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ACT Strategy & Practice SessionsACT Strategy & Practice Sessions

About the ACTAbout the ACT

College entrance exam.College entrance exam.5 part test: English, Math, 5 part test: English, Math, Reading, Science Reading, Science reasoning, and Writing.reasoning, and Writing.Passing composite score Passing composite score =18 on a scale of 1-36.=18 on a scale of 1-36.Last year, juniors in Last year, juniors in Kentucky scored an Kentucky scored an average of 18.3 on the average of 18.3 on the ACT. Seniors scored ACT. Seniors scored 20.9. The national 20.9. The national average is 21.1.average is 21.1.Lower than National Lower than National Average.Average.

Why should you care about the Why should you care about the ACT?ACT?

The higher the score, the more The higher the score, the more KEES (KY Education KEES (KY Education Excellence Scholarship) Excellence Scholarship) money you make! You’ll money you make! You’ll receive that $$ each year you receive that $$ each year you are in college!are in college!Good healthGood health — College — College graduates are generally graduates are generally healthier than their non-college healthier than their non-college peers, smoking less and eating peers, smoking less and eating better. better. Students who attend college Students who attend college graduates make more money graduates make more money over the course of their over the course of their careers.careers.

Take the ACT Challenge!Take the ACT Challenge!

The test is difficult, The test is difficult, therefore a good therefore a good opportunity to show what opportunity to show what you can do.you can do.

Develop a study plan Develop a study plan given the amount of time given the amount of time you have to study and you have to study and stick to it. stick to it.

Kaplan. Kaplan. ACT Premier Program.ACT Premier Program. New York: New York: Kaplan, 2007. Kaplan, 2007.

3 Keys to Success3 Keys to Success

Learn the test.Learn the test.Learn the Learn the strategies.strategies.Learn the Learn the material tested.material tested.

Kaplan. Kaplan. ACT Premier Program.ACT Premier Program. New York: New York: Kapllan Publishing, 2007 edKapllan Publishing, 2007 ed

Learn the TestLearn the Test

Know the directions.Know the directions.Know difficulty range of questions.Know difficulty range of questions.Don’t know the answer? Guessing is your Don’t know the answer? Guessing is your last resort and best option! You will not be last resort and best option! You will not be penalized for wrong answers.penalized for wrong answers.

ACT LogisticsACT Logistics

Math 60 questions - 60 min.Math 60 questions - 60 min.

Science 40 questions - 35 min.Science 40 questions - 35 min.

Reading 40 questions - 35 min.Reading 40 questions - 35 min.

English 75 questions - 45 min.English 75 questions - 45 min.

Writing 1 essay prompt - 30 min.Writing 1 essay prompt - 30 min.

Learn the strategiesLearn the strategies

Use a plan of attack for each subject test.Use a plan of attack for each subject test.Learn unofficial ways of getting right answers Learn unofficial ways of getting right answers fast. Know what to expect.fast. Know what to expect.Practice weak skill areas (using Learning Practice weak skill areas (using Learning Express Library to find weak areas).Express Library to find weak areas).Monitor time.Monitor time.If time is running out, fill in most logical guess.If time is running out, fill in most logical guess.Letter of the Day.Letter of the Day.Mark up your test booklet.Mark up your test booklet.Reword the questions in a form you can Reword the questions in a form you can understand.understand.

Learn Material TestedLearn Material Tested

Read graphs, tables, and use formulas.Read graphs, tables, and use formulas.

Pay attention to the types of questions that Pay attention to the types of questions that appear most frequently.appear most frequently.

Practice skill areas that cause trouble.Practice skill areas that cause trouble.

ACT Practice TestsACT Practice TestsFREE with your Library Card FREE with your Library Card Go to Go to http://www.lfpl.org/research/Subjects/TestPreparation.ashttp://www.lfpl.org/research/Subjects/TestPreparation.aspp Click Learning Express Library (LEL). Click Learning Express Library (LEL).Log in from home using your library card and password. Log in from home using your library card and password.

Want more help? Come to one of our library programs Want more help? Come to one of our library programs on the LEL. We can help you prepare for the ACT! Or on the LEL. We can help you prepare for the ACT! Or you can check out the tutorial on our website for easy you can check out the tutorial on our website for easy

instructions any time: instructions any time: http://www.lfpl.org/teen/pdf/act-tutorial.pdfhttp://www.lfpl.org/teen/pdf/act-tutorial.pdf

ACT StrategiesACT Strategies

ReadingReading

Read to Answer, Not to discussRead to Answer, Not to discuss

This sounds like advice that you won’t get This sounds like advice that you won’t get from your teachers. You won’t. The ACT is from your teachers. You won’t. The ACT is a test that does not require you to retain or a test that does not require you to retain or discuss the information afterwards. You discuss the information afterwards. You are only getting fragments of the story. are only getting fragments of the story. You are already missing the context that You are already missing the context that might make the passage more might make the passage more understandable. Read to answer the understandable. Read to answer the questions, not to think about the passage. questions, not to think about the passage.

