One of the key facts you should know about the ACT is that it's timed. This way, you can set preparations according to this limit.
Some people may find the idea of a timed test more pressuring than it seems. But one way around it is by knowing what to expect.
So, how long is the ACT time limit and how can you beat it? Here's what to know and a few tips to start!
How Long is the ACT Time Limit?
In total, the ACT runs for about 2 hours and 55 minutes with different amounts of time allocated for each section of the test. The time given for each part is as follows:
- English section - 45 minutes
- Reading section - 35 minutes
- Math section - 60 minutes
- Science section - 35 minutes
The number of questions also varies based on the provided time and difficulty of the content. Moreover, there's an additional 40 minutes to the total testing time if you include the optional writing test.
Tips to Answer the ACT Faster
Since it's a timed test, it's important to figure out the best way to answer the exam fast. Keep in mind that the strategies for each section may vary, but there are a few you can generally use.
Here are a couple of them you want to consider.
Start with Easy Questions
A timed test means you need to answer everything within a specific number of seconds to minutes to clear all of it. So, it helps to start with the easy questions to give yourself more time to work on difficult ones. Moreover, if you find yourself stuck on a single question, consider skipping it and clearing the rest first.
Practice Speed Reading
Some studies find that speed reading can improve your comprehension. It can help when you're taking a timed test since you can go through the questions faster without sacrificing accuracy.
Read Questions Carefully
Even when you're skimming through everything, it's important to read every question carefully. Doing so keeps you from making mistakes, allowing you to breeze through the test with confidence and taking less time reviewing your answers.
Boost Vocabulary
You may want to improve your vocabulary before the test to help yourself grasp the ideas of each passage and question quickly. The more words and definitions you know, the more context you have when figuring out the answer.
Make Educated Guesses
One thing about the ACT scoring system is that they don't count your incorrect answers to your final score. So, it's best to try and answer everything as accurately as possible.
Because of this, you want to figure out how to make educated guesses. This way, you can boost your score by a few points instead of missing out on them because you left them unanswered.
In Summary
Having an idea of the ACT time limit lets you plan out your strategies and practice sessions better. It allows you to focus on figuring out how to beat the clock while keeping your answers accurate. So, it can boost your score and help you achieve better outcomes!
