Did you know that some students have trouble with timed tests to the point it makes them anxious? In fact, it causes most of them to fail to meet their desired scores.
Even so, it’s not impossible to improve the results you get from these types of tests. The key is to work with a strategy that you’re comfortable with and that helps you get through the exam with less pressure.
So, what should you consider? Here are a few ACT timing tips that can help!
Break Down Your Time
The first step to overcoming a timed test is learning how to break down your time. It means being aware of the time on the clock and pacing yourself accordingly.
If you have to work on ten questions in ten minutes, you have at least a minute to answer each of them. It means that if you take only a few seconds to answer half of it, you have more time to spare for the rest.
As much as possible, always give yourself extra time to go through your answers at the end. This way, you won’t find yourself rushing when you realize time is almost up.
Be Familiar with the Format
There’s no telling what questions will appear on the ACT, but you can familiarize yourself with the format. It means what the questions will look like and how you need to answer them.
In most cases, the ACT uses passages followed by a set of questions. So, you want to consider practicing how to read faster.
A quick tip for this is to go skim through the questions and scan the passage afterward. This way, you have a general idea of what information to look for.
Move Forward If You’re Stuck
Although it’s a common tip, it’s also one of the most helpful ones out there: move forward if you’re stuck. With a timed test, you want to go through all the questions before time runs out. It means you should proceed to the next if you’re taking too long on a single question.
Keep in mind that the ACT doesn’t factor in your incorrect answers to your composite score. So, try not to leave anything unanswered. If you aren’t sure, despite giving yourself more time to think about it, make an educated guess instead.
Look for Keywords
Keywords can help you more than you think as you go through the test. For trickier questions, it’s the main factor that helps you arrive at the right answer.
Note that these keywords aren’t always straightforward. So, you should carefully go through each question before you answer.
Either way, it can help you save time and keep your answers as accurate as possible, even if it’s only a guess.
Check Out These Timing Tips for Effective Test-Taking
Learning different timing tips helps you maintain your pace when you take the ACT. With these, you reduce the pressure you feel during the test. At the same time, it lets you make sure you’re using your time efficiently without risking the chances of getting a good score.