““It is further noteworthy that the terrestrial It is further noteworthy that the terrestrial vertebrate’s most significant muscles of vertebrate’s most significant muscles of movement are no longer located lateral to the movement are no longer located lateral to the vertebral column as they are in the fish, but vertebral column as they are in the fish, but rather in ventral and dorsal relation to it. This rather in ventral and dorsal relation to it. This trend in terrestrial evolution is highly significant trend in terrestrial evolution is highly significant and means that the terrestrial vertebrate’s and means that the terrestrial vertebrate’s principal movements are fore and back, not side principal movements are fore and back, not side to side” to side” Cracking the ACT, p242Cracking the ACT, p242. .

This makes very little sense without the context. This makes very little sense without the context. You are not reading to retain, but to answer You are not reading to retain, but to answer the questions. the questions.

Pick the Easiest Passages to Pick the Easiest Passages to Read First!!!Read First!!!

You will probably run out of time. Thinking You will probably run out of time. Thinking takes time. Pick the passages that are takes time. Pick the passages that are easiest for you, that way you get the easy easiest for you, that way you get the easy and correct answers on paper early and and correct answers on paper early and when you are forced to guess, can guess when you are forced to guess, can guess on the hard questions. on the hard questions.

Four types of passagesFour types of passages

ProseProse: Fiction passages concerned with the who, : Fiction passages concerned with the who, what, when, where and why. You will have to what, when, where and why. You will have to infer character motivations.infer character motivations.

Social Science and Humanities : Social Science and Humanities : could be could be anything from an essay by Mark Twain to an anything from an essay by Mark Twain to an authors view on religion. You will make authors view on religion. You will make inferences, but also have to pay attention to inferences, but also have to pay attention to details. details.

Natural Science:Natural Science: is all about the details. You will is all about the details. You will have to make very few inferences, but pick have to make very few inferences, but pick specific details from the passage. specific details from the passage.

Watch for Disguised AnswersWatch for Disguised Answers

The ACT creators reword or paraphrase The ACT creators reword or paraphrase items that may confuse you when you are items that may confuse you when you are just scanning a text. Now that you know just scanning a text. Now that you know this, you can pay attention and watch for this, you can pay attention and watch for phrases that mean the same thing, but are phrases that mean the same thing, but are worded differently.worded differently.– E.g. E.g. allocateallocate instead of instead of distributingdistributing

Burdens and benefits Burdens and benefits instead of instead of gifts and penaltiesgifts and penalties

Merit Merit instead of instead of deservesdeserves

Disguising the answerDisguising the answer

The library began the distribution of Power Plus The library began the distribution of Power Plus cards to all Jefferson County Public School cards to all Jefferson County Public School students. students. Which sentence best summarizes the above statement:Which sentence best summarizes the above statement:

A) The library allocated cards to JCPS A) The library allocated cards to JCPS students.students.

B) The library gave cards to everyone.B) The library gave cards to everyone.

C) The library distributed cards to all students C) The library distributed cards to all students in Jefferson County.in Jefferson County.

D) The library received cards from JCPS students.D) The library received cards from JCPS students.

Watch for DistractersWatch for Distracters

The creators are really good at making wrong answers The creators are really good at making wrong answers look right. Watch out for the 4 common distracting look right. Watch out for the 4 common distracting techniques used by the ACT. techniques used by the ACT.

1.1. Deceptive AnswersDeceptive Answers -answers that use the words and -answers that use the words and phrases taken directly from the passage.phrases taken directly from the passage.

2.2. SwitchesSwitches- Taking the truth and turning it around.- Taking the truth and turning it around.3.3. ExtremesExtremes- always, invariably, or never are extreme - always, invariably, or never are extreme

words that rarely apply to real life situations. You words that rarely apply to real life situations. You should be suspicious, very very suspicious. should be suspicious, very very suspicious.

4.4. Choices that sound too “niceChoices that sound too “nice”-they may seem ”-they may seem reasonable and sensible, but may not apply to the reasonable and sensible, but may not apply to the actual passage.actual passage.

Which answer Which answer choices use distracters?choices use distracters?

The library began the distribution of Power Plus The library began the distribution of Power Plus cards to all Jefferson County Public School cards to all Jefferson County Public School students. students. Which sentence best summarizes the above statement:Which sentence best summarizes the above statement:

A) The library allocated cards to JCPS A) The library allocated cards to JCPS students.students.

B) The library gave cards to everyone.B) The library gave cards to everyone.

C) The library distributed cards to all students C) The library distributed cards to all students in Jefferson County.in Jefferson County.

D) The library received cards from JCPS students.D) The library received cards from JCPS students.

Distracters, cont’d.Distracters, cont’d. DeceptionDeception

““Tom loves going to the movies with Tom loves going to the movies with Mary”Mary”

According to this statement, which of the following is true According to this statement, which of the following is true regarding Tom and Mary?regarding Tom and Mary?

