groups in industry, government, high schools, and universities, REA has since become a successful and highly respected publisher of study aids, test preps, handbooks, and reference works.

REA's Test Preparation series includes study guides for all academic levels in almost all disciplines. Research & Education Association publishes test preps for students who have not yet completed high school, as well as high school students preparing to enter college. Students from countries around the world seeking to attend college in the United States will find the assistance they need in REA's publications. For college students seeking advanced degrees, REA publishes test preps for many major graduate school admission examinations in a wide variety of disciplines, including engineering, law, and medicine. Students at every level, in every field, with every ambition can find what they are looking for among REA's publications.
While most test preparation books present practice tests that bear little resemblance to the actual exams, REA's series presents tests that accurately depict the official exams in both degree of difficulty and types of questions. REA's practice tests are always based upon the most recently administered exams, and include every type of question that can be expected on the actual exams.

REA's publications and educational materials are highly regarded and continually receive an unprecedented amount of praise from professionals, instructors, librarians, parents, and students. Our authors are as diverse as the fields represented in the books we publish. They are well-known in their respective disciplines and serve on the faculties of prestigious high schools, colleges, and universities throughout the United States and Canada.

Chapter 1: SCORING HIGH ON THE ACT ASSESSMENT

ABOUT OUR BOOK
This book has the tools to effectively prepare you for the ACT Assessment. It contains five full-length practice exams complete with answer keys and detailed explanations for each question, along with a topical review for each of the five individual tests that make up the ACT. All of the practice exams we provide are based on the latest ACT test administrations and contain every type of question that you can expect to encounter on the actual exam.

ABOUT THE ACT
Who Takes the ACT and What is It Used for?
The ACT is usually taken by high school juniors and seniors. The exam is used by college admissions officers as a way to fairly judge all the students who apply to their school. Because high schools across the United States use many different grading systems, ACT scores put everyone on more of an equal footing. Your ACT scores, along with other information provided by you and your high school, help colleges predict how well you will do at the college level.

If you don't do well on the ACT, don't panic! The exam can be taken over so that you can work on improving your scores. It's also not the be-all and end-all that you might think it is. Admissions officers use a number of criteria to judge applicants: Grade-point average, extracurricular activities, on-campus interviews, and the degree to which you've been taking challenging courses in high school are all factors that go into the mix. REA believes you have every reason to believe that, with enough of the right preparation, you can and should score well on the ACT. Nonetheless, you shouldn't think that not doing so will necessarily jeopardize your chances of attending the college of your choice. The very fact that you picked up this book, however, means that you're not one to leave much to chance. Having our test prep at your side as you approach test day will give you the extra shot of confidence we all sometimes need to climb the ladder of success.

Who Administers the ACT?
The ACT is developed and administered by ACT, Inc., and involves the assistance of educators throughout the country. The development process is designed and implemented to ensure that the content and difficulty level of the exam are appropriate.

When and Where is the ACT Given?
You should try to take the exam early in your junior or senior year so that you will have another opportunity to take it if you are not satisfied with your performance. Taking our practice exams will familiarize you with the types of questions and format of the ACT so that you do not have to go through the anxiety of learning about the ACT during the actual exam.

The ACT is usually administered five times a year throughout the country. It is given at hundreds of locations, including high schools. The usual testing day is Saturday, but the exam can be taken on an alternate day if a conflict, such as a religious obligation, exists.

To receive information on upcoming administrations of the ACT, consult the ACT Registration Bulletin, which can be obtained from your guidance counselor, or contact ACT, Inc., directly at:

ACT Registration
Phone: (319) 337-1270 (Weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ct)
Website: www.act.org
Online registration or registration by phone is recommended

To take the ACT, you must pay a registration fee. A fee waiver may be granted in certain situations. To find out if you qualify, ask your guidance counselor. SSD Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Many students qualify for extra time to take the ACT Assessment. To learn about the documentation policy, the types of accommodations available, and registration procedures, visit www.act.org/aap/disab.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
What Do I Study First?
Begin your studies by first taking our written diagnostic exam. The tables that follow include an answer key to score your exam, and also explain what review material you need to study if you answer a question incorrectly.

After taking the written diagnostic exam, you may wish to continue your study by moving on to our Practice Exams I and II. Or, if you prefer, first study our reviews, which are designed to provide you with the information and strategies you need to do well on the ACT.

