What Does the ACT English Test Measure?

the ACT logoThe ACT English test is designed to measure a range of writing skills from fundamental grammar to effective written communication . This test section involves five passages written especially for the test to include lots of errors. The ACT English test basically requires test takers to act as editors to improve these passages.

Questions on the ACT English test cover the full range of editorial skills in a multiple-choice format, without requiring students to know technical grammatical terms: ACT uses Reporting Categories to provide a more granular analysis of performance. ACT English Reporting Categories detail what students are tested on in this section:

Conventions of Standard English questions measure understanding of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, and mechanics. This reporting category focuses on Usage, Punctuation, and Sentence Structure and Formation.

Production of Writing questions measure understanding of the purpose and focus of a piece of writing. This reporting category focuses on Topic Development and Organization, Unity, and Cohesion.

Knowledge of Language questions focus on the use of word choice to make a passage more precise or concise, or to improve syntax, style, or tone.

The timed nature of this section also rewards reading speed and comprehension along with critical test taking skills like focus, endurance, and answer awareness.

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