A.A. Tom fell in love with Mary at the movies.Tom fell in love with Mary at the movies.B.B. Tom enjoys viewing motion pictures with Mary as his companionTom enjoys viewing motion pictures with Mary as his companionC.C. Tom and Mary generally enjoy seeing movies about loveTom and Mary generally enjoy seeing movies about loveD.D. Both Tom and Mary love going to the moviesBoth Tom and Mary love going to the movies

A, C, and D all use words directly from passage. They’re all wrong! A, C, and D all use words directly from passage. They’re all wrong! Answer B is correct, just in camouflageAnswer B is correct, just in camouflage (Cracking the Act, p 253)(Cracking the Act, p 253)

SwitchesSwitches

1.1. Professor Thorne generally explains a Professor Thorne generally explains a technological discovery first in terms of its technological discovery first in terms of its history and then in terms of the science upon history and then in terms of the science upon which it was founded. which it was founded.

2.2. Professor Thorne generally explains a Professor Thorne generally explains a technological discovery first in terms of the technological discovery first in terms of the science on which it was founded, and then in science on which it was founded, and then in terms of its history. terms of its history.

These two statements say the same thing, in These two statements say the same thing, in opposite order. This is the basic idea behind a opposite order. This is the basic idea behind a switch. switch.

ExtremesExtremes

Extremes are usually wrong because they Extremes are usually wrong because they are debatable. are debatable. – For examples: Patients who are chronically For examples: Patients who are chronically

depressed never enjoy their lives. depressed never enjoy their lives.

Never? Never? Ever? Ever? That would be pretty hard to That would be pretty hard to prove.prove.

Extreme words to watch for: always, invariably, Extreme words to watch for: always, invariably, never, completely, perfectly, absolutely. never, completely, perfectly, absolutely.

Skim and ScribbleSkim and Scribble

By reading the passage quickly and By reading the passage quickly and identifying main points, you will be able to identifying main points, you will be able to spend more time actually answering the spend more time actually answering the questions rather than reading and questions rather than reading and rereading the passage. rereading the passage.

Use only one or two words to identify a Use only one or two words to identify a theme for the passage. theme for the passage.

Skim and ScribbleSkim and Scribble

IF we were to start fresh in the IF we were to start fresh in the study of sculpture or any art study of sculpture or any art we might observe that the we might observe that the record is largely filled by works record is largely filled by works of relatively few great of relatively few great contributors. Next to the contributors. Next to the influences of these great influences of these great geniuses, time periods geniuses, time periods themselves are of little themselves are of little significance. The study of art significance. The study of art and art history are properly and art history are properly directed to the achievements directed to the achievements of outstanding individual of outstanding individual artists, not the particular artists, not the particular decades or centuries in which decades or centuries in which any may have worked.any may have worked.

Artists and periodArtists and period

Skim and ScribbleSkim and ScribbleNonetheless, when we study art in Nonetheless, when we study art in historical perspective we select a historical perspective we select a convenient frame of reference through convenient frame of reference through which diverse styles and talents are to which diverse styles and talents are to be compared. Hence we write in be compared. Hence we write in ““movementsmovements” and attempt to ” and attempt to understand each artist in terms of the understand each artist in terms of the one to which he “belongs.” one to which he “belongs.” MovementsMovements have limited use, but we should not have limited use, but we should not talk of talk of realism, impressionism, cubism realism, impressionism, cubism or surrealismor surrealism as though they genuinely as though they genuinely had lives of their own to which the had lives of their own to which the artist was answerable. We regard the artist was answerable. We regard the movement as the governing force and movement as the governing force and the artist as its servant. Yet it is well to the artist as its servant. Yet it is well to remember that the movements do not remember that the movements do not necessarily present themselves in necessarily present themselves in orderly chronological series and the orderly chronological series and the individual artist frequently weaves her individual artist frequently weaves her way into one and out of another over way into one and out of another over the course of a single career. the course of a single career.

MovementsMovements

Trigger WordsTrigger Words

Indicate a change in the authors direction. Indicate a change in the authors direction.

Watch for these words as a way to signal Watch for these words as a way to signal what path the passage is taking. what path the passage is taking.

despite, however, in spite of, on the despite, however, in spite of, on the contrary, nonetheless, on the other contrary, nonetheless, on the other hand, yet, notwithstanding, but, hand, yet, notwithstanding, but, ironically, rather, unfortunately, ironically, rather, unfortunately, therefore, hence, consequentlytherefore, hence, consequently

Process of EliminationProcess of Elimination

Always cross out wrong answers first. Always cross out wrong answers first.

Utilize these tips to help weed out wrong Utilize these tips to help weed out wrong answers.answers.

Use your best judgment; the answer is not Use your best judgment; the answer is not always apparent, and its up to you to find always apparent, and its up to you to find the best answer. the best answer.

Answer in GroupsAnswer in Groups

A single passage will have multiple A single passage will have multiple questions associated with it. questions associated with it. – Answer the questions that belong to the Answer the questions that belong to the

passage on the test booklet.passage on the test booklet.– THEN THEN – Go back and fill the answers in the grid.Go back and fill the answers in the grid.

ACT Math TestACT Math Test

33 Algebra33 Algebra (14 pre algebra, 10 (14 pre algebra, 10 elementary algebra, 9 intermediate elementary algebra, 9 intermediate algebra)algebra)

24 Geometry24 Geometry (14 plane geometry, 9 (14 plane geometry, 9 coordinate geometry)coordinate geometry)

4 Trigonometry4 Trigonometry

TipsTips

You are allowed to use a calculator but none of You are allowed to use a calculator but none of the questions REQUIRE a calculator.the questions REQUIRE a calculator.

