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ACT Test Prep. Today’s Purpose…. Encourage test preparation Share basic strategies and tips Know what to expect on test day. What is the ACT?. 3 hour exam (+ 1/2 hour for writing) Used for college admissions Test of problem-solving skills May be taken 12 times Average PHS score – 23
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Today’s Purpose… • Encourage test preparation • Share basic strategies and tips • Know what to expect on test day
What is the ACT? 3 hour exam (+ 1/2 hour for writing) Used for college admissions Test of problem-solving skills May be taken 12 times Average PHS score – 23 Highest PHS score – 34 of 36
General Strategies • Pace yourself • Read directions and questions carefully • Answer easy questions first, use logic for more difficult ones • Attempt every question. Score is based on number of questions answered correctly. • Be precise in marking your answer document
Should I guess? • Yes! • With “5 minutes remaining”, give it your best logical guess.
Night Before the Test… • Get plenty of rest • Gather the following: • Admission ticket • Photo ID - driver license, school ID, etc. • Watch w/o an alarm • Sharpened #2 pencils, eraser • Appropriate calculator • Snack for break - granola bar, apple, etc.
Day of the Test • Dress in layers for room temperature • Eat a healthy breakfast • Test starts promptly at 8 am, arrive by 7:45 • Come with a positive attitude • Relax
ACT Test Subjects English Math Reading Science Writing (optional)
Usage/Mechanics Punctuation Grammar and Usage Sentence Structure Rhetorical Skills Strategy Organization Style English Test45 minutes for 5 passages, 75 questions
English Tips • Be aware of the writing style used in each passage. • Examine the underlined portions carefully. • Note the differences in the answer choices, best one. • Reread the sentence inserting your selected answer.
Math60 minutes for 60 questions • Knowledge of basic formulas & computational skills • Problems can be solved without a calculator • Answering half of the questions right will give you a score of 20
Math Test Content • Pre-algebra & elementary algebra – 40% • Intermediate algebra & coordinate geometry – 30% • Plane geometry – 23% • Trigonometry – 7% • Don’t know Trig? Don’t worry. • Use the time on other math problems.
Reading Test35 minutes for 4 passages, 40 questions • Measures reading comprehension • Content of passages: • Social Studies – history, geography, psychology • Natural Sciences – astronomy, botany, medicine • Prose Fiction – short stories or novels • Humanities – music, art, language, film • Start with your favorite. Score in the top 15% of test takers without looking at 4th passage.
Reading Skills Tested Questions will ask you to: • Determine main ideas • Locate and interpret significant details • Understand sequences of events • Make comparisons • Comprehend cause-effect relationships • Draw generalizations • Analyze the author’s or narrator’s voice and method • Determine meaning of context-dependent words, phrases, and statements.
Science Test35 minutes for 40 questions • The test assumes you have completed courses in physical science, biology and chemistry • It contains 7 sets of scientific information. The formats are: • Data representation (graphs, tables, etc.) • Research summaries (descriptions of experiments) • Conflicting viewpoints (views that don’t match)
Writing Test (optional)30 min. essay Essay is evaluated on your ability to… • Express judgment by taking a position • Maintain focus on the topic • Develop a position by using logical reasoning • Organize ideas in a logical way • Use language clearly and effectively
Writing Tips • Jot down ideas/reasons that you wish to include in your essay (pros and cons) • Formulate an opposing argument • Create an outline to determine the order …..then start your essay
Finally…… Keep track of time – work efficiently Guess intelligently Review Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geom. Be careful with the answer grid Take the practice tests at home
Practice Tests actstudent.org/sampletest/index/html wisconsinmentor.org TestPrepWI.org knowhow2gowisconsin.org
Additional Practice • UW-Baraboo Saturday, March & November 8:30 - 4:00 $59 includes practice materials # 608-355-5220 www.baraboo.uwc.edu • Kampen’s Elite Tutoring # 608-697-6510