Complete your preparation by taking the remaining two practice exams. For the most benefit, be sure to simulate actual testing conditions. Sit at a table in a quiet room and be sure to time yourself. Doing so will help you become familiar with the format and procedures involved with taking the actual ACT, and should help alleviate some of your test-taking anxiety.

To best utilize your study time, follow our ACT Independent Study Schedule, which you'll find in the front of this book. The schedule is based on a ten-week program, but can be condensed to five weeks if necessary.

When Should I Start Studying?
It is never too early to start studying for the ACT. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study, since it does not allow you the time needed to learn the exam material. The sooner you learn the format of the exam, the more time you will have to familiarize yourself with it.

FORMAT OF THE ACT ASSESSMENT

English - 45 minutes - 75 questions
Usage/Mechanics
- Punctuation 13% 10 multiple-choice
- Basic Grammar & Usage 16% 12 multiple-choice
- Sentence Structure 24% 18 multiple-choice
Rhetorical Skills
- Strategy 16% 12 multiple-choice
- Organization 15% 11 multiple-choice
- Style 16% 12 multiple-choice

Mathematics 60 minutes - 60 questions
Pre-Algebra / Elem. Algebra
- Pre-Algebra 23% 14 multiple-choice
- Elementary Algebra 17% 10 multiple-choice
Int. Algebra / Coord. Geometry
- Intermediate Algebra 15% 9 multiple-choice
- Coordinate Geometry 15% 9 multiple-choice
Plane Geometry / Trigonometry
- Plane Geometry 23% 14 multiple-choice
- Trigonometry 7% 4 multiple-choice

Reading - 35 minutes - 40 questions
Social Studies/Sciences
- Social Studies 25% 10 multiple-choice
- Natural Sciences 25% 10 multiple-choice
Arts/Literature
- Prose Fiction 25% 10 multiple-choice
- Humanities 25% 10 multiple-choice

Science Reasoning - 35 minutes - 40 questions
- Data Representation 38% 15 multiple-choice
- Research Summaries 45% 18 multiple-choice
- Conflicting Viewpoints 17% 7 multiple-choice Writing (optional) - 30 minutes - 1 prompt
- Persuasive Essay 1 prompt
The breakdown of questions may appear as follows:
Test 1: English - 5 passages each followed by 15 questions (45 minutes)
Test 2: Mathematics - 60 regular math questions (60 minutes)
Test 3: Reading - 4 reading passages with 10 questions on each passage (35 minutes)
Test 4: Science Reasoning - 7 passages each followed by between 5 & 7 questions (35 minutes)
Test 5: Writing (optional) - 1 prompt for 1 essay (30 minutes)
Total questions: 215 (without Writing Test)
Total Testing Time: 2 hours, 55 minutes (without Writing Test)

All of the questions on the ACT (without Writing Test) are in multiple-choice format and provide four answer choices, except those in the Mathematics test which present five choices.

English Test
There are two types of English questions on the ACT, for which you will receive separate subscores:
- Usage/Mechanics: (40 questions) You will be required to review sentences from the passages for proper grammar. These questions test your knowledge of punctuation, your understanding of basic grammar and usage, and your recognition of proper sentence structure.
- Rhetorical Skills: (35 questions) You will be tested on your ability to recognize the strategy of a piece of writing, and to choose expressions and sentences which will support that strategy. Your skill level in organizing ideas and judging statements in context will also be tested. Finally, your ability to select precise and appropriate words and images, avoid ambiguous or ineffective writing, and write economically will be tested.

Mathematics Test
In the Mathematics Test, you will encounter standard multiple-choice questions. The test covers five areas, but you will receive three subscores based on the following topics:
- Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra: (24 questions) These questions test your knowledge of whole numbers, decimals, integers, fractions, linear equations, algebraic equations, and your ability to solve a quadratic equation.
- Intermediate Algebra and Coordinate Geometry: (18 questions) You will be tested on graphing in the coordinate plane, operations with integer exponents, radical and rational expressions, the quadratic formula, linear inequalities in one variable, and systems of two linear equations in two variables.
- Plane Geometry/Trigonometry: (18 questions) These questions evaluate your knowledge of the properties and relations of figures on the geometric plane, right triangle trigonometry, graphing trigonometric functions, and basic trigonometric identities.

Reading Test
The Reading passages cover topics in social studies, the natural sciences, prose fiction, and the humanities. You will receive two subscores based on the following areas:
- Social Studies/Natural Sciences: (20 questions) The Social Studies questions will evaluate you on a passage that may come from history, politi...