Use your logic. Solve the problem quickly in Use your logic. Solve the problem quickly in your head and eliminate answers that are far your head and eliminate answers that are far fetched. fetched. 3x +2000 = 50003x +2000 = 5000

What is X?What is X?A)2A)2

B)10B)10

C)100C)100

D)1000D)1000

Use the Same ProcessesUse the Same Processes

TriageTriage (Easy, Medium, Difficult) (Easy, Medium, Difficult)

POE (Process of Elimination)- POE (Process of Elimination)- – Some answers will just be logically wrong, Some answers will just be logically wrong,

eliminate these answers first. eliminate these answers first.

My answer isn’t there! My answer isn’t there! What do I do?What do I do?

There are three possibilities:There are three possibilities:– You misread or misunderstood the question. Reread You misread or misunderstood the question. Reread

the question carefully. Be sure that you answer the the question carefully. Be sure that you answer the question that was asked.question that was asked.

– You made a mistake in the solution of the problem. You made a mistake in the solution of the problem. Quickly review your steps, looking for errors. Perhaps Quickly review your steps, looking for errors. Perhaps your answer is equivalent to one of the choices by a your answer is equivalent to one of the choices by a simple manipulation. (fractions vs. decimals).simple manipulation. (fractions vs. decimals).

– You solved the problem correctly, and the correct You solved the problem correctly, and the correct answer is “None of the above.”answer is “None of the above.”

Red HerringsRed Herrings

Avoid Red HerringsAvoid Red Herrings-Several questions will contain extra -Several questions will contain extra information that is not necessary to solve the problem. information that is not necessary to solve the problem. You need to distinguish important information from fillers. You need to distinguish important information from fillers. Almost all the questions will have only the information Almost all the questions will have only the information needed, but if you have a number that doesn’t seem to fit needed, but if you have a number that doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere, it probably doesn’t, it’s a red herring. in anywhere, it probably doesn’t, it’s a red herring. – The Latin club decided to hold a bake sale to raise money. Their The Latin club decided to hold a bake sale to raise money. Their

goal was to raise $50 for a school dance. They sold 25 cupcakes goal was to raise $50 for a school dance. They sold 25 cupcakes at 50 cents a piece and 20 brownies at $1 a piece. Mary bought at 50 cents a piece and 20 brownies at $1 a piece. Mary bought 4 cupcakes and 3 brownies to give to her cousins. Tom thought 4 cupcakes and 3 brownies to give to her cousins. Tom thought this was silly.this was silly.

– How much money did they raise?How much money did they raise?

Tackle the questions with logicTackle the questions with logic

Underline what the question is really Underline what the question is really asking. asking. Figure out the question piece by piece.Figure out the question piece by piece.Don’t read the whole question againDon’t read the whole question again--you are not doing the whole problem at you are not doing the whole problem at once, but piece by piece. once, but piece by piece. Reread your underlined sectionsReread your underlined sections to to make sure you answered all parts of the make sure you answered all parts of the question. question.

Lets work through one problemLets work through one problem

Each member in a club had to choose an activity for a Each member in a club had to choose an activity for a day of volunteer work. 1/3 of the members chose to pick day of volunteer work. 1/3 of the members chose to pick up trash. ¼ of the remaining members chose to paint up trash. ¼ of the remaining members chose to paint fences. 5/6 of the members without tasks chose to clean fences. 5/6 of the members without tasks chose to clean school buses. The rest of the members chose to plant school buses. The rest of the members chose to plant trees. If the club has 36 members, how many chose to trees. If the club has 36 members, how many chose to plant trees? plant trees? F)3F)3G) 6G) 6H) 9H) 9J)12J)12K)15K)15

Each member in a club had to choose an Each member in a club had to choose an activity for a day of volunteer work. activity for a day of volunteer work. 1/3 of 1/3 of the members chose to pick up trashthe members chose to pick up trash. ¼ of . ¼ of the remaining members chose to paint the remaining members chose to paint fences. 5/6 of the members without tasks fences. 5/6 of the members without tasks chose to clean school buses. The rest of chose to clean school buses. The rest of the members chose to plant trees. If the the members chose to plant trees. If the club has 36 members, how many chose to club has 36 members, how many chose to plant trees? plant trees?

1/3 of 36 =121/3 of 36 =12

Each member in a club had to choose an activity for a day Each member in a club had to choose an activity for a day of volunteer work. 1/3 of the members chose to pick up of volunteer work. 1/3 of the members chose to pick up trash. trash. ¼ of the remaining members chose to paint fences¼ of the remaining members chose to paint fences. . 5/6 of the members without tasks chose to clean school 5/6 of the members without tasks chose to clean school buses. The rest of the members chose to plant trees. If the buses. The rest of the members chose to plant trees. If the club has 36 members, how many chose to plant trees?club has 36 members, how many chose to plant trees?

We want ¼ of the remaining We want ¼ of the remaining members…not of the original 36! members…not of the original 36! If 12 people are already picking up If 12 people are already picking up trash, we know there are 24 trash, we know there are 24 remaining.remaining.

