{"id":3961,"date":"2025-04-08T09:07:27","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T14:07:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/?p=3961"},"modified":"2025-04-08T09:07:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T14:07:27","slug":"act-english-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/act-english-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"8 ACT English Tips To Help You Ace the Test"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Standardized tests aren\u2019t exactly anyone\u2019s idea of fun. But if you have to take the ACT anytime soon, you\u2019re probably wondering how to study for the English section without turning into a grammar-obsessed robot. We can promise: you really don\u2019t have to!<\/p>\n<p>The good news is that the ACT English section is super learnable. Once you understand the types of questions and know what to look for, you\u2019ll be able to spot comma splices and awkward phrasing in your sleep.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll walk you through <strong>8 no-nonsense ACT English tips<\/strong> to help you feel more confident on test day (and maybe even finish with a few minutes to spare).<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2><strong>8 ACT English Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>1. Know What\u2019s Actually on the ACT English Section<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Before we get to the tips, it helps to know what you\u2019re dealing with.<\/p>\n<p>The English section contains:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>75 questions<\/li>\n<li>5 short passages<\/li>\n<li>Just 45 minutes to get through all of it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>That\u2019s less than a minute per question\u2026so yeah, time management is key.<\/p>\n<p>But don\u2019t stress if one question takes a little longer. Some come with more text or are just a bit trickier, so it makes sense to slow down slightly. Other questions are shorter and quicker, so it usually all balances out.<\/p>\n<p><em>However<\/em>, if you get really stuck on one question, skip it and come back later. Don\u2019t spend 10 whole minutes on one hard question and risk not finishing the rest. Your time is precious.<\/p>\n<p>The questions fall into two categories:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Usage and Mechanics<\/strong> (think: grammar, punctuation, sentence structure)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rhetorical Skills<\/strong> (organization, tone, clarity, and word choice)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Knowing what the ACT wants from you is half the battle.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3963 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Know-Whats-Actually-on-the-ACT-English-Section.png\" alt=\"Know What\u2019s Actually on the ACT English Section\" width=\"1200\" height=\"628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Know-Whats-Actually-on-the-ACT-English-Section.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Know-Whats-Actually-on-the-ACT-English-Section-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Know-Whats-Actually-on-the-ACT-English-Section-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Know-Whats-Actually-on-the-ACT-English-Section-768x402.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. Brush Up on the Most Common Grammar Rules<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Don\u2019t panic! You\u2019re not expected to be an English professor. But you should definitely know:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Subject-verb agreement<\/li>\n<li>Verb tense consistency<\/li>\n<li>Pronoun usage<\/li>\n<li>Punctuation (commas, apostrophes, colons, semicolons\u2026your new besties)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These rules show up <em>a lot<\/em> on the ACT English test. They\u2019re repetitive so if you master them early, you\u2019ll start recognizing patterns and flying through questions.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Sentence Structure is Everything<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The ACT <em>loves<\/em> to test your ability to tell a complete sentence from a hot mess.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what to watch for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fragments<\/strong> (sentences that are missing something important)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Run-ons<\/strong> (sentences that try to do too much without the right punctuation)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Comma splices<\/strong> (two full thoughts joined incorrectly by just a comma)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The trick: Read it aloud in your head. If it sounds wrong, it probably is.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>4. Clarity &gt; Fancy Words<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The ACT isn\u2019t impressed by big, complicated words. In fact, the simplest answer is usually the right one.<\/p>\n<p>If a sentence feels:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Too wordy<\/li>\n<li>Redundant<\/li>\n<li>Trying too hard to sound smart\u2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u2026it\u2019s probably wrong.<\/p>\n<p>Stick with clear, direct answers. No fluff. No filler.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Let\u2019s look at an example:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Because of the fact that the storm had occurred unexpectedly, we were unable to proceed with the event as planned. <\/em><strong>(Wrong answer)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Because the storm was unexpected, we had to cancel the event. <\/em><strong>(Correct answer)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>See how the second one gets to the point without all the extra fluff?<\/p>\n<p>Of course, not every long sentence is wrong. Sometimes the longer sentence might be the correct choice (when it adds important info or better structure). But as a general rule, choose clarity over complexity.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3964 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Clarity-Fancy-Words.png\" alt=\"Clarity Fancy Words\" width=\"1200\" height=\"628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Clarity-Fancy-Words.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Clarity-Fancy-Words-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Clarity-Fancy-Words-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Clarity-Fancy-Words-768x402.