Fast, focused test prep that will help you sail through the ACT

ACT 5-Hour Quick Prep For Dummies will calm your test-day jitters. Gain confidence with an overview of test content, what to expect on the day of the exam, and a short-form practice test with detailed explanations of the answers. This one-of-a-kind study guide is broken down into study blocks that you can tackle in 5 hours - all at once or over a few days. When you've finished practicing, you'll find a section full of tips and reminders that you can review the night before, so test day will be a breeze. You'll be on the fast track to ACT success with this book.

• Know what to expect on the ACT exam, including the content and test format


• Work through ACT example questions for every subject covered on the test


• Check your knowledge with a short sample test that includes detailed answers


• Improve your chances of getting into the college you want with a great score on the ACT

ACT 5-Hour Quick Prep For Dummies is perfect for high schoolers preparing to take the ACT and looking for a fast, focused study guide that won't take months to work through.

Lisa Zimmer Hatch, MA, and Scott A. Hatch, JD, have been helping students excel on standardized tests since 1987. They have written curricula and taught students internationally through live lectures, online forums, DVDs, and independent study, and have authored numerous test-prep texts.

Start Here 1

About This Book 1

Foolish Assumptions 1

Icons Used in This Book 2

Where to Go from Here 2

Block 1: Act Overview in 20 Minutes 3

Registering for the ACT 3

Choosing when to take the test 4

Deciding whether to take the writing test 5

Asking for accommodations or English learner supports 5

Requesting a fee waiver 5

Signing up for your test 6

Identifying What to Bring to the Test 6

Knowing What to Expect During the Test 7

Exam room rules 8

The order, topics, and time for each section 8

What the ACT expects you to know 9

Identifying Strategies for Test-Taking Success 10

Managing your time 10

Keeping track of your answers 11

Coping with stress and anxiety 11

Eliminating answers 12

Reading actively to stay focused 12

Reviewing your responses 12

Understanding Your Score 12

Guessing for points to maximize your score 12

Interpreting your overall score 13

Repeating the test to improve your score 14

Block 2: Preparing for the Test! 17

Punctuating the English Test 17

Understanding the question types 18

Reviewing grammar and usage 18

Sizing Up the Math Test 23

Understanding the test format 23

Recognizing number basics 24

Reviewing geometry and trig 34

Solving algebraic equations and more 39

Comprehending the Reading Test 47

Understanding the topics 48

Identifying the question types 48

Peering into the Science Test 50

Classifying passage format 50

Analyzing tables, graphics, and diagrams 51

Organizing Your Writing Test Essay 52

Examining the prompt and creating a thesis 52

Demonstrating key writing skills 53

Block 3: Working Through Some Practice Questions 55

English Practice Questions 55

Math Practice Questions 61

Reading Practice Questions 67

Science Practice Questions 73

Passage 73

Initial Analysis 74

Questions 74

Writing Practice Question 79

Block 4: Taking a (Shortened) Practice Test 83

Answer Sheet 84

English Test 86

Mathematics Test 92

Reading Test 97

Science Test 103

Writing Test 109

Answers and Explanations 110

English Test 110

Mathematics Test 116

Reading Test 122

Science Test 125

Writing Test 128

Sample response 129

Block 5: Ten Tips for the Night Before Your Test 131

Know Your Time-Management Strategies 131

Review Strategies for Analyzing and Answering Questions 132

Review Your Practice Test Materials 132

Practice Your Stress-Coping Strategies 132

Plan for Arriving on Time 132

Lay Out Comfortable Clothes 133

Have Your Picture ID and Admission Ticket Ready 133

Check Your Calculator and Batteries 133

Visualize Success! 133

Get a Good Night's Sleep 133

Index 135