¼ of 24=6 people.¼ of 24=6 people. SO now we have SO now we have 12 picking up trash 12 picking up trash

and 6 painting fences. and 6 painting fences.

Each member in a club had to choose an activity for a day of Each member in a club had to choose an activity for a day of volunteer work. 1/3 of the members chose to pick up trash. ¼ volunteer work. 1/3 of the members chose to pick up trash. ¼ of the remaining members chose to paint fences. of the remaining members chose to paint fences. 5/6 of the 5/6 of the members without tasks chose to clean school busesmembers without tasks chose to clean school buses. The . The

rest of the members chose to plant trees. If the club has 36 rest of the members chose to plant trees. If the club has 36 members, how many chose to plant trees?members, how many chose to plant trees?

We have 12 people picking up trash, and 6 We have 12 people picking up trash, and 6 painting fences, so we are left with 18 painting fences, so we are left with 18 people. people.

5/6*18=155/6*18=15

15 people are cleaning up school buses15 people are cleaning up school buses

Each member in a club had to choose an activity for a day Each member in a club had to choose an activity for a day of volunteer work. 1/3 of the members chose to pick up of volunteer work. 1/3 of the members chose to pick up

trash. ¼ of the remaining members chose to paint fences. trash. ¼ of the remaining members chose to paint fences. 5/6 of the members without tasks chose to clean school 5/6 of the members without tasks chose to clean school buses. The rest of the members chose to plant trees. If buses. The rest of the members chose to plant trees. If

the club has 36 members, how many chose to plant trees?the club has 36 members, how many chose to plant trees?

If we add up all that we have figured If we add up all that we have figured out---out---– 12 people picked up trash12 people picked up trash– 6 people painted fences6 people painted fences– 15 people cleaned school buses15 people cleaned school buses– How many do we have left that chose How many do we have left that chose

to plant trees?to plant trees?

Practice, Practice, PracticePractice, Practice, Practice

The only way to truly understand math is The only way to truly understand math is to work out lots and lots of problems. Use to work out lots and lots of problems. Use the LEL database or borrow an ACT the LEL database or borrow an ACT strategy book from the library to find lots of strategy book from the library to find lots of practice math questions. practice math questions.

ACT Science StrategyACT Science Strategy35 minutes- 40 questions35 minutes- 40 questions

There are 7 passages followed by 5-7 There are 7 passages followed by 5-7 questions. questions.

3 passages involve reading charts and 3 passages involve reading charts and graphs, 3 science experiments, and 1 graphs, 3 science experiments, and 1 fighting scientists. fighting scientists.

The questions fall into 3 types: Look up The questions fall into 3 types: Look up the answer (understanding), Why? the answer (understanding), Why? (analysis), and What if? (generalization) (analysis), and What if? (generalization)

Strategy for all ?’sStrategy for all ?’s

Scan the passageScan the passage – What type of passage is it? What type of passage is it? – Charts and Graphs =5 questionsCharts and Graphs =5 questions– Experiments=6 questionsExperiments=6 questions– Fighting Scientists=7 questionsFighting Scientists=7 questions

Identify the question typeIdentify the question type – Understanding, Analysis, or generalization?Understanding, Analysis, or generalization?

Remember to watch out for distracters in the Remember to watch out for distracters in the answers.answers.

Tips for ScienceTips for Science

Group your questions like you did in the reading section.Group your questions like you did in the reading section.You don’t have to be a science genius or even really You don’t have to be a science genius or even really know science principles to do well. The answers can be know science principles to do well. The answers can be found in the passages.found in the passages.Learn to read charts, graphs, tables and research Learn to read charts, graphs, tables and research summaries to extract information.summaries to extract information.Look for patterns in the numbers that appear. Do the Look for patterns in the numbers that appear. Do the numbers get bigger or smaller? Where are the highest numbers get bigger or smaller? Where are the highest and lowest numbers? The patterns will help you answer and lowest numbers? The patterns will help you answer the questions. the questions. You won’t be calculating numbers as much as thinking You won’t be calculating numbers as much as thinking about they mean. about they mean.

3 steps for science3 steps for science

Pre-read the passage (skim)Pre-read the passage (skim)– Once again, its crucial that you skim to understand Once again, its crucial that you skim to understand

the gist of what is going on.the gist of what is going on.

Consider the questions carefullyConsider the questions carefully– Pay attention to what the question is really asking.Pay attention to what the question is really asking.– Go back to the passage and get an idea of what the Go back to the passage and get an idea of what the

answer should be before looking at your choices.answer should be before looking at your choices.

Read and Refer to the passageRead and Refer to the passage– Use the information provided to answer the question. Use the information provided to answer the question.

The pre-read has given you an idea, but referring The pre-read has given you an idea, but referring back to the passage will help you answer the question back to the passage will help you answer the question correctly. correctly.

OppositesOpposites

Be careful not to assume a passage is Be careful not to assume a passage is going in a certain direction – often the going in a certain direction – often the difference between a correct and incorrect difference between a correct and incorrect answer will be a “decrease” where an answer will be a “decrease” where an “increase” should be.“increase” should be.

