Ace the ACT Reading Comprehension Exam

Here is an overview of the entire section of the exam: Part 3 Reading Comprehension of the ACT.    We cover the basics of the section itself - how it's built, what the rules are, how the passages relate to the questions... things you need to know BEFORE you sit for the exam.

Each of the passages has its own style, its own 'fingerprint'.  The questions are also connected to the passage in that they reflect the literary style of the passage itself.  The 'Prose Fiction' passage and the related questions are different in style and tone from those for the 'Natural Science'.  We will look at and analyze all four, and talk about WHICH passages to do first, and WHY.

The Prose Fiction passage is unique.  It is serious in making sure you are able to analyze dialogue, of which there is a lot, as well as recognize the TONE, CHARACTERIZATION and THEME of the passage.  This passage is the most artistic of the four, and the questions reflect that.

The Social Science section is similar to what you'll get in your Social Studies (History) class.  It will be a non-fiction piece, often part of an historical era, or a section of society / government.  This one is about how the electorate (the people) are not neither able to, or nor want to direct the actions of their own government officials.  A dull topic, to be sure, but that's intentional - it's partly a test of concentration as well as comprehension.

The Humanities passage is unique in that it is a nonfiction passage, often a memoir, with a fiction 'feel' to the writing.  This passage is a good example, as it is an author's story of her transition from Bangladesh / India, to America.  The conflict between the cultures the two places, the conflict between the past and the present, and her role as a writer are all in the passage, and the exam expects you to recognize all of those things.  There are 6 questions connected to this passage that you can answer without reading the passage first.  We discuss and practice this as well.

The Natural Science passage is the most linear of all the passages.  There isn't as much grey area, as the topic itself, no matter what it is, is usually quite straightforward and easy to understand.  The questions will cover the basic subject, as well as some details.  There are 5 questions on this part that you can answer without reading the passage first.  Because the science section usually has some numbers, names and / or dates, the speed at which you can go on this passage is pretty fast.

As always I would like to thank you. You have choices in a huge market, and you chose this course. As I mentioned in the video, I'm just a regular guy, making videos and teaching online. I may not have made it clear in the video, but YOU can do this kind of thing as well.

I have learned over the years that most people will do nothing. They'll talk about doing things, but they won't see the project through.

Perhaps you're different. Break through the resistance (as Steven Pressfield writes about), and get your work done. You're good at something - teach others how to do it.

Thanks again,

Douglas Marolla

PS: I've attached a huge .pdf file that has the exam I used here (the first 4 passages), with the answers explained, as well as several other passages with their answers as well.  Use it if you need more study material.