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>5. Read the Whole Paragraph (Not Just the Sentence)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes, the correct answer depends on <em>context<\/em>. If you focus only on the underlined sentence, you might miss something important.<\/p>\n<p>Ask yourself:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Does this sentence logically connect with the ones around it?<\/li>\n<li>Is there a better transition word based on the flow of ideas?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Reading just a little extra can save you from a wrong answer.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>6. Practice With Real ACT English Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Practice really does make progress. Use ACT English practice tests to train your brain to recognize patterns. Nothing beats working with real test questions. They help you get used to the style, format, and little grammar traps the ACT loves to throw at you.<\/p>\n<p>You can easily find official ACT practice tests online (just Google \u201cofficial ACT practice test PDF\u201d and you\u2019ll find a few straight from ACT.org).<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t just casually scroll through questions.<\/p>\n<p>Instead:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Set a timer and simulate real test conditions<\/li>\n<li>Check your accuracy after each section<\/li>\n<li>Review your mistakes (especially the ones that made you go \u201cWait\u2026 seriously?\u201d)<\/li>\n<li>Read the explanations to learn from them<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Need materials? Check out some solid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.directtextbook.com\/act-test-prep-textbooks\">ACT test prep books<\/a> to build your study stack.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>7. Eliminate the Obviously Wrong Answers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Multiple choice = built-in clues.<\/p>\n<p>If an option:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Changes the meaning of the sentence<\/li>\n<li>Is grammatically incorrect<\/li>\n<li>Just feels awkward\u2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&#8230;go ahead and cross it off. Even if you\u2019re unsure, narrowing it down increases your chances of guessing right. Trust your gut (especially after some practice).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3965 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Eliminate-the-Obviously-Wrong-Answers.png\" alt=\"Eliminate the Obviously Wrong Answers\" width=\"1200\" height=\"628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Eliminate-the-Obviously-Wrong-Answers.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Eliminate-the-Obviously-Wrong-Answers-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Eliminate-the-Obviously-Wrong-Answers-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Eliminate-the-Obviously-Wrong-Answers-768x402.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>8. Learn from Broader ACT Prep Tips<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The English section is just one part of the whole test. If you\u2019re serious about leveling up your score, don\u2019t stop here.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure to check out these smart <a href=\"https:\/\/bookscouter.com\/blog\/how-to-study-for-the-act\/\">ACT tips<\/a> that cover prep strategy, time management, and test-day game plans. They will not only help you with the other sections of the ACT, they will also help you study better for the English section specifically. Because, after all, you\u2019ll realize that the general tips are not that different from the specific ACT English section tips you\u2019re reading about here or elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p>Bonus: If you&#8217;re curious about how acceptance rates work and want to set realistic college goals, this <a href=\"https:\/\/bookscouter.com\/blog\/top-14-qas-about-acceptance-rates\/\">Q&amp;A about acceptance rates<\/a> is a helpful read too.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How Should Students Prepare for the ACT English Test?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Studying for the ACT English section doesn\u2019t have to be overwhelming. When you\u2019re using the right study strategy (and add a little consistency), you\u2019ll start seeing real progress.<\/p>\n<p>Remember:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Know the grammar rules that matter.<\/li>\n<li>Practice smart.<\/li>\n<li>Keep it simple.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And look at it this way: by reading this post, you\u2019ve already taken the first step towards success. Now don\u2019t forget to prepare for the other sections of the ACT so that your math score doesn\u2019t drag down your (perfect) English score.<\/p>\n<p>Good luck!<\/p>\n<p>Want to boost your overall study game? Check out these helpful reads: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/study-habits-best-worst-types-learners\/\">Study Habits: The Best and the Worst for All Types of Learners<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/4-unconventional-study-tips\/\">4 Unconventional Study Tips<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/not-cramming-exams\/\">What Not to Do When Cramming for Exams<\/a><em data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"779\" data-is-last-node=\"\">.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Standardized tests aren\u2019t exactly anyone\u2019s idea of fun. But if you have to take the ACT anytime soon, you\u2019re probably wondering how to study for the English section without turning into a grammar-obsessed robot. We can promise: you really don\u2019t have to! The good news is that the ACT English section is super learnable. Once [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3967,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"amp_status":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[165,166],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v14.0.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>8 ACT English Tips To Help You Ace the Test - CampusBooks Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow\" \/>\n<meta name=\"googlebot\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"bingbot\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.campusbooks.com\/blog\/act-english-tips\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"8 ACT English Tips To Help You Ace the Test - CampusBooks Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Standardized tests aren\u2019t exactly anyone\u2019s idea of fun. 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