Look for words like “not” and “except” in Look for words like “not” and “except” in the questions. the questions.

So…PAY ATTENTION!So…PAY ATTENTION!

Strategy cont….Strategy cont….

TriageTriage – Answer the easiest questions first.Answer the easiest questions first.

GuesstimateGuesstimate – If you come up with a rough answer in your head, it If you come up with a rough answer in your head, it

will make the right answer easier to identify.will make the right answer easier to identify.

Use Process of EliminationUse Process of Elimination – Spend time on the answers that might be right, not Spend time on the answers that might be right, not

the answers you know are wrong.the answers you know are wrong.

Pace yourself.Pace yourself.The answer is in the problem….you just have The answer is in the problem….you just have to find it!to find it!

Table Chart Sample 1Table Chart Sample 1

The following data table The following data table represents the population of both represents the population of both wolves and deer during the years wolves and deer during the years 1955–1980 in a given area. 1955–1980 in a given area. In the question below, you’ll In the question below, you’ll need to look carefully at the need to look carefully at the question and the answers to question and the answers to solve it. solve it. Question: Which Question: Which answer answer signifies signifies the greatest difference in the greatest difference in wolfwolf population?population?

A. A. 1955–19601955–1960B. B. 1960–19751960–1975C. C. 1955–19751955–1975D. D. 1975–1980 1975–1980

19551955 5252 325325

19601960 6868 270270

19651965 7575 220220

19701970 6060 210210

19751975 4545 120120

19801980 4949 180180

Wolves Deer

ExperimentsExperiments

Spot the Spot the objectiveobjective of the study. of the study.

Follow the procedure.Follow the procedure.

Identify the variables.Identify the variables.

Study the results. Study the results.

Linear GraphsLinear Graphs

--300 -200 -100 0 200 300 300 -200 -100 0 200 300 TempTemp

5050

1010

00

3030

2020

4040

Vol.Vol.

Fighting ScientistsFighting Scientists

Identify the Identify the disagreement. disagreement.

What is the main point What is the main point of each hypothesis?of each hypothesis?

Are there assumptions Are there assumptions of each argument?of each argument?

What are the strengths What are the strengths and weaknesses of and weaknesses of each scientist’s each scientist’s argument?argument?

ACT StrategiesACT Strategies

ENGLISHENGLISH

ENGLISH BASICSENGLISH BASICS

The English test measures how well you The English test measures how well you understand conventions of standard understand conventions of standard written English in 5 separate passages. written English in 5 separate passages.

Portions of each passage are underlined. Portions of each passage are underlined. You must decide whether they are correct You must decide whether they are correct as written or whether one answer choice is as written or whether one answer choice is better. better.

75 questions to answer in 45 minutes.75 questions to answer in 45 minutes.

Written vs. Spoken.Written vs. Spoken.1.1. The English being tested often sounds more formal than The English being tested often sounds more formal than

what we hear spoken every day. Resist the impulse to what we hear spoken every day. Resist the impulse to pick the first answer that sounds right.pick the first answer that sounds right.

Example:Example:The shovel is an extension of your senses, your The shovel is an extension of your senses, your muscles, and muscles, and thinkingthinking. Which of the following changes, . Which of the following changes, if any, should be applied to the underlined section?  if any, should be applied to the underlined section?  

A NO CHANGE A NO CHANGE B your thoughts B your thoughts C careful thinking C careful thinking D thinking carefully D thinking carefully 

Written vs. SpokenWritten vs. Spoken

It is a special kind It is a special kind of feeder, if you will, withof feeder, if you will, with narrow slots so only small birds such as narrow slots so only small birds such as finches can get at the thistle seeds inside. finches can get at the thistle seeds inside.

Which of the following changes, if any, should be Which of the following changes, if any, should be applied to underlined section?   applied to underlined section?   

            

A.NO CHANGE   A.NO CHANGE   

B. of feeder if you will, with   B. of feeder if you will, with   

C. of feeder if you will with   C. of feeder if you will with   

D. of feeder withD. of feeder with

Pick the Easiest Pick the Easiest Passages to Read First!!!Passages to Read First!!!

You will probably run out of time. Thinking You will probably run out of time. Thinking takes time. Skim the passages first; finding takes time. Skim the passages first; finding the ones that are easiest for you to the ones that are easiest for you to understand. This way, you get the easy understand. This way, you get the easy and correct answers on paper early and and correct answers on paper early and when you are forced to guess, can guess when you are forced to guess, can guess on the hard questions. on the hard questions.

Process of EliminationProcess of Elimination

Always cross out wrong answers first. Always cross out wrong answers first.

Utilize these tips to help weed out wrong Utilize these tips to help weed out wrong answers.answers.

Use your best judgment. The answer is Use your best judgment. The answer is not always apparent and its up to you to not always apparent and its up to you to find the correct answer. find the correct answer.

Look for CluesLook for CluesThe answer choices may reveal what the The answer choices may reveal what the question is testing, i.e. use of pronouns, question is testing, i.e. use of pronouns, punctuation, or sentence structure.punctuation, or sentence structure.This will exert a democratizing effect on nations of the This will exert a democratizing effect on nations of the world because many special interest groups and ruling world because many special interest groups and ruling elites will find their power diminished when elites will find their power diminished when thosethose can can no longer control the flow of information.no longer control the flow of information.

