The ACT, or American College Testing, is a standardized test used in the US, and many other countries for college admissions. In Pakistan, NUST accepts the tests for admission into bachelor’s programs. It evaluates students’ academic knowledge acquired in high school and college. To score well in the exam, you have to understand the ACT exam pattern for 2023 and 2024. With a time limit of 2 hours and 55 minutes, the test is divided into four sections with 215 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) ranging in difficulty from medium to hard. On a scale of 1-36, the ACT exam has a 21 average score. The optional writing test is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12. There is no minimum passing score, although obtaining a high score will facilitate entrance to elite and well-known universities.
ACT exam pattern is quite structured, the four sections of the ACT are English, Math, Science, and Reading. They test the knowledge and skills of the applicant. The fifth section—writing—is in addition an optional one. Your score won’t be impacted if you choose not to take the writing portion, though. The ACT exam lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes in total without the writing section; and 3 hours and 35 minutes with the writing section where you have to write an essay.
| ACT Sections | Time Limit | Number of Questions | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 45 Minutes | 75 MCQs | Production of Writing (30 – 32%), Knowledge of Language (12 – 18%), Conventions of Standard English (50 – 55%) |
| Mathematics | 60 Minutes | 60 MCQs | Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, Trigonometry |
| Break | |||
| Reading | 35 Minutes | 40 MCQs | Key ideas and details (55 – 60%), Craft and structure (25 – 30%), Integration of knowledge and ideas (12 – 18%) |
| Science | 35 Minutes | 40 MCQs | Interpretation of Data (45- 50%), Scientific Investigation (20- 30%), Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results (25- 35%) |
| Break | |||
| Writing (optional) | 40 Minutes | 1 Essay | Ideas & Analysis: Development & Support Organization Language Use & Conventions |
| Total | 300 Minutes (without writing section) | 215 MCQs |
ACT English Test Format
The English test involves five passages with 15 questions per passage. Most of the questions ask you to select the answer that is most appropriate in grammar and style; or the one that is most consistent with the tone of the passage.
The English test examines the six elements of effective writing that fall under two categories:
Usage/Mechanics – 40 Questions
- Punctuation (10 MCQs)
- Grammar and usage (12 MCQs)
- Sentence structure (18 MCQs)
Rhetorical Skills – 35 Questions
- Strategy (12 MCQs)
- Organization (11 MCQs)
- Style (12 MCQs)
ACT Maths Test Pattern
| Topic | Weightage | Questions | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-algebra | 20 – 25% | 14 | Number problems, divisibility, percentages, fractions, square roots, ratios, mean, median, mode, factors, primes, multiples, probability, place values, absolute values, exponents, series |
| Elementary algebra | 15 – 20% | 10 | Quadratic equations, substitution, simplifying expressions, linear equations, inequalities, multiplying binomials |
| Intermediate Algebra | 15 – 20% | 09 | Logarithms, functions, equations, matrices, Inequalities, sequences and patterns, complex numbers |
| Coordinate Geometry | 15 – 20% | 09 | Surface area, volume, lines and angles, properties of circles, triangles, parallelograms, and other shapes |
| Plane Geometry | 20 – 25% | 14 | Inequalities, distance and mid-points, slope calculation, line equation, conic sections. |
| Trigonometry | 5 – 10% | 4 | Trigonometric identities and graphs, graphing trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations |
ACT Reading Test Pattern
Four passages belonging to four genres comprise the Reading test:
- Prose fiction
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Natural sciences
Given that the passages are arranged in this order and that each paragraph is followed by 10 questions, the test-taker can focus on the passages from the genres with which he is most familiar first and save the more challenging ones for last.
ACT Science Test Pattern
The ACT science test is a reading and reasoning test based on passages relevant to science; it does not assess any “science-based knowledge.” You will come across a few sections on charts and graphs, a few passages on science experiments, and one or two passages on fighting scientists in this test- – the number of questions varies from 5 to 7.
ACT Writing Test Pattern
If the college you are applying to requires a certain essay score, you must take the optional writing test. Essay work comprises three perspectives on a debated issue. You must discuss and defend your stance on that matter within the framework of the three viewpoints.
Prepare ACT with Java HTS:
Now, you know the ACT exam pattern and want to start your test preparation. Start your ACT test prep with Java HTS online tutors, and gain a competitive edge in mastering the ACT exam. Our tailored guidance, comprehensive resources, and expert tutors will empower you to understand each section, develop effective study strategies, and excel on test day. Don’t let the ACT exam intimidate you, contact Java HTS today and unlock your full potential!
