Struggling with time on the ACT Reading section? Here’s how to manage your 35 minutes effectively:
Practice these strategies with timed tests to build your pacing skills and confidence. Let’s break it down further.
Managing your time effectively on the ACT Reading section is all about playing to your strengths and keeping a steady pace. Here are three strategies to help you make the most of your 35 minutes.
Focus on the passage types where you feel most confident first. This allows you to secure points early on before moving to sections you find more challenging. For example, if you’re comfortable with literary narratives, begin there while you’re still fresh and focused [1]. The ACT Reading section typically includes:
Tackling your stronger areas first can set a positive tone for the rest of the test.
Skimming can save time without sacrificing your understanding of the passage. The key is to focus on the most important parts while making brief annotations. Pay attention to:
These techniques will help you locate answers quickly when reviewing questions.
Divide your time wisely. Spend about 3.75 minutes on reading and annotating each passage, and 4.25 minutes answering the questions. This leaves you with around 3 minutes at the end to revisit skipped or uncertain answers [1][2]. Practicing this timing during prep sessions will make it feel natural on test day.
It’s important to maintain a steady pace across all four passages. Spending too much time on one section can leave you scrambling to finish others, which can hurt your overall performance. A balanced approach ensures you have enough time to tackle every question thoughtfully.
With these strategies in place, you’re ready to explore more advanced techniques to refine your timing even further.
Now that you’ve got the basics of time management down, let’s dive into some advanced strategies to fine-tune your approach to the ACT Reading section.
Line-referenced questions point you to specific sections of the passage, making them quicker to answer compared to general or inference-based ones [4]. By starting with these, you can rack up easy points while also getting a better sense of the passage. This familiarity will come in handy when you move on to more complex questions.
Once you’ve handled the straightforward ones, shift your focus to breaking down the tougher questions. Narrowing down your choices here can save you even more time.
Before picking your answer, cross out the obviously incorrect options [2]. Why? Because:
By eliminating distractors first, you can approach each question with more clarity and less mental strain.
If you’re running out of time, strategic guessing can still help you earn points [4]. Quickly glance at any unanswered questions, use context clues if they’re available, and stick to a consistent guessing pattern (like always choosing ‘B’ or another letter). This approach increases the likelihood of picking up extra points.
Make sure to leave at least 30 seconds at the end to fill in any unanswered questions on your answer sheet.
These techniques, combined with the foundational strategies you’ve already learned, will help you tackle the ACT Reading section with greater efficiency. Practice them under timed conditions to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence.
Once you’ve got the basics and advanced strategies down, it’s time to sharpen your timing skills with consistent practice and the right tools.
Timed practice tests are a great way to build stamina, simulate test conditions, and pinpoint timing issues [1]. Pay attention to how much time you spend on each passage type to spot where you might be falling behind.
Here’s how to make the most of your practice:
Practicing with strict timing can get you ready for the actual test [2]. Use a timer set to 8 minutes, 45 seconds for each passage. When time runs out, stop and move on, even if you haven’t finished. You can also apply the ’30-second rule’ – spend no more than 30 seconds per question to make an initial choice [2].
"Regular practice with a timer helps students develop an internal clock for the test. This natural sense of timing is invaluable during the actual exam when stress levels are higher", say ACT preparation experts [3].
To build a stronger sense of timing, practice both individual passages and full 35-minute reading sections. This approach ensures you’re prepared for the pacing demands of test day [1].
Managing your time well on the ACT Reading section takes planning and consistent effort. Begin with the passages you feel most confident about. This approach helps you build early momentum and stay focused when you’re at your sharpest [4].
By prioritizing your strengths and pacing yourself, you’ll create a steady rhythm for the test. Regular practice with these methods can sharpen your timing and boost your confidence for test day [1].
Improving your ACT Reading score isn’t about working harder – it’s about working smarter. During practice tests, monitor your timing, focus on the passage types you find tough, and stick to a consistent schedule that mirrors the actual test conditions [2][3]. With focused and regular practice, you’ll gain the skills to handle the ACT Reading section with confidence and efficiency [1][2].
To stay on track during the ACT Reading section, it’s crucial to have a clear pacing strategy and practice regularly. Aim to spend about 8 minutes per passage, leaving 2 minutes at the end for review or guessing. Start with the passages you’re most comfortable with to make the best use of your focus and energy [1].
Here’s a suggested time breakdown:
Tackle line-referenced questions first – they’re usually quicker to answer. For tougher questions, eliminate incorrect options to narrow down your choices [2]. If time is running out, stick to a consistent guessing strategy, such as always choosing the same letter [2] [3].
Timed practice is key. It helps you build pacing skills, pinpoint weak areas, and develop a natural sense of timing to handle the test confidently [1] [3].