41. Which of the following changes, if any, should 41. Which of the following changes, if any, should be applied to underlined section?    be applied to underlined section?    A. NO CHANGE   A. NO CHANGE   B. they   B. they   C. he   C. he   D. their D. their

More than 1 thing wrongMore than 1 thing wrong Pay close attention to the differences in the Pay close attention to the differences in the answer choices.answer choices.Example: After the flash went off with a loud Example: After the flash went off with a loud “pop,” the“pop,” the bulb’s plastic coating would burble and crinkle and bulb’s plastic coating would burble and crinkle and then turn dark gray, so then turn dark gray, so it could always be toldit could always be told if the if the

bulb had been used.bulb had been used.

Which of the following changes, if any, should be applied to Which of the following changes, if any, should be applied to second underlined section?    second underlined section?    

A. NO CHANGE   A. NO CHANGE   

B. I could always tell    B. I could always tell    

C. it could be told, always,   C. it could be told, always,   

D. I could always be toldD. I could always be told

NO CHANGENO CHANGEGood Tip: “No change” is rarely a correct answer Good Tip: “No change” is rarely a correct answer (less than ¼ of the time). Most likely it will be one (less than ¼ of the time). Most likely it will be one of the other answers to the question.of the other answers to the question.

After the flash went off with a loud After the flash went off with a loud “pop,” the“pop,” the bulb’s plastic bulb’s plastic coating would burble and crinkle and then turn dark gray, coating would burble and crinkle and then turn dark gray, so so it could always be toldit could always be told if the bulb had been used. if the bulb had been used.

Which of the following changes, if any, should be applied Which of the following changes, if any, should be applied to first underlined section?    to first underlined section?    A. NO CHANGE   A. NO CHANGE   B. “pop.”  The   B. “pop.”  The   C. “pop” noise, the   C. “pop” noise, the   D. pop.  TheD. pop.  The

OMIT THE UNDERLINEDOMIT THE UNDERLINEDWhen you look at the underlined bit of the passage, and When you look at the underlined bit of the passage, and remove a large section of it (like in answer “D”), this turns out remove a large section of it (like in answer “D”), this turns out to be correct a little less than half the time it appears. So keep to be correct a little less than half the time it appears. So keep that choice as a good option for answering correctly.that choice as a good option for answering correctly.

I still have those first pictures tucked away among my I still have those first pictures tucked away among my treasures, which treasures, which are things that are valuable only to me,are things that are valuable only to me, reminders of a gift that forever reminders of a gift that forever changed the way I changed the way I go about perceiving the world.go about perceiving the world.

Which of the following changes, if any, should be applied to first Which of the following changes, if any, should be applied to first underlined section?   underlined section?     A. NO CHANGE   A. NO CHANGE   B. treasures which are things that are valuable only to me   B. treasures which are things that are valuable only to me   C. treasures which are valuable   C. treasures which are valuable   D. treasures,D. treasures,

Watch for common grammar trapsWatch for common grammar traps

Trap 1: It and TheyTrap 1: It and They– Singulars vs. PluralsSingulars vs. Plurals

Make sure everything in the sentence matches. If Make sure everything in the sentence matches. If the noun or pronoun is singular, then all other the noun or pronoun is singular, then all other pronouns should match.pronouns should match.

Sentence: If a dog won’t sit, they cannot be trained.Sentence: If a dog won’t sit, they cannot be trained.

Problem: DOG is singular, but THEY is pluralProblem: DOG is singular, but THEY is plural

Solution: If dogs won’t sit, they cannot be trainedSolution: If dogs won’t sit, they cannot be trained

OROR

Solution: If a dog won’t sit, he cannot be trained.Solution: If a dog won’t sit, he cannot be trained.

Misunderstood PunctuationMisunderstood Punctuation

Period (.) Means full stop or end of sentence.Period (.) Means full stop or end of sentence.Question Mark (?) Serves the same purpose as a period, but for Question Mark (?) Serves the same purpose as a period, but for questions.questions.Exclamation Mark (!) can be used instead of a period, but is Exclamation Mark (!) can be used instead of a period, but is uncommon for all but very informal writing because it shows uncommon for all but very informal writing because it shows EXTREME emotion!EXTREME emotion!Comma (,) represents a pause. In many cases a comma is optional. Comma (,) represents a pause. In many cases a comma is optional. But never use a comma where a pause would be confusing, as in But never use a comma where a pause would be confusing, as in “The Outpost, opens its doors, today.”“The Outpost, opens its doors, today.”Colon (:) works like an equals sign, connecting two equivalent Colon (:) works like an equals sign, connecting two equivalent things. Colons are usually used to begin a list.things. Colons are usually used to begin a list.Dash (-) can be used for any kind of pause, usually a long one or Dash (-) can be used for any kind of pause, usually a long one or indicate a significant shift in thought. “Wait just a minute - I’m indicate a significant shift in thought. “Wait just a minute - I’m thinking.”thinking.”Semicolon (;) used to separate two complete, but closely related Semicolon (;) used to separate two complete, but closely related thoughts. “I love semicolons; they are amazing.”thoughts. “I love semicolons; they are amazing.”

Words that sound the sameWords that sound the same

Its vs. It’sIts vs. It’sIt’s is a contraction for IT IS.It’s is a contraction for IT IS.

Its shows possession.Its shows possession.

It’s a beautiful day. (It is a beautiful day).It’s a beautiful day. (It is a beautiful day).

The library opened its doors. (The doors belong to The library opened its doors. (The doors belong to the library).the library).

Every time you see an apostrophe in the word it’s, Every time you see an apostrophe in the word it’s, read the sentence saying “it’s” as “it read the sentence saying “it’s” as “it iis”. s”.

– Does the sentence still make sense?Does the sentence still make sense?

More confusing wordsMore confusing words

– Are is a verbAre is a verb– Our is possessiveOur is possessive– They’re means they areThey’re means they are– Their indicates possessionTheir indicates possession– There indicates a placeThere indicates a place

– Are they going to our party?Are they going to our party?– They’re going to their party over there.They’re going to their party over there.

Confusing comparisonsConfusing comparisons

Less and FewerLess and Fewer– Make sure that you use the word “less” only for Make sure that you use the word “less” only for

uncountable items. When things can be counted you uncountable items. When things can be counted you use “fewer”.use “fewer”.

I have less dough than I thought, so I can bake fewer loaves I have less dough than I thought, so I can bake fewer loaves of bread.of bread.

Between and AmongBetween and Among– Use between when there are only two objects and Use between when there are only two objects and

among when there are more than two objects being among when there are more than two objects being compared.compared.

I walked between Kate and Kerry. I walked between Kate and Kerry. I walked among friends.I walked among friends.

Writing EssayWriting Essay

There are three major areas of an ACT response that gain students points: – the quality of ideas– the structure of the essay– the correctness of the writing

Each of these areas needs to be in place in a good ACT response for the essay to receive a high score.

Writing EssayWriting Essay

The ACT will give you two prompts for the The ACT will give you two prompts for the writing essay: writing essay: school-based promptschool-based prompt or a or a community- based prompt.community- based prompt. Choose only ONE prompt and begin to plan your Choose only ONE prompt and begin to plan your attack.attack.Each prompt consists of 4 ingredients: Each prompt consists of 4 ingredients: – SituationSituation– Two proposalsTwo proposals– Criterion (basis) for judgmentCriterion (basis) for judgment– AudienceAudience

Example of Writing Essay PromptExample of Writing Essay PromptYour community has received a large grant from the federal government to assist men and women in getting jobs. Two proposals for using the money have been made. One proposal is to teach computer skills to members of the community who are looking for a job. The other proposal is to provide daycare for parents with young children. There is enough money to fund only one of these proposals, so a decision must be made. The city council will base its decision on which of the proposals will benefit the community as a whole. Write a letter to your city council in which you argue for teaching computer skills or for providing daycare, explaining how your choice will benefit the community.

Example from: John Jay College Writing Center. For more details, visit: http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/~writing/Writing%20the%20ACT%20Essay.pdf

Writing EssayWriting Essay

Hamburger writing processHamburger writing process– Top bun : Introduction. Address Top bun : Introduction. Address

the audience. the audience. Dear Mr. _____Dear Mr. _____

– Ingredients : Ingredients : The “cheese” - background The “cheese” - background informationinformationKetchup, mustard and a pickle Ketchup, mustard and a pickle - supportive details- supportive detailsThe “meat” - your argument or The “meat” - your argument or proposalproposal

– Bottom bun : Conclusion Bottom bun : Conclusion

Writing EssayWriting Essay

For more assistance in acing the writing For more assistance in acing the writing portion of the ACT exam, visit this website portion of the ACT exam, visit this website for great details:for great details:– http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/BasicSkills/Strategiehttp://www.qcc.cuny.edu/BasicSkills/Strategie

s_Acing_ACT_Writing_files/frame.htms_Acing_ACT_Writing_files/frame.htm

How do I combat Test Anxiety?How do I combat Test Anxiety?On the day of the test make sure On the day of the test make sure you eat a healthy breakfast and you eat a healthy breakfast and have at least 8 hours of sleep the have at least 8 hours of sleep the night before.night before.– Avoid sugar and caffeine! Avoid sugar and caffeine!

Relax the morning of the exam; Relax the morning of the exam; don’t try to cram in more don’t try to cram in more information, you’ve already information, you’ve already learned everything you are going learned everything you are going to know.to know.Get some exercise a few days Get some exercise a few days before the test. A walk or working before the test. A walk or working out helps reduce stress. out helps reduce stress.

Combat Test AnxietyCombat Test Anxiety

Breathing techniquesBreathing techniques

Muscle group relaxationMuscle group relaxation

Get comfortable in your Get comfortable in your chairchair

Chew gum to distract Chew gum to distract your anxiety. your anxiety.

Positive Thinking!!! You Positive Thinking!!! You will be fine will be fine Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice!Practice!

The Louisville Free Public LibraryThe Louisville Free Public LibraryWishes the best success on the ACT!Wishes the best